Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, otherwise known as cider vinegar or ACV, is a type of vinegar made from cider or apple must and has a pale to medium amber color. Unpasteurized or organic ACV contains mother of vinegar, which has a cobweb-like appearance and can make the vinegar look slightly congealed. Choose your apple cider vinegar wisely. The murkier the better. If you have a bottle of clear apple cider vinegar in your cabinet, it’s not medicine. The good stuff is brownish orange and has residue at the bottom.

Special Precautions of Apple cider vinegar

• Undiluted apple cider vinegar, in liquid or pill form, may damage the esophagus and other parts of the digestive tract. Apple cider vinegar drinks may damage tooth enamel if sipped.
• One case report linked excessive apple cider vinegar consumption with low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia) and low bone mineral density. People with osteoporosis, low potassium levels, and those taking potassium-lowering medications should use caution.
• People with allergies to apples should avoid apple cider vinegar.
• Vinegar applied to the skin may cause burns and scarring.
• Excessive doses of apple cider vinegar have been found to cause damage to the stomach, duodenum, and liver in animals.
• Possible Drug Interactions : Theoretically, prolonged use of apple cider vinegar could lead to lower potassium levels, which could increase the risk of toxicity of cardiac glycoside drugs such as Lanoxin (digoxin), insulin, laxatives, and diuretics such as Lasix (furosemide).Because apple cider vinegar may affect blood glucose and insulin levels, it could theoretically have an additive effect if combined with diabetes medications. Apple cider vinegar may also lower blood pressure, so it may have an additive effect if combined with high blood pressure medications.

The benefits of Apple cider vinegar are

ACV contains high levels of acetic and malic acid as well as vitamins, mineral salts and amino acids. Some of ACV's active ingredients are soluble fibers in the form of pectin, vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, thiamin, lycopene, niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin and beta-carotene. It also contains other minerals like sodium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium. All of these powerful substances work together and make ACV very effective as an antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal tonic.

• Diabetes : Some preliminary research suggests that vinegar (both apple cider vinegar and other types) may benefit people with diabetes. For example, in a 2007 study published in Diabetes Care, researchers found that type 2 diabetes patients who consumed two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar at bedtime showed favorable changes in blood sugar levels the following morning.
• Weight Loss : There is limited scientific support for the claim that apple cider vinegar can promote weight loss. However, one small study (published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry in 2009) found that obese people who consumed acetic acid daily for 12 weeks experienced significant decreases in body weight, abdominal fat, waist circumference, and triglycerides. In tests on mice, another 2009 study (published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry) found that acetic acid may help prevent the buildup of body fat and certain liver fats.It's unknown whether these studies tested the use of acetic acid derived from apple cider vinegar or from other vinegar types.
• Blood Pressure : Acetic acid may help lower blood pressure, according to an animal-based study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry in 2001. Again, it's unknown whether this study tested the use of acetic acid derived from apple cider vinegar or from another vinegar type.
• Cholesterol : Published in the British Journal of Nutrition, a 2006 study found that rats fed acetic acid for 19 days had a significant reduction in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In an animal-based study published in the Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, scientists found that diabetic rats fed an apple-cider-vinegar-enhanced diet for four weeks experienced an increase in HDL ("good") cholesterol (as well as a reduction in their levels of triglycerides, a type of harmful blood fat).
• Cancer. A few laboratory studies have found that vinegar may be able to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. One study found that eating vinegar was associated with a decreased risk of esophageal cancer. Another associated it with an increased risk of bladder cancer. In recent trials, pectin, which can be found in ACV, has shown promise in helping to slow the growth of cancerous cells within the prostate (http://www.news-medical.net/news/20100702/Modified-Citrus-Pectin-holds-promise-against-prostate-cancer.aspx). In addition, apple cider vinegar’s acidity aids in detoxifying and cleansing the digestive tract and cleaning out the colon, which supports the health of the prostate as well.
• Dandruff : A home remedy for dandruff is to mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water. The vinegar solution is thought to restore the restore the pH balance of the scalp and discourage the overgrowth of malassezia furfur, the yeast-like fungus thought to trigger dandruff.The vinegar mixture is usually poured into a spray bottle and spritzed on the hair and scalp, avoiding the eye and ear area. A towel is then wrapped around the head and left on 15 minutes to an hour. After that, the vinegar can be washed from the hair. Alternative practitioners often recommend it once or twice a week for dandruff.
• Acne : When using apple cider vinegar to treat acne, some alternative practitioners recommend mixing one part apple cider vinegar with three parts water. The solution is then dabbed onto the pimple. Since there have been case reports of skin damage and burns from using full-strength vinegar on the face, it's important to take caution when using this remedy.
• Acid/alkaline balance : Some alternative practitioners recommend using apple cider vinegar to restore alkaline acid balance. The theory behind the alkaline diet is that our blood is slightly alkaline (with a normal pH level of between 7.35 and 7.45) and that our diet should reflect this pH level. Proponents of the alkaline-acid theory believe that a diet high in acid-producing foods leads to lack of energy, excessive mucous production, infections, anxiety, irritability, headache, sore throat, nasal and sinus congestion, allergic reactions, and increased risk of conditions such as arthritis and gout.Despite being an acidic solution, some proponents of apple cider vinegar believe it has an alkalinizing effect on the body. As such, they recommend one to two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in water as a daily health tonic. Although this is a popular remedy, its effectiveness hasn't been researched.
• Relieves Sore Muscles. Sore muscles refer to the painful or aching feeling on the muscles. A person who overstretches his muscles is more likely to experience pain on them. Also, torn muscles might cause a lot of pain on the muscles. Apple cider vinegar has been proven to be an effective ingredient for treating sore muscles. One of the famous ways of application is through making an ACV soak. Prepare lukewarm water into a basin and put in 2 to 3 cups of apple cider vinegar. Soak feet for not less than 5 minutes. The acid in apple cider vinegar is the one responsible in cooling the skin and the muscles; hence, enabling those to feel lesser pain and become more relaxed. Another way is through ACV compress. It is done through soaking a cloth on apple cider vinegar and putting it to the sore muscle, letting it stay there for 7 to 10 minutes.
• Whitens Teeth. Apple cider vinegar is also known to whiten teeth and remove plaques. Since ACV contains acid, it is very effective in whitening the teeth as well as in removing stains on them. The most common way of application is through mixing ACV with your toothpaste and using it for brushing your teeth. After brushing with this mixture, brush again with just plain toothpaste to remove the residues of apple cider vinegar. However, it is important to apply adequate amount of ACV. Given that it is an acid, it will have the tendency to damage the teeth once it is applied too much.
• Soothes Tummy Troubles. Stomachaches are oftentimes caused by improper digestion which sometimes leads to constipation, unhealthy conditions of the urinary tract, and heartburn. Once stomachache occurs, discomfort will surely be felt; but, nonetheless, there is always a remedy for that. Apple cider vinegar has been proven to soothe tummy troubles. After getting out of bed in the morning – but before taking your breakfast meal – take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and consume it. This method is most effective in treating constipation. The antibiotic properties of ACV are also of great help for diarrhea and other bacterial setbacks. Mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and drink it after meals.
• Stops Hiccups. Hiccups are rapid and uncontrollable inhalation that happens on intervals, oftentimes accompanied by a distinctive deep sound. This is caused by a contraction in the diaphragm. When hiccups occur, pour a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar on a glass of lukewarm water. Mix it well and sip from it. Another good way of stopping hiccups through apple cider vinegar is consuming two tablespoons of ACV, one after the other. These are the simplest natural remedy for stopping hiccups.
• Prevents Indigestion. Indigestion usually occurs during or after meals. It is also referred to as dyspepsia. Indigestion is oftentimes caused by an improper digestion of the foods which were taken in. When one has consumed too much and the digestive system was not able to process them properly, a pain in the stomach is felt as well as discomfort. The inability of the system to digest well is more likely to cause dyspepsia. However, indigestion does not solely pertain to undigested foods. Frequent occurrence of dyspepsia might already be an indication of other serious complications such as heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease, ulcer, and other diseases related to the gall bladder. To avoid indigestion, drink an apple cider vinegar tonic before meals. ACV tonic is made of 2 to 3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with approximately 8 ounces of water. Through drinking this tonic before meals, the performance of the acids in the stomach and the enzymes in the digestive system are enhanced; and, through this, the digestive system will be able to act more effectively.
• Deals with Stuffy Nose. Stuffy nose is more popularly known as nasal congestion. Nasal congestion happens when there is excessive mucus and secretions in the nasal. Also, when the blood vessels and nasal tissues are swollen, their tendency is to give off excessive nasal fluids which causes stuffy nose. A study once conducted by a doctor showed positive results with regard to drinking a glass of water mixed with 1 to 2 teaspoons of ACV. Better results would be availed if it is drunk every 6 to 8 hours.
• Helps Stop Leg Cramps. Leg cramps are spasms in the muscles of the leg. Leg cramps usually happens when you are resting or even sleeping. One of the primary causes of leg cramps is lack of potassium. Given that apple cider vinegar is a good source of potassium, it is therefore unquestionable if ACV can indeed stop leg cramps. Mix a teaspoon of honey and 2 to 3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with a glass of lukewarm water.
• Relieves Sore Throat. Sore throat is an inflammation in the throat – whether in the larynx, tonsils, or in the pharynx. This is a pain in the throat which is oftentimes caused by infection, bacteria, or viruses. Apple cider vinegar contains antibacterial properties which are responsible for fighting the harmful bacteria in the body. For that reason, it only shows that ACV can treat sore throats. Make an ACV drink by adding 2 to 3 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar on warm water. After stirring the mixture, consume immediately. Upon passage on the throat, a heated – but relieving – sensation will be felt.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.