Table of Contents
Apple Cider Vinegar Cures
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Apple Cider Vinegar, that wonderful old-timers home remedy, cures more ailments than any other folk remedy -- we're convinced! From the extensive feedback we've received over the past 8 years, the reported cures from drinking Apple Cider Vinegar are numerous. They include cures for allergies (including pet, food and environmental), sinus infections, acne, high cholesterol, flu, chronic fatigue, candida, acid reflux, sore throats, contact dermatitis, arthritis, and gout. Apple Cider Vinegar also breaks down fat and is widely used to lose weight. It has also been reported that a daily dose of apple cider vinegar in water has high blood pressure under control in two weeks!
Apple Cider Vinegar is also wonderful for pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. It helps them with arthritic conditions, controls fleas & barn flies, and gives a beautiful shine to their coats!
If you can get over the taste of apple cider vinegar, you will find it one of the most important natural remedies in healing the body. As a wonderful side effect of drinking apple cider vinegar every day, we've discovered that it brings a healthy, rosy glow to one's complexion! This is great news if you suffer from a pale countenance.
Our list of where to buy apple cider vinegar around the world (i.e., India, UAE, South Pacific) is here:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/apple_cider_vinegar_buy.html
If you are interested in learning how to make apple cider vinegar at home, please see:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/how_to_make_apple_cider_vinegar.html
Español
For a partial Spanish translation of the apple cider vinegar page, please click here.
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR DOSAGES AND RECIPES
Revised 10/01/2008:
As you know, Earth Clinic has recommended the standard 2 teaspoons in 8 oz of water 3x a day for years now. For more severe conditions, we recommended 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 oz of water 3x a day. We now think that less vinegar, more water is an optimal way of taking apple cider vinegar daily unless you are treating an acute condition like acid reflux, cough, bronchitis, or sore throat (in which case the stronger concoction of 2 TBS ACV to 8 OZ of water 3x a day recipe is suggested).
For daily maintenance, weight loss and pH balancing, we now suggest the following:
2 teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar
16 ounces of water
Sip, don't chug!
We suggest 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 16 ounces of water that you'll sip throughout the day, rather than drinking the whole concoction at once 3 times a day. You will be keeping your pH in a constant, alkalized state by sipping this highly diluted dosage. Usually 1-2 tall glasses of the concoction are all you'll need each day.
If you drink a lot of water throughout the day, consider adding just a splash of apple cider vinegar to your glass/container each time you fill it up, rather than drinking the one, 16 oz glass of acv and water mentioned above.
For the record, we are not big fans of adding baking soda to apple cider vinegar, nor are we fans of adding any kind of sweetener to the acv/water solution. The baking soda works great for some people, but causes severe side effects in others.
Also, we know the Bragg brand is the most popular apple cider vinegar on the market, but we've had just as good results using Whole Foods' organic and Trader Joe's organic apple cider vinegar.
02/17/2009: Stacie from Apple Valley, CA replies: "I saw that Trader Joe's brand was recommended on this site, however their ACV is NOT raw, it's pasteurized, which kills the beneficial enzymes..."
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR RECIPES
Standard Dosage: 2 teaspoons of ACV in 8 oz of water. Add honey to taste.
Acute Conditions: 2 tablespoons of ACV in 8 oz of water. No honey.
Note: 2 Tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar may be too much apple cider vinegar for some people . We suggest you start with the standard dosage and see how your body responds to a teaspoon or two of acv. If all goes well, you can up the dosage over time if you feel a need arise.
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ADDITIONAL EARTH CLINIC RECIPES
In summer months: Add 1/4 cup of ACV to a quart of water. Add ice cubes. Drink this on a hot summer day, especially before working out. Your body will feel very cleansed.
In winter months: 2 TBLS of ACV in a mug filled with hot water 3x day. Are you used to drinking tea or coffee during your long commute to work? Try this instead -- you will feel energized but not adrenalized. Add a few shakes of cayenne pepper if you REALLY want an energy lift!
To detox: 2 TBLSP of organic ACV in a 1 or 2 Liter filtered water bottle (ie Smart Water, Evian, etc). 2 TBLSP = 1/8th cup. You can add more vinegar than this amount, however, make sure you dilute it with plenty of water. Do not add a sweetener. Drink this solution throughout the day. The solution will be cleansing your system and kidneys all day long. That's the point.
There are several things you will notice within a day or two of drinking Apple Cider Vinegar: your allergies will disappear, your face will have a healthy & youthful glow, you will look & feel more VITAL, you will have consistent energy, and you will more easily digest your food.
We believe that apple cider vinegar is probably the best (and cheapest) detoxifier for the body. As such, it is should be considered a critical component to the fountain of youth!
Our readers have many more apple cider vinegar recipes to tell you about. Click here!
04/15/2009: Kristen from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA replies: "I have a question. Why do you NOT recommend putting any sweetener in the ACV? I was taking 2 tablespoons in a bottle of water for my allergies for the last 2 days, and could barely get it down. While my allergies went away (amazing!), I do not think I can make myself drink this every single day without something to help the taste. Today I started with 2 teaspoons of ACV in 16 ounces of water, as you recommend, but I added a tablespoon of organic Grade B maple syrup, which helps a lot. Is there anything you DO recommend that helps the flavor, without detracting from the benefits? Thanks so much for this extremely helpful website."
EC: Just trying to avoid adding more sugar to one's diet! However, most readers on this site seem to add one kind of sweetener or another.
04/16/2009: Kramer from Richmond, VA replies: "I know this seems strange but I don't mind the taste of ACV. I've been taking a tablespoon of honey and a few minutes later a tablespoon of ACV. The honey coats my throat and it tastes fine. Is there a problem with taking it all at once rather than drinking it with water? It's so much quicker!"
EC: Many acv "old timers" report taking it straight!
04/16/2009: Georgie from Grove City, Ohio USA replies: "I always add my ACV to tomato juice instead of water. It tastes way better plus I get an easy way to get a serving of healthy vegetables too! And I don't add sweetener. Being a diabetic, that solves alot of problems."
04/26/2009: Montylyn from San Antonio, TX replies: "Thanks for the advise given on how to take ACV.V-8 is what I will be using. I hope this is okay. montylyn"
05/03/2009: John from Ames, Iowa replies: "Has anyone tried adding organic or fresh squeezed lemon juice to it. I know in alot of gallbladder flushs they add fresh squeezed lemon juice to change the taste of olive oil and to prevent nausea?"
05/20/2009: Eric from Algonquin, IL replies: "I have a question, can ACV be added to an evening fiber drink?"
05/28/2009: Bev from Brisbane, QLD Australia replies: "My Dad used ACV in his daily fibre drink for years."
06/06/2009: t from nyc, NY, USA replies: "You can also add stevia as a sweetner its natural w/o adding calories "
06/16/2009: Mama02girls from Moundsville, WV replies: "Great Apple Cider Vinegar recipe!!!
I had trouble swallowing the ACV in water so here is a recipe that I think tastes like lemonade and really makes it easy to drink.
one cup water
2 Tbsp. ACV
two packets lemon powder (It's all natural ground up powdered lemon sold near the spices- it comes in a box of 18 packets-ask your grocer- the regular grocery stores carry it, it comes in orange
and lime, too!
two packets Stevia Powder (health food store or regular grocery store)
This tastes like regular lemonade with a kick to me! I do suggest that you drink the regular apple cider vinegar in water first, that way you can appreciate how great and normal this tastes! Good luck!"
08/10/2009: Cgm from Claremont, Ca replies: "Re: Recipe from Mama02girls
Thank you so much for your recipe-it actally tastes good-my husband likes it too! I couldn't find lemon powder, so I just squeezed about 2T of frest lemon juice in it's place...thanks again."
09/25/2009: Kristie from Paso Robles, Ca replies: "I have been using ACV with a cup of grapefruit juice. I love it! The juice is sour anyway and I can hardly taste the vinegar."
09/30/2009: Noreen from Phoenix, Az replies: "If you use Agave syrup especially light Agave Syrup, a natural sweetener and it is a great low glycemic sweetener too. I usually order a case of it thru Amazon because it is cheaper that way. I use it in literally everything, you will love it!"
10/07/2009: Nance from Venice, Fl replies: "My husband and I just recently started taking ACV. We take it in a small glass of water with a drop of honey,which adds a bit of sweetness and some good healthy minerals as well."
10/14/2009: Ann from Elizabethtown, Ky replies: "I juice every morning with an apple, orange, strawberries, blueberries, and kiwi and add 2 TBSP of ACV and I have lost 20lbs since January. The good thing is that I lost my weight slowly and will likely maintain it. This is the best I've felt in years!"
10/20/2009: Sharik from Arcata, Ca replies: "I have, for years, had a disintegrating gall bladder and, because I am allergic to anesthesia, have chosen to live with it. When I have an attack, I use 1/4 Cup ACV in 8 oz. of organic apple juice and the attack goes away within minutes (usually 15). I keep small bottles of apple juice around for just such times. When I use it for a cleanser or for any other reason, I also use apple juice as a sweetener, usually the frozen kind. Just pour a little into your water bottle, along with the ACV and fill with distilled water. For some reason it makes it much more palatable. Hope this helps those who find it difficult to take with water alone."
11/09/2009: Phil from Tucson, Arizona replies: "I drank apple cider vinegar and it made me feel very light in the loafers!"
12/27/2009: Erparf from Denver, Colorado replies: "Whole Foods "Organic" '365' Apple Cider Vinegar is also, pasteurized."
02/10/2010: Sharqueen from Fort Nelson, Bc replies: "I LOVE mixing my ACV with orange juice and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper. I been drinking this since I was 6 year old, try it! YUMMY!"
03/03/2010: Andreia from Greenville, Sc replies: "Ann from Elizabethtown, KY... What else are you doing to loose that kind of weight since Jan? I juice, but however i have never used ACV in my juice. I am very interested in doing this and following your regimin. I am so tired all the time, I have been to dr's after dr's and they all tell me is i'm just lazy and nothing is wrong. I have had thyroid issues as my entire family has some kind of Thyroid issue. Anyway, can you just update me on your status, if your still loosing, what other methods are you trying to loose weight, i found this site because of the herb Rhodiola, this was in this months issue of womans world mag and i was interested in trying it.. i need energy bad.. I will try just about anything at this point to feel better.Thanks!!! you can e-mail me at harleyrose26@yahoo.com"
03/12/2010: Jessica from Milwaukie, Oregon replies: "This is a reply to Andreia from Greenville, Sc.03/03/10: Check how much Biotin you get on a daily basis.biotin is an enzyme cofactor that assists in the release of energy from carbohydrates and in the production of fatty acids. It also assists in activating the energy transfer molecule ATP. I always felt my body was not creating enough energy! Looking into deficiances I found my daily intake of biotin was way short. Even with my daily multivitamin I was still only getting 5% of my RDA. I now take 1000mcg of biotin once daily and have loads of energy!"
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND pH BALANCE
It's suggested that Apple Cider Vinegar has such curative abilities because it causes one's pH levels to become more alkaline. If you are going to try apple cider vinegar for allergies, or even to prevent sickness, we suggest you do an investigation of your own by buying a pH test kit at a local pharmacy, garden nursery, or even pool supply store. You can use these kits or pH strips to test your urine to see if you are more alkaline or acid during an allergy attack, virus or bacterial infection. Once you ascertain your pH levels, you can adjust adjust your dosage of Apple Cider Vinegar accordingly.
If you live in a highly polluted area like we do (Los Angeles) where allergies and sinus infections are rampant, your system may better balance itself with a small dose of apple cider vinegar each day. Ultimately we suggest you experiment with a kit to find the pH balance your body functions optimally at. Want to know more about pH? Click here.
Our Bangkok contributor Ted tells us, "Apple Cider Vinegar in itself is alkaline because of its "ash" content, which means if the apple cider vinegar was burned, what is left over becomes ash. When you check for the pH of that ash and dissolve it with water, the content is alkaline. Whenever our body digests anything, it undergoes oxidation, which is similar to burning and the end result is that you can determine whether the end product was alkaline or acid. Apple Cider Vinegar has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties, primarily coming from the malic acid and acetic acid portion of the vinegar. Apple cider vinegar acts as a buffer in the body because the acetic acid reacts with base or acid compounds to form an acetate, therefore rendering them chemically bioavailable for the body's utilization. Additionally, Apple Cider Vinegar can reduce the toxicity of certain compounds by converting the toxin into an acetate compound, which is less toxic. This is why they are ideal for insect bites and certain skin allergies. While Apple Cider vinegar in itself is considered alkaline, a chemically pure vinegar (acetic acid) is neither acid nor basic forming as it leaves no ash as the entire portion, when burned evaporates completely. Ted
07/08/2009: Sean from Asheville, NC replies: "Hey Ted, Thank you for prompting my curiosity. My understanding was that during digestion of acids the buffering process requires not only enzymes but also minerals to convert the acids before they can be considered anything but acidic. In my mind ACV, and all vinegars, are acidic and that not until they are metabolized are they alkaline. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the metabolic processes of converting ingested food into building material."
11/17/2009: Sugamama from Dallas, Texas replies: "hello, i just started taking apple cider vinegar on this past weekend, it wasn't until i read this article that I understood why I felt the way I did when I drank it. I would drink 1 1/2 tablespoon of acv and I did it twice before a meal and I was no longer hungry after I drank it. I was not diluting my acv with water, I consider myself to be a soldier and didn't feel that mixing it with water was necessary. But if it causes health problems please let me know, but as for now, I will continue to drink it as I do."
12/15/2009: Codysmom from Alexandria, Va replies: "To Sugamom from Dallas, it is best to drink ACV through a straw as the strong acid may erode your teeth enamel. Bottoms Up!"
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR BOOKS
Clicking on these links will take you to Amazon.com for review.
Apple Cider Vinegar - Miracle Health System by the Bragg folks. Best selling book on health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar.
Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar by Earl, R.Ph., Ph.D. Mindell
Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar : The Medicinal Miracle by Earl Mindell.
Loose Weight with Apple Cider Vinegar by Earl Mindell.
Folk Medicine by DC Jarvis. We highly recommend this book!
As reported by a reviewer on Amazon.com: "All that Dr. Jarvis wrote as to what the outcome would be if an individual would follow the stated regime of vinegar, honey, and kelp I can personally attest to. The excruciating joint and muscle pain, the fatigue and chronic upper respiratory infections that were described were written as if he knew me as a patient. Having suffered the paralysis that he described on page 29 in the soft covered edition I knew that he knew and understood in detail exactly what he was writing about. This is a 'must read' for everyone who wants to get well and stay well. For those who exercise and eat right and are well this book should be read for further understanding as to how the body is manufacturing acids, utilizing acids and eliminating acids to keep them that way. This book should be brought to the forefront and promoted as a 'must have' book for every household."
The Healing Powers of Vinegar... by Cal Orey.
The Second Edition
5/29/2006: Cal emailed us: "Good news! The second edition "The Healing Powers of Vinegar: Revised and Updated" (Kensington, Sept. 6) is due to be released soon. Please let your readers know. I have included so much more interesting info--dozens more home cures and health data about amazing vinegars that are used worldwide. Cover image soon to appear. Ready to pre-order at a discount rate."
Vim & Vinegar by Melodie Morel
Honey, Garlic and Vinegar by Patrick Quillin
Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss and Good Health by Cynthia Holzapfel, Cynthia Nofziger
Apple Cider Vinegar Books '- view all books listed about this subject at Amazon.
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR DOSAGES AND RECIPES
05/07/2009: Dianna from Las Vegas, Nevada writes: my brother swears by acv so i take 1 shot of it with water i take a big sip of acv back it up with water it takes me 3 sips to finish the shot then i kill the horrible taste(i dont like vineger)with a tea spoon of salsa the kind found by vegetables its in sm. plastic container it takes away that cruicial taste have it next to u ive been doing 1 shot daily but im gonna increase it to twice daily!
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR HISTORY (part 2)
We thank Jonothan Shiloka for emailing us the following. You can visit Jonothan's wonderful websites for more articles and information at:
http://www.supernaturale.org/board
http://www.wildchildmagazine.com
Vinegar: A Natural Approach to Avian Management
By Wanda Barras
"Many herbalists recommend the use of raw, unpasteurized, unheated, organic apple cider vinegar as an important dietary ingredient for humans, farm animals and pets, including birds. The Encyclopedia of Natural Pet Care describes apple cider vinegar in this way: "Long a folk remedy, cider vinegar has been shown to improve the health of dairy cows, horses, dogs and other animals. It reduces common infections, aids whelping, improves stamina, prevents muscle fatigue after exercise, increases resistance to disease and protects against food poisoning. Cider vinegar is rich in the vitamins, minerals and trace elements found in apples, especially potassium; it normalizes acid levels [pH] in the stomach, improves digestion and the assimilation of nutrients, reduces intestinal and fecal odors, helps cure constipation, alleviates some of the symptoms of arthritis and helps prevent bladder stones and urinary tract infections."
Vinegar Through The Ages
Vinegar has been used to cure ailments for centuries. For hundreds of years, folk medicine practitioners have recommended daily doses of apple cider vinegar, not only for specific medical problems, but also for overall food health. In Asia vinegar is called the friend of Chinese herbs because it is often used to process herbal preparations. It is also successfully used in modern Chinese medicine.
Historically, the origin of vinegar was never specifically noted. Vinegar was probably discovered when one of our ancestors found that wine exposed to the air would turn sour, thereby creating vinegar. It is amongst the oldest of foods and medicines know to man. For its healing ways, vinegar has been used for thousands of years. In 400 B.C, Hypocrites, known as the father of medicine, treated patients with vinegar, making it one of the world's first medicines. Throughout biblical times, vinegar was successfully used to treat infections and wounds. For centuries medical textbooks have listed various ways to use vinegar. These uses include everything from keeping a sharp mind to purifying the waters of the body and to easing pain and alleviating dozens of other ailments. Modern laboratory analysis verifies the antibacterial and antiseptic properties of vinegar. Many of the old-time uses are just as applicable now as they were centuries ago. (Moore xii)
Natural Apple Cider Vinegar: One of Mother Nature%uFFFDs Most Perfect Foods
Fermenting sweet juice makes vinegar. The juice turns to wine or cider which is allowed to ferment a second time until the alcohol mixes with oxygen in the air, changing it into acetic acid and water. Natural---that is, undistilled, organic, raw, apple cider vinegar is often called one of Mother Nature's most perfect foods. Apple cider vinegar should be made from fresh, organic, crushed apples that are allowed to mature naturally in wooden barrels. Natural apple cider vinegar, found in health food stores, should be a rich amber color with the "mother" quite visible as sentiment on the bottom. The strength of vinegar is important. All varieties of vinegar contain about 4 to 7 percent acetic acid, with 5 percent being the most common amount. Acetic acid is what gives vinegar its tart and sour taste.
There is nothing beneficial about commercial distilled vinegars except for pickling, cleaning and disinfection ---they have no health value! They do not contain the health values of organic, raw apple cider vinegar with the mother still intact and viable. Distilled white vinegar and cider vinegar sold in supermarkets are considered "dead" vinegars with none of the enzymes and other live factors that make raw, unpasteurized vinegars so valuable. Distilling removes the beneficial "mother" from the vinegar, thereby, destroying the powerful enzymes and life giving minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, natural organic sodium, magnesium, sulphur, iron copper, natural organic fluorine, silicon, trace minerals, pectin and other powerful nutrients. Also destroyed are natural malic and tartaric acids, which are important in fighting body toxins and inhibiting unfriendly bacteria growth (Bragg 1- 4).
Apple cider vinegar has shown to be an extremely valuable constituent in the body's biochemical operations and an essential building block in the construction of many complex substances in the body. Vinegar is low in calories and carbohydrates but does contain small amounts of calcium, phosphorus, iron and, of course, lots of potassium. A cup of ACV is 98.8% water, has 34 calories, a trace of protein, and no fat. (Moore p.viii) Acetic acid, the principal constituent in vinegar, plays an important role in the release of energy from fats and carbohydrates. It is of primary importance in the body's metabolism.
Apple Cider Vinegar Can Make Any Living Thing Healthier
Dr. D.C. Jarvis, MD who wrote "Folk Medicine, A Vermont Doctor's Guide to Good Health" and "Arthritis and Folk Medicine%uFFFD, is completely convinced that apple cider vinegar could make any living thing healthier. He believes, Potassium, which is found in just the right amounts in natural apple cider vinegar "is so essential to the life of every living thing and that with out it there would be no life. Potassium is the most important of all minerals that are necessary for good health." Potassium's main function is to promote cell, tissue and organism growth. It is necessary to replace dead cells and tissue. There is no better source of potassium than vinegar---particularly natural apple cider vinegar.
Dr. Jarvis believes Apple cider vinegar can help fight infection, simply by keeping fluids where they belong---in body cells, not in bacteria. Bacteria need moisture to thrive. As bacteria multiply, they will pull necessary fluids from healthy cells in order to flourish, particularly during times of stress when resistance is low. Stress is a major agent in causing a previously sub-clinical problem to break into a full-blown illness. If the process goes unchecked illness will occur. In order to defeat bacterial infections and illness it is important to keep moisture in the cells and prevent germs from depleting that moisture. According to Dr. Jarvis: "If there is enough potassium in each body cell, it will draw moisture from the [harmful] bacteria, instead of the bacteria taking moisture from the body cells." Therefore by providing natural sources of potassium in the diet (fruit, berries, sprouts, edible leaves, edible roots, etc.) and including apple cider vinegar to that diet the body cells are provided with the necessary moisture-attracting potassium. It is interesting to note that many traditional medicines used to combat bacterial illness also work by depriving bacteria of moisture and thus keeping fluids inside the cells (O'Brien p40)
Acidic pH Balance Will Discourage Bacteria, Yeast & Fungal Growth
Apple cider vinegar destroys microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and others, and prevents poisons from reaching the rest of the systems of the body. It has been proven to inhibit the growth of gram-negative bacilli, Pseudomonas, and Candida. The acid nature of vinegar makes the digestive tract environment unpleasant for germs and fungus. Apple cider vinegar has proven to be a natural treatment (and preventative) in simple cases of avian pediatric digestive disorders. Dr. Jarvis through his own research believes that apple cider vinegar will lower bloods natural alkalinity, bringing it closer to a natural healthy acid state. A naturally acidic digestive tract digestive, with the correct pH balance, will discourage bacteria and is less likely to grow yeast and fungus. Apple cider vinegar can assist the natural process of breaking food in the stomach. The acidic qualities of ACV will help break down protein, in the digestive system, for absorption into the bloodstream.
Apple Cider Vinegar On The Farm
For the past year and a half I have routinely added apple cider vinegar, to my baby birds' hand-feeding formula, to all drinking water and sprinkled some on the food of the animals here at our aviary and small dairy farm. These animals include several species of breeding exotic parrots, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats and LaMancha dairy goats. The vinegar keeps the water bowls and bottles very clean and sanitary and the animals seem to love it--- of course, the nutritional and health benefits are a plus. Apple cider vinegar added to young birds drinking water encourages early weaning and healthy weight gain and they will feather out faster. Adding a little raw apple cider vinegar to the hand-feeding formula water can prove nutritionally beneficial and help to inhibit the growth of yeast, fungus and bacteria. In formula a ratio of about %uFFFD tsp per 4 oz water is best.
You may safely add cider vinegar to food and/or drinking water, starting with small amounts and building up to %uFFFD to 1 teaspoon per 15 pounds of body weight or about 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (health food store variety best) to 8 oz water. That is about %uFFFD cup per gallon of water and/or you may sprinkle or spray small amounts on bird's food. Gradually add small doses to food over time, you can help even the most finicky eater to accept this. Do not use metal food or water dishes when using vinegar, stainless steel is OK.
In Conclusion
Why Vinegar? Because it can be used medicinally, gets rid of poisons in the body, has disinfecting and cleaning properties and is a natural, nontoxic, biodegradable substance. That is, vinegar is an unadulterated food, a powerful cleansing agent and healing elixir---a naturally occurring antibiotic and antiseptic that fights germs and bacteria. We would be smart to make use of vinegar in our own lives and in our avian nurseries and breeding facilities. --- For a healthier, stronger, longer life for our animals and ourselves.
For further reading on vinegars medicinal and antiseptic qualities:"
Contact Information
Telephone: 337-394-6683 FAX: 775-542-2120
or 337-394-1944
Postal address: PO Box 493, St. Martinville, LA 70582
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BITTER TASTE AND SOMETIMES EXCEEDINGLY ACIDIC
Some apple cider vinegar brands are extremely acidic, causing heartburn and yeast infections. (Note:certain brands of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar stop a yeast infection, yet other brands are so acidic that they can actually cause a yeast infection. Thus start with a lower dose to see how your body responds to the vinegar.) 5% acidity level is what is posted on all ACV labels, however it seems that some brands are far more acidic than others! We once bought an expensive, organic, unpasteurized brand with a fancy gold label and got terrible heartburn that lasted for hours from just 2 teaspoons' worth!
Flor from Aurora, USA/Philippines replies: "Yes! Apple cider vinegar is also important for opening a stagnant plant bud like in roses. I tried it and it worked perfect.I tried mixing 2 teaspoons in a 5 glasses of water and watered it to my potted plants specially when the soil is fresh just brought from the market.You can do it once every 6 months."
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CAPSULES
Be careful if you decide to buy capsules. They are extremely acidic and can cause heartburn. However, they are a useful alternative if you are worried about protecting your dental enamel.
04/13/2009: Amy from League City, Texas replies: "If you suck it through a straw, it doesn't bother your teeth nearly as much! (Remember not to brush your teeth for an hour afterwards since it softens the enamel.)"
05/11/2009: markkimb from dothan, alabama,america replies: "I can't drink apple cider vinegar, I bought capsules, 500mg. each. Help! I have no idea how much, or how often to take. Trying to help my acid reflux, any suggestions would help.thanks"
08/15/2009: Winniekate from Northern, Il replies: "Regarding: "Remember not to brush your teeth for an hour afterward since it softens the enamel.04/13/2009: Amy from League City, Texas"
Did you mean to say to B r u s h your teeth afterward? Or is brushing too harsh for teeth? Also, am I right in assuming from this that the enamel returns to its original strength after an hour? Thanks."
09/28/2009: E from Nw, Fl replies: "regarding the brushing your teeth...yes she is saying NOT to brush immediately, My dental hygienists have always said don't brush if you vomit (I think this might have been when I was pregnant) just to rinse with water to remove the excess acid from your mouth but if you brush immediately it can damage the enamel on your teeth since the acid has broken it down temporarily. So the poster is saying wait before brushing. Your saliva will help counteract/re balance the correct ph balance in your mouth...you could always brush your tongue and gums gently and then rinse gently but just don't scrub the teeth. Hope this helps! :)"
01/18/2010: Dandygirl from Newport Beach, Ca replies: "I have suffered from GERD...heartburn/acide reflux etc... for years...have been on medication for years and finally found my cure! I started with digestive enzymes combined with 2 apple cider vinegar pills with EVERY meal...now I ONLY use apple cider vin pills with every meal and I have NO MORE heartburn or acid reflux! I also always keep papaya enzymes to chew on after a heavy meal or anytime between meals! It's like a MIRACLE!!! :o)"
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HOW TO MAKE ACV AT HOME
If you live in a country where apple cider vinegar is difficult to find, try making it at home. Click here for the recipes.
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TED'S REMEDIES
07/04/2006: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand writes: "There is an ACV remedy and then there is Ted's ACV remedy. The ACV remedy is what has been traditionally done to drink it directly. Now I have always recommended the use of the second one, which requires that you add baking soda to the ACV to neutralize the acid to just 7.0 or close to it before drinking, otherwise the acidity will bring on dentin sensitivity and cause erosion of the enamel. A minimum pH on ACV of 6.0 and above should stop enamel erosion, in case you like somewhat of a "sour" ACV tastes, ideally it should be closer to 7.0
You might wonder whether therapeutic effectiveness of the second one might be as effective as the original one. It should be at least as effective if not more effective than an original formula for two reasons:
1. If you take the original ACV remedy (2 TBS in a glass of water), the body is going to neutralize it anyway using the available bicarbonates the body stores have. If not, you get a burning tongue or skin of the tongue become lose or tears up, if the body don't have sufficient bicarbonates. It takes AT LEAST A week to get a bicarbonate level to optimum provided you take bicarbonates everyday. I am of course assuming that in this instance, you don't have sufficient bicarbonate levels.
2. The newer ACV remedy I have always recommended (AKA Ted's ACV recipe) is to ADD baking soda until most of the acid is neutralized near 7.0. Chemically it is not changed, the malic becomes a malate when baking soda has neutralized, but then the body is going to convert to THAT anyway. What YOUR body wants is that the pH is at an ideal theoretical pH 7.35, which is equivalent to the pH of your blood.
So for me an ideal food, whether we talk about ACV or any other food should GENERALLY be slightly alkaline. If you don't do it for your body the body will change to an alkaline anyway, provided that your body is FIT to do that! So it is best not to assume that your body is FIT and it is best to assume the worst and just add the baking soda as a precaution.
Making it alkaline will give you the extra benefit of more oxygen in your body and greater buffers the body need so you should in fact feel better with the newer formula. In fact, athletes takes pure baking soda to relieve them of muscular pain from long physical endurance. Thinking along this makes it easier to use this newer formula as well as protect against enamel erosion.
Many people have misinterpreted the event where a body becomes alkaline in event of a person becomes sick to be a "bad thing". However, this is HOW a body kills off invading bacteria and viruses by raising up the alkalinity level. So in fact alkalinity is actually needed. When an immune system is suppressed or destroyed (from surgery or chemical toxins), the body will raise its alkalinity level much more frequently than a healthy person. What a potentially sick person needs to do is to give sufficient buffers for alkalinity using baking soda, but also regenerate the body's immune system (the thymus) with supplementation of secretogues, such as L-glutamine, melatonin, and iodine from seaweed and kelp."
EC: Please read all the feedback we have received on this combination remedy, including side effects.
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USDA BREAKDOWN OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
The below table is from the USDA's nutrient database. We typed in the words "Vinegar, cider" on the home page to get this chart.
Note: The USDA does not specify on the chart whether they tested a commercial, pasteurized brand (i.e., Heinz) or an organic brand (i.e., Bragg). We have the feeling they probably tested a commercial brand. An organic brand of apple cider vinegar may have slightly higher values.
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/index.html
Vinegar, cider(1)
| Nutrient | Units | Value per 100 grams | Number of Data Points | Std. Error |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proximates | ||||
| Water |
g |
93.81 |
3 |
0.092 |
| Energy' (2) |
kcal |
21 |
0 |
|
| Energy |
kj |
90 |
0 |
|
| Protein |
g |
0.00 |
3 |
0 |
| Total lipid (fat) |
g |
0.00 |
3 |
0 |
| Ash |
g |
0.17 |
3 |
0.003 |
| Carbohydrate, by difference |
g |
0.93 |
0 |
|
| Fiber, total dietary |
g |
0.0 |
1 |
|
| Sugars, total |
g |
0.40 |
0 |
|
| Sucrose |
g |
0.00 |
1 |
|
| Glucose (dextrose) |
g |
0.10 |
1 |
|
| Fructose |
g |
0.30 |
1 |
|
| Lactose |
g |
0.00 |
1 |
|
| Maltose |
g |
0.00 |
1 |
|
| Galactose |
g |
0.00 |
0 |
|
| Minerals | ||||
| Calcium, Ca |
mg |
7 |
4 |
0.108 |
| Iron, Fe |
mg |
0.20 |
4 |
0.003 |
| Magnesium, Mg |
mg |
5 |
3 |
0.485 |
| Phosphorus, P |
mg |
8 |
3 |
0.244 |
| Potassium, K |
mg |
73 |
4 |
5.617 |
| Sodium, Na |
mg |
5 |
4 |
0.855 |
| Zinc, Zn |
mg |
0.04 |
3 |
0.005 |
| Copper, Cu |
mg |
0.008 |
3 |
0 |
| Manganese, Mn |
mg |
0.249 |
3 |
0.057 |
| Selenium, Se |
mcg |
0.1 |
0 |
|
| Vitamins | ||||
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid |
mg |
0.0 |
1 |
|
| Thiamin |
mg |
0.000 |
1 |
|
| Riboflavin |
mg |
0.000 |
1 |
|
| Niacin |
mg |
0.000 |
1 |
|
| Pantothenic acid |
mg |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Vitamin B-6 |
mg |
0.000 |
1 |
|
| Folate, total |
mcg |
0 |
1 |
|
| Folic acid |
mcg |
0 |
0 |
|
| Folate, food |
mcg |
0 |
1 |
|
| Folate, DFE |
mcg_DFE |
0 |
0 |
|
| Vitamin B-12 |
mcg |
0.00 |
0 |
|
| Vitamin B-12, added |
mcg |
0.00 |
0 |
|
| Vitamin A, IU |
IU |
0 |
1 |
|
| Vitamin A, RAE |
mcg_RAE |
0 |
0 |
|
| Retinol |
mcg |
0 |
0 |
|
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) |
mg |
0.00 |
0 |
|
| Vitamin E, added |
mg |
0.00 |
0 |
|
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) |
mcg |
0.0 |
0 |
|
| Lipids | ||||
| Fatty acids, total saturated |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| 4:0 |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| 6:0 |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| 8:0 |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| 10:0 |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| 12:0 |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| 14:0 |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| 16:0 |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| 18:0 |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| 16:1 undifferentiated |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| 18:1 undifferentiated |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| 20:1 |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| 22:1 undifferentiated |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| 18:2 undifferentiated |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| 18:3 undifferentiated |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| 18:4 |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| 20:4 undifferentiated |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| 20:5 n-3 |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| 22:5 n-3 |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| 22:6 n-3 |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Fatty acids, total trans |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Cholesterol |
mg |
0 |
0 |
|
| Phytosterols |
mg |
0 |
0 |
|
| Amino acids | ||||
| Tryptophan |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Threonine |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Isoleucine |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Leucine |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Lysine |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Methionine |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Cystine |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Phenylalanine |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Tyrosine |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Valine |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Arginine |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Histidine |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Alanine |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Aspartic acid |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Glutamic acid |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Glycine |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Proline |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Serine |
g |
0.000 |
0 |
|
| Other | ||||
| Alcohol, ethyl |
g |
0.0 |
0 |
|
| Caffeine |
mg |
0 |
0 |
|
| Theobromine |
mg |
0 |
0 |
|
| Carotene, beta |
mcg |
0 |
0 |
|
| Carotene, alpha |
mcg |
0 |
0 |
|
| Cryptoxanthin, beta |
mcg |
0 |
0 |
|
| Lycopene |
mcg |
0 |
0 |
|
| Lutein zeaxanthin |
mcg |
0 |
0 |
|
2 Acetic acid is included in energy calculation.
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VITAMIN AND MINERAL CONTENT OF ACV
Scientists have reportedly measured ninety different substances in apple cider vinegar such as thirteen types of carbolic acids, four aldehydes, twenty ketones, eighteen types of alcohols, eight ethyl acetates etc. It also contains important minerals, trace elements and vitamins as well acetic acid, propionic acid, lactic acid, enzymes, amino acids as well as roughage in the form of potash and apple pectin.
Apple Cider Vinegar contains minerals and trace elements such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, sulfur, copper, iron, silicon, fluorine. An alternative to drinking apple cider vinegar may be to take potassium supplements, as potassium is known to absorb excess fluids (ie, mucous) in the body. Drink lots of water if you take potassium supplements so you don't get dehydrated! Potassium, by the way, lowers high blood pressure.
Apple Cider Vinegar's vitamin content includes Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Provitamin beta-carotene, Vitamin P (bioflavonoids).
01/08/2010: Lee from Brooklyn, Ny replies: "WARNINGThis post on EC states that potassium supplements will lower high blood pressure. I worry that it may not be stated clearly enough: potassium supplements In Natural Forms may lower high blood pressure. Strictly taking potassium pills may actually kill you. I am speaking from experience with a doctor.
If you need potassium, make sure it is within a natural product that you may consume. That is the safest way to supplement it."
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WARNINGS AND CAVEATS
*** THYROID MEDICATION AND APPLE CIDER VINEGAR WARNING!
05/10/2009: Sangeetha from Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands writes: "... Deidre, ACV is wonderful, but may be you should post a warning for people with thyroid (and may be other conditions) to give a gap of at least 4 hours between taking thyroid medication and ACV, because otherwise ACV seems to interfere with the absorption of thyroid medicine and the results are not what we would like to see. This might also be true for iron supplements.
Regards
Sangeetha"
*** APPLE CIDER VINEGAR SIDE EFFECTS
We have compiled a list of Remedy Side Effects, which includes quite a few emails regarding the side effects of apple cider vinegar.
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15 YEA
1 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
1 SIDE EFFECT
[YEA] 02/05/2010: Ted from Bennnington, Vermont writes: "I also have suffered from acid reflux for about a year. Took acid-dissolving tablets which only temporarily alleviated the symptoms. Discovered ACV on this site and after taking two doses (2 tsp. of ACV in 8 oz. of water) in one day, I felt better for the next five days than I had for months. Problem totally gone.
While looking for information about ACV, I discovered at least one site that purported to pop the ACV balloon by declaring ACV has no medicinal or health-giving properties, etc. Amusing to see that the site's sponsors were all pharmaceutical and health care-insurance companies. Gee, how about that! As if those folks would tell the truth if their lives depended on it."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 01/08/2009: John from Germantown, MD,USA writes: "Hello everyone, first i would like to say what a wonderfull website this is and i have learned a lot by reading here every night THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
I am 28 years old and i have Acid reflux, i started taking ACV (Braggs) 1 to 2 tsp with 8 ounces of water and i saw tremendous improvement in my reflux, everything in my body started to come back to Normal, Unfortunately it also mad me constipated and it is giving me gas/Bloating and discomfort..pressure type of symptom right where Liver suppose to be, i have tried to do research of why this is happening with no success.
I am Guessing maybe because i have TOO much acid and taking ACV Makes my food go quicker without proper digestion which also causes gas and bloating? i don't know..please someone help me, no way i am giving up on ACV it's too good, but how do i get rid of this pressure on my side of a stomach and constipation? any help would be greatly appreciated, thank you in advance and God bless.
please emaill me if possible at Vakhtangi_m@yahoo.com.
Thank you again."
01/23/2009: Sarah from Phoenix, USA replies: "You are probably experiencing that side effect because apples have fiber in them. Cider in general will give me that feeling. I use Beano. It works well and it's natural. I hope this helps you! Good luck!"
05/23/2009: Ivette from Pasadena, California replies: "Hello! I have acid reflux and I found that eating one half potato relieves the symptoms quickly. Probably because potatos are high in natural starches, overall, raw potatos have helped me more than prescribed medicine!"
06/02/2009: Seana from Bennett, CO replies: "If you're experiencing constipation after drinking ACV, you'll want to drink more water. You should be drinking about 1/2 your body weight in ounces over the course of your waking hours. So, if you weigh 120lbs, you'll want to consume 60 ounces or 7.5 - 8 ounce glasses over the course of a day.
ACV is a mild cleanse. It gently cleans out your digestive system. If you've never drank it before you may have a lot to eliminate. More water will make your bowel movements softer and easier to pass. It should help with gas, pressure and bloating, too.
Sources: personal experience"
07/09/2009: Sean from Asheville, NC replies: "In terms of adding more acids to your body while experiencing Acid Reflux you may also want to increase your alkaline mineral intake by drinking raw green drink or bone broth. Bitter greens will increase bile production but will strengthen digestion as well as alkalize you. As far as the lower digestive tract and liver pain have you tried colonics and flax/ psyllium/ charcoal stuff, early and late in the day, to promote more regularity? Or maybe only drink ACV water in the morning on an empty stomach. Good Luck!"
[YEA] 01/14/2010: Porky from Metro, Gab replies: "Try taking the ACV with honey (I think 1 tbspn or 1 tsp?) IN 2 tbspn of ACV or 2 tsp and a HUGE glass of H20. This will help lessen the raw stomach feeling or sick feeling with ACV and acid reflux. Won't eliminate it, but eventually you won't need the honey anymore. This helped me I am late 20's and have acid reflux. The ACV DID help SO much, and with energy. I only knew of Braggs prior to this well written article. It costs a bit, so I haven't used in a LONG time, but a hair forumn made me realize that ACV is made by more people than Bragg. I will try the over the counter as long as it is not pasturized since on this forumn someone said that takes away a lot of the good properties.
Much love and blessings and I hope this helps everyone!"
01/14/2010: Porky from Metro, Gab replies: "If you have Acid Reflux, ACV will be TOO strong and TOO harsh on your stomach first thing in the morn with NO food. It may leave you with a sick feeling for up to 10 minutes. It feels not so good, but Try ACV in honey. They say it helps with diabetes taken before a meal, and with other things.
I did it (empty stomach, first thing), but it worried me because it felt SOO like my bod was warning me with the discomfort. But it STILL near cured my acid reflux.
OTHER ACID REFLUX CURES/HUGE HELPS: do NOT lay down after you eat. Sit upright, even laying back a bit is not good enough. Sit as upright as you can for 5 hours after eating ANYTHING. You'll notice you wake up in the morning with 0 buring throat. Also NO SPICES--especially before bed. Even if you sit up right, spices BURN your throat in acid reflux, they'll make your stomach feel raw, bad, and sick--not HUGELY noticeable, but still, kick the spices! I use Morton's Kosher Salt--flavors my food BEAUTIFULLY. Also ramen noodle chicken flavored packets added to water fake chicken stock well! Be sure you ONLY by the ramen noodles with NO transfat and NO MSG's!!!! They exist at grocery stores, you have to check the packaging though!!!! I guess MSG's are Monosodium Gloutamate...I could be wrong, but I KNOW that I want MSG FREE salted stuff! :-)"
01/14/2010: Porky from Metro, Gab replies: "This explains why I got sick and very yuck feeling after ACV, I had an aunt who wouldn't take it because it made her feel sick too. She has GERD and IBS.:
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/applecidervinegardiet/a/applecidervineg_2.htm."
01/14/2010: The_phoenix from Townsville, Australia replies: "Hi Porky,
Thanks for your very good posts. Thank heavens someone is keeping it real in regard to ACV and Acid Reflux.
I agree with the opinion from your link:
"Apple cider vinegar in water is a popular home remedy for acid reflux. It's based on a theory by some alternative medicine practitioners that heartburn and reflux are actually symptoms of insufficient stomach acid caused by aging, poor diet or overusing antacids or other medications. Alternative practitioners usually rely on laboratories that conduct alternative tests to assess stomach acidity prior to any treatment. Critics say that insufficient stomach acid, or hypochlorhydria, isn't a common condition and that it isn't a known cause of acid reflux or heartburn.
Apple cider vinegar isn't recommended as a home remedy for acid reflux or heartburn, because it may damage the delicate lining of the digestive tract and it could possibly worsen the problem. If you have acid reflux or heartburn, see a qualified health practitioner for a proper diagnosis and treatment."
It is more likely that a damaged, or non-existent, stomach inlet valve (cardic sphincter or lower oesophagul valve) is the cause, rather than 'insufficient stomach acid'.
If we take a common headache tablet/powder that is readily available in supermarkets (search wikipedia for acetylsalicylic acid ) then we stand a chance of destroying the very thin flap of skin that sits at the top of the stomach and prevents food coming back up.Acetylsalicylic acid can eat away at this flap so if we take it, quite a bit, and then lie down it increases the chances of this happening.
Once the stomachs top valve is gone it is gone and nothing is going to bring it back (short of a very risky operation).
If we have no top valve then after we eat the acid in our stomach can come back up to our mouth (there is nothing to stop it, especially if we lie down).
Perhaps other things can also destroy the stomach inlet valve.
I agree with your very good check list.Here are a few more .... maybe I have repeated some of yours but nothing gets results like nagging ... just ask any kid :-)
For acid reflux:
- get an endoscopy to see if the stomach valve is gone
- if so have an operation (risky) or manage it to minimize the acid burp (you will never get away from it completely and management to relieve it is all you will ever be able to do and you have to keep it up)
For acid reflux management:
- eat small meals
- dont eat before sport or lying down (the longer the better
- dont drink with meals (drink before and put off drinking after meals for as long as you can)
- don't mix too many different types of foods eg keep bread and meat apart, eat dessert as a separate meal on its own rather than as the final course of a meal
- eat meals that digest quickly, especially as the last meal of the day e.g. carbohydrates, fruit and veges digest much more quickly than dairy and meat
- avoid foods that trigger the attack (sugar and sugary softdrinks, carbonated softdrinks are especially bad?)
- eat your last meal, say, 4 hours before bedtime and don't drink afterwards except for a sipping water if thirsty (if you don't eat a salty meal you will not get such a raging thirst)
- count your salt intake, in milligrams per day and don't overdo it because it will just cause you to want to drink a swimming pool and make it all worse (IMO overfilling the stomach in one go is a surefire way to end up with a few hours of suffering
- sleep on pillow supports (get the V type) and prop your body up a bit (your body can adapt to anything after a while)
- think about taking an antacid before going to sleep (not the kind with aluminium/magnesim in them ... CalciumCarbonate or SodiumBicarbonate types are fine) ... you had better get some advice on whether it is OK to take an antacid every evening (best to keep away from them the rest of the day and save it up for a good nights sleep)
Note that the above guidelines are based on the idea that your stomach is a vessel with a limited size and no top on it (don't overfill it or tip it over when it is full).
Another thing you should be concerned about is damage to the stomach lining. This is caused by the tannic acids in coffee, tea and green tea etc. This causes stomach or intestine pain that we know as 'heartburn' but this is a separate issue to acid reflux.
And don't worry because you can still eat some fantastic meals and keep close to the guidelines (check out some good cookbooks my man).
Good luck."
01/15/2010: Lita209 from Sanford, Fl, Usa replies: "I thought I should put couple of references for Apple Cider Vinegar and Body PH.http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/tips_to_balance_ph
Apple Cider Vinegar and Thieves
Apple cider vinegar is an exception: unlike almost every other vinegar, it has an alkaline ash and improves pH by making the body less acidic.
For that reason alone, it is recommended to replace any vinegar in salad dressings and other recipes with apple cider vinegar, if lemon juice (as above) doesn't provide enough bite.
As a tonic, apple cider vinegar may be taken first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, by combining in a small glass:
1/2 to 1 ounce of apple cider vinegar (or 1-2 tbsp)
1 or more ounces pure water
2 drops Thieves essential oil blend (optional)
Apple cider vinegar is more potent than lemon juice, but still a gradual way to reestablish healthy pH in the body. The Thieves essential oil blend (containing clove, cinnamon, lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary) give the vinegar an extra immune-boosting kick. It also improves the flavor.
Some people find that if they take the apple cider vinegar and wait too long before eating food, they feel nauseous. It is recommended, but not absolutely necessary, to wait ten minutes before eating.
And this other one is from Ehow.com :http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4673544_apple-cider-vinegar-benefit-health.html
Kill Or Be Killed
One of the biggest things apple cider vinegar is known for is its ability to kill free radicals in the body. Free radicals are the cause of many deadly illnesses such as cancer, high blood pressure and congestive heart failure.Balance Is Bliss
Alkalinity is a very important aspect of good health. When the body becomes alkaline, a lot of ailments tend to disappear. Some of these would include headaches, chronic fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, and joint pain. Drinking apple cider vinegar will turn up the body alkaline and help reduce and even eliminate these symptoms altogether.Toughen the Bones
When apple cider vinegar is mixed with fruits, vegetables and meats, it ends up extracting calcium from them. This helps increase bone mineral density. This is beneficial for older people, especially women with osteoporosis.Fruit and Fiber
Apple cider vinegar has a substance in it called pectin, a fruit fiber. This helps to reduce elevated cholesterol levels. To make matters better, it even helps to regulate blood pressure.Twice As Nice
Apple cider vinegar has potassium. This has a two fold benefit. First of all, it helps to strengthen nails and teeth. It stimulates hair growth. It helps alleviate sinusitis and a runny nose. The other thing it does is help eliminate toxins from the body. People who are trying to cleanse or detox their systems can really benefit from this fact.Natural Weight Loss
Apple cider vinegar also aids in weight loss. This is very important to the obese population. It actually emulsifies and helps break down fat cells, causing natural weight reduction as opposed to resorting to more riskier extremes." I just wanted to put my two cents. Salud!!!!!"
01/16/2010: Brian from Ireland replies: "if you check the usda breakdown of apple cider there is no fiber in it. so i doubt this is causing johns (from germantown) side discomfort and constipation. in fact if there was fiber in it, this would help relieve the constipation"
02/23/2010: David from Newburyport, Mass Usa replies: "John from germantown and others experiencing stomach discomfort after taking that particular apple cider vinegar should switch brands. the type of wooden barrel the cider is aged in can contain resin that can get into the applecider. it's not the acv vinegar thats bothering the stomach ie., bloating, cramping and gas pains etc...it's the resin from the barrel !"
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[YEA] 09/21/2008: Judy from Pardes Hanna, Israel writes: "I started using stronger and stronger medicines for acid reflux and wanted to try something else. Looking in your site, I got some apple cider vinegar. I take less than a teaspoonful in a large glass of water, twice a day, and have stopped using any medicine. Thank you so much."
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] 03/17/2010: Keith from Monroeville, Nj, Usa replies: "HI...Im 54 yrs.and I've had heartburn since I was a child. It got worse the older I got. My Mom always cooked us a well balanced dinner. By the time I was in my late teens I had severe heartburn and always had antiacids in my pocket. Even kept baking soda in my lunch box.We couldnt afford going to doctors unless it was an emergency. I had insurance when the first brand of Acid Reflux meds came out in the mid 80's. I thought it was a Blessing. Soon I lost my insurance and could buy some over the counter brands. But it always seemed to come back twice as bad when I didnt take anything, and a pack of antiacids only lasted 2 days.I tried 2 teaspoons of acv to 8oz of water 3-4 times a day. It burns going down. So I added 1/4 teaspoon to it. Its been about 2 weeks now. I havnt had to take any meds yet. I have more energy. My sinuses are getting better. But I still have a little heartburn. How can acv be a alkaliser if it says acidity right on the bottle."
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[YEA] 08/20/2008: Kristi from Peoria, AZ writes: "Apple Cider Vinegar has been my miracle cure! I began to suffer from acid reflux this past winter when my gall bladder decided to stop working properly. The pain, weight loss and sleepless nights were making life for me and my family miserable. The side effects from the doctor prescribed PPI's were worse than the reflux. After reading posts from this site in June, I ran out and bought Apple Cider Vinegar supplements from my local health food store. I just couldn't stomach drinking the vinegar straight. After the first supplement, my stomach felt a little calmer, but I thought perhaps it was just wishful thinking. Each day I continued on with the ACV supplements (1 with each meal), and each day the reflux improved. I can now completely control my reflux with ACV supplements and diet, staying away from my trigger foods as much as possible. Sometimes I forget to take the supplements at each meal and still no problems. I also take digestive enzymes and probiotics to aid digestion since my gall bladder has been removed."
[YEA] 09/03/2008: Debbie from Waverly, United States replies: "Apple Cider Vinegar has been a miracle for my mother. She has been suffering terribly from acid reflux and it was so bad the other night she felt like she could not breath. She has tried every medication over the counter and prescription and nothing has worked. She was desperate, so I thought I would look up some natural cures and found this site. I called her right away and told her about the apple cider vinegar. She tried it right away and she could not believe it. She said immediatley her throat felt better and she slept all night for the first time in weeks. She took it agian today and said she still feels great. She said she has not even taken a pill today. She used 8oz of water and a Tb. Apple cider Vinegar and a pinch of baking soda. Thanks for this site. Its a life saver. Debbie"
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[YEA] 07/17/2008: Keith from Nacogdoches, Tx. USA writes: "ACV is the best. Lived on all the prescriptions and over the counter drugs. They relieved but they did not cure. ACV does. It's not just good for acid reflux but for other things in your body. Every Morning 1 tble spoon ACV plus 1 package of emerg C in 8oz. of pure water, been acid reflux free 2 years and counting."
03/28/2009: Melissa from Berlin, WI replies: "Just an FYI....Apple Cider vinegar is good for more than acid reflux. I had a sore throat that came on suddenly yesterday. It started bad and went to worse very fast. It was so painful I could not swallow. I used to drink apple cider vinegar with hot water and honey daily but because of this goofy diet I was on I stopped. My best friend reminded me of the apple cider vinegar concoction so I tried it. Litterally within an hour my sore throat was gone. I am not sure but I really think I have strep throat. Bottom line is I think it may have cured it. Time will tell but at the very least it aleveated the pain I was experiencing. I love this stuff!!"
EC: Yes, many YEA reports for ACV and sore throats here: http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/sore_throat.html#ACV
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[YEA] Rick Anderson writes: "I'm overweight and often have acid reflux problems. A high-protein/low carb diet definitely works for me in alleviating this acid.... but when I'm bad (eating too late at night or eating too much pastry) I have found that a small glass of apple cider vinegar and water, gulped down, momentarily makes the burning in my esophagus worse--- but then seems to completely get rid of the acid condition. I've tried this several times and each time the results were the same. Rolaids work by neutralizing acid; does vinegar really work by adding more? I don't know, but it does work! One more anecdote: I told someone at my job about it, and she said her grandmother used to swear by it, too: a swig of vinegar helped acid indigestion. She also told me that in the "old days" people would swig some vinegar to see if they had strep throat-- if it burned like hell when it hit the back of the throat, they had it! I would imagine that the acid in the vinegar helped treat the strep, too."
02/16/2009: R from Madison, Ohio replies: "I can see this to be true if and only if using the proper acidity. By adding acid you are throwing your pH balance completely out of whack and causing your body to try balance it. You body doesn't necessarily do that for acid reflux as it doesn't find acid reflux as a strong thing that it needs to release a base to neutralize. If acv is too acidic though, your body will not be able to neutralize it and you will be left in pain."
EC: Read this interesting thread for more information about acidity and apple cider vinegar, starting with James' NAY post on down....
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Bob from Princeton, NJ writes: "You need to get real apple cider vinegar. Heinz is not real. Go to a health food store - even GNC has ACV w/mother. (Mother is the sediment at the bottom).
Shake well. Add one teaspoon to a glass and add a little less than a mouthful of distilled water. I also add a few drops of cayenne to it. If you have RAW organic honey - a bit of that mixed in can make it taste better. Drink this 10 minutes before meals. Do not drink any more liquid until at least 30 minutes after eating.
Anyone I know who does this no longer has ANY need for Prevacid, etc."
[QUESTION] 01/24/2009: Randy from Concord, Ca USA replies: "ACV and BS has been working for me ( Gout ) can u give the reason for 5 days on and 2 days off "
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[YEA] Jessica from Escondido, CA writes: "just read your web site. I have had acid reflux for over a year, and I have refused to take meditation, just using Altoids to try to help it and Milk of Magnesia, but still it didn't go away. I began taking vinegar and honey twice a day for the last two days, and now food doesn't burn when it goes down, and the pain is gone."
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[YEA] BettyLou writes: "My husband and I have been using vinegar for a long time and we swear by it. My husband has been on every thing for his acid reflux problem and nothing works but this vinegar."
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[YEA] Rasheeda from Arlington TX writes: "I had a very bad case of acid reflux. No over the counter medicine worked. I then remembered an article I read that apple cider vinegar cures acid reflux. I took two tablespoons 3 times that day and the acid reflux went away."
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[YEA] Casper from Stockbridge, GA writes: "I have been using Apple Cider Vinegar for a week now, and it has completely cured my acid reflux. I have been on Prevacid for almost eight years now... I am slowly weaning myself off of it. We will see."
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[YEA] Frank from Bellflower, CA writes: "Right now I thank the Lord for this web site. I was at the end of the road. I tried everything. I could not go a day without having a attack of reflux. On Saturday I was at church and my heartburn and reflux was so bad, my right arm was numb. Many nights I end up spitting up on the side of the bed. I had over 10 bottles of omeprazole from the V.A. hospital that helped for the moment."
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[YEA] Larry from Bellwood, Illinois writes: "Recently, I started taking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar twice a day, to help with my life long acif reflux. I had heard that my medication was in fact stopping my natural production of stomach acid, and that the avc would supply me with the natural amounts need for proper digestion.
I have now been two weeks free without my pepcid or tums. I HAVE NEVER FELT BETTER, AND AM NOT AFRAID TO GO TO BED AT NIGHT WITHOUT A PEPCID. I know that some will not believe my comments, but as a licensed practicing attorney at law, I stand by what I experienced."
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