The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Diana (Norfolk, Virginia) on 12/07/2011
★★★★★
I'm a 45 year old female, and have been taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar after breakfast and dinner for over a week now, and it seems to be helping with fluid retention ( keeping the fluids, not getting rid of them ) which seems to be helping the sinus pain from inflammation, which NOTHING was helping. And it's DEFINITELY helping with the heart burn-like stomach pains that kept me from sleeping. I pour it in a small measuring cup and nock it back like a shot of tequila. Not my favorite flavor, and it burns a slight bit going down, but after that, I'm a happy, painless camper! I haven't noticed any other benefits yet, but I haven't been looking out for any. For my two main concerns, I'm a convert and true believer!
General Feedback
Posted by Joyce (Warwick, Ri) on 11/30/2011
★★★★★
My cousin is a big apple cider vinegar and water drinker, we did a 26.2 mile walk to raise money for cancer, and she was sipping on the concoction all day. When I asked her about it she explained to me that ACV helps with water absoprtion. In doing some further investigations I found that a popular hangover cure in several Northern European countries is to drink pickle brine, the primary cause of hangover pains being dehydration (and vitamin depletion). I drink it after the gym now, it has the added benefit of helping my acid reflux as well! I can eat tomato sauce again! Luckily I like the taste of vinegar, so no suggestions on how to mask the flavor.
General Feedback
Posted by Yebbo (Callahan, Fl) on 11/26/2011
Does it have to be organic ACV? I have a 2 quart bottle of White House ACV. The bottle says it's all natural from fresh apples. I'm trying to use it for very oily skin and low libido. lease let me know how to use this product.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Muhammad Khalid (Karachi, Pakistan) on 11/25/2011
BLOOD PRESSURE:
The potassium in ACV along with other substances makes the blood thinner and is helpful in controlling blood pressure.
CHOLESTEROL CONTROL:
Many heart attacks are caused by high fats and cholesterol in your blood. The fiber in ACV helps to absorb fats and cholesterol by expelling them from the body as waste materials.
DIABETES:
The dietary fiber in ACV is also helpful in controlling glucose levels in the blood.
ARTHRITIC PAINS:
Many suffer from this disease in the west and it is caused by the gathering of metabolic toxic waste in the tissues. In this context, ACV speeds up metabolism and excretes the toxic wastes from the tissues.
STRONG BONES:
Minerals like manganese, calcium, magnesium, silicon and iron develop bone mass and make them stronger.
YEAST INFECTIONS:
ACV is also useful for yeast infections like Candida caused by the unbalance of acid levels in the body. Making a solution of ACV in warm water and douching can help with the symptoms.
CHEST CONGESTION:
Apple cider vinegar is also useful in flu or chest congestion. Applying ACV with pepper on the chest can help relieve some of the congestion.
SORE THROAT:
If you have a sore throat, gargle with ACV mixed with water.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 10/10/2017
There really does not seem to be any "fiber" to speak of in ACV.
General Feedback
Posted by Kim (Winsted, Ct) on 11/23/2011
Hello. Ive been reading a lot about the benefits of Raw Apple Cider Vinegar and just as many articles on solutions for masking the taste to help overcome the vinegary palate. Orange juice, molasses, honey, grapefruit juice... And the list goes on. Is it just me... Or hasn't anyone else thought of taking good old raw unfiltered apple cider with the mother (or is that the grandmother? ;) and adding it back to it's relative? Is this Like kissing your sister? Canibalism? Lol. I tried it, (also shaking the apple cider so that the sediment on the bottom got into the mix) and I lived! Wasn't sure if I would, seeing it seemed like overkill. Any ideas? At first I thought it was not suggested because lots of sugar, or acid, but that's the same with orange or grapefruit juice. Why don't they just make raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar tablets with the Mother? They could use all the "mother" they filter from clear cooking vinegar. Do I think too much?
General Feedback
Posted by Surekha (Pune, Maharashtra / India) on 11/19/2011
Heart failure and diabetic people also can take this ACV every day? Any side effect?
General Feedback
Posted by Millie (Memphis, Tn) on 11/18/2011
Actually, for those of you saying that you should not take vinegar orally, there are three well done, peer reviewed studies in recognized medical journals such as Diabetes Care. These show an improvement in blood sugar and insulin levels taking either at bedtime or before a meal. These studies were done with both apple cider and white vinegar. I wouldn't mix with baking soda as I saw no studies on that, but to say that it is harmful to take vinegar by mouth (I think 2 tbsp was the dose) is not backed up by research. (No studies were about toe fungus, however, they do promote the use of vinegar by mouth for systemic effect)
General Feedback
Posted by Marwa (Toronto, Canada) on 11/21/2011
Hi Loraine,
I have been searching for posts on ACV and most posts are from 2008-2009 but I finally found yours. I have a question I take a table spoon of apple cider vinegar in a half liter water. I wonder if it is better to take the vinegar on its own.
I want to use it for acid reflux or just reflux. I avoid most foods that are acidic and know which ones are alkaline but I get reflux as soon as I eat what is normal meal for most people... If I want to stay away from trouble I need a child meal or very little food and also drinking water far away from meals. I went to the restaurant yesterday and it was bad but I didn't want to leave tasty and expensive food on my plate!
Anyone who is reading this let me know if taking ACV without water would be better for me since having water around lunch and dinner makes me regurgitate.
Also, is it good to mix my honey with the ACV. So far I take honey on an empty stomach.
Thanks
General Feedback
Posted by Katy (Alexandria, Virginia ) on 11/16/2011
★★★★★
My great great aunt takes 2 tsps ACV straight every morning. She is 89 and still going strong. As soon as I turned 20 I started taking a "shot" of ACV in the morning. The vinegar was much too strong on my stomach first thing so after a few days I started mixing it with some local honey and water and would mix it all in a glass. It is so good it tastes like apple cider with a kick.
General Feedback
Posted by Mary (Hyderabad, Ap, india) on 11/18/2011
Where do I get apple cidar vinegar in India, especially Hyderabad? I had a hard time finding it in stores.
General Feedback
Posted by Mary (Hyderabad, Ap/india) on 11/21/2011
Got it in QMart
Broad Benefits
Posted by Carolie (Vancouver, Wa) on 08/06/2013
What are the ratios of Avc to water?
Brands of Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bettyboop (Pittsburgh, Pa) on 06/14/2011
I know that apple cider vinegar is good for gout and alot of other problems like weight loss and arthritis and more. But I see that a lot of people are asking what is the mother. It is when you buy vinegar that have not been processed in making so it is cloudier than say Heinz which is clear and processed so all of the healing properties are loss. Where as unprocessed vinegar with the mother ( is cloudy and floats around in the bottle is part of the apples used to make the healthy brand of vinegar). Can be bought at most health food stores.
Best Time to Take Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sheila (San Diego, Ca, Usa) on 05/25/2011
When I take it, I drink the diluted ACV before or during a meal. Helps with digestion; stimulating/increasing the digestive acid in the stomach (read this in Jarvis' book), and helping kill off any bacteria in the meal you're consuming.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia) on 05/16/2011
Hi Stacy
Crystal light contains "aspartame". Please read up on the dangers of aspartame! It is very dangerous and has been implicated in such things as Parkinsons Disease, & seizures amonst others. You would be better off putting raw honey into your ACV drink (which contains many nutrients) or even stevia (a sweet herb). I am wary of anything "sugar free".
http://www.naturodoc.com/library/nutrition/aspartame.htm
Broad Benefits
Posted by Carly (Seattle , Wa - Usa) on 05/16/2011
Just to note - here is where I could have used a "Thumbs Up" button. ;-) I totally agree with Debbie. Aspartame is evil (mo).
Read up on it.... It is not to be put into the human body lightly. I personally would NEVER knowingly ingest it. It is poison as far as I can tell. You would be better off with a drink with sugar or honey (I use molassas myself) in it any day of the week.
Carly
EC: Hi Carly, a thumbs up button is in progress! We're just testing it out now and troubleshooting some design issues.
Apple Cider Vinegar Tips
Posted by Stanford (Las Cruces, Nm) on 02/03/2011
My wife and I use LOCAL organic honey... Helps get it down AND helps with allergies
ACV Rash
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 07/29/2013
Misha, how about lowering your dosage?
Best Time to Take Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Carly (Seattle, Wa - Usa) on 10/12/2010
Hello and Greetings Alfred! You are so right - I have been taking ACV for over a year now, and I will NEVER quit! I hope to be just half as fit as you are when I am 83, and I will be happy! Best to you, Carly :-)
Gout
Posted by Alain (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) on 08/12/2010
Hi Deirdre
Those crystals are probably uric acid crystals. Their accumulations create all sort of problems. The pain in joints is called gout. So look for gout treatment. Eat the least processed food as possible. Don't drink sodas pop. Avoid food with aspartame, msg, any food with high fructose corn syrup, reduce protein... All these are acidic. 60% or more of uric acid is eliminated by the kidneys via the urine. If the urine is acidic a lot less of it will be eliminated. To measure urine acid level you can use pH paper or sticks. You can verify that your urine is most probably acidic (pH lower than 7). The closer the urine pH is to 7, the more you will be able to eliminate uric acid. This is about the best thing I learned for myself. So, learn about alkalizing, search for alkalizing formulas here or on the web, read some of my posts here. Unlike filtered vinegar, good unfiltered raw unpasteurized ACV is alkalizing. But there are better formulas than just ACV alone. Good luck, Alain
European Conversions
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 07/30/2010
If you live in Europe indeed most tbspoons are smaller but you can buy measuring spoons and those are exactly the same. They usually come in sets of all sizes and bread makers and so often come with a measuring spoon. I don't agree with you that we don't use spoons as measure, we do, for smaller quantities. I cook a lot and I never come across ml for such small quantities, always tbspoons or tspoons. I use French, English, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese recipes.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Dan (Myrtle Beach, Sc, Usa) on 01/03/2011
★★★★★
Still going strong! I still feel the energy benefits, my allergies have been perfect this fall (my worst season), and I've not had more than two sore throats which went away FAST after gargling with the ACV and some water! My dad boiled some on the stove and breathed the vapors and it got rid of a sinus infection really fast. (I've been waiting to try this one, but haven't needed it yet! ) I haven't been sick at all, which is rare for me- Very intriguing! Had my cholesterol checked 2 months ago, and it dropped to 203, but I want to get it checked again to be sure! I am thoroughly convinced!
Dental Enamel Issues
Posted by Dan (Redford, Mi) on 05/10/2010
If I mix cider vinegar with water and drink small amounts during the day, wouldn't that slowly remove my tooth enamel after a few years?
Dental Enamel Issues
Posted by Meenu (Vancouver, Bc Canada) on 10/25/2010
Since I've started "ACV" FRO 2 MONTHS NOW I'VE NOTICED MY TEETH R PALE YELLOW AND "ACV" MAKES ME CONSTIPATED. PLEASE ANY REMEDIES FOR BOTH THESE PROBLEMS. WHAT IS THE REACTION U R GETTING AFTER USING BAKING SODA N HOW DO U USE IT AFTER "ACV". THX N BEST REGARDS TO ALL OF U.
Dental Enamel Issues
Posted by Nuri (Tacoma, Wa, Usa) on 11/11/2010
I forgot to add that the Black Strap Molasses added to this ACV, magnesium water mix is a nice way to take your Molasses everyday. Its all gooooood!
Dental Enamel Issues
Posted by Gs (Manila, Philippines) on 06/10/2013
I just use a straw. That way it goes straight to my throat without the Apple Cider Vinegar lingering inside my mouth.
Apple Cider Vinegar as Panacea
Posted by Debbie (Tequesta, Fl) on 09/23/2010
Zachary be careful using ACV on your hair. I have blond highlights in my hair and the ACV turned my highlights pink! I use regular white distilled vinegar on my hair every few weeks and it works just fine.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Tim (Euless, Tx) on 05/03/2010
★★★★★
acv worked well at getting rid of my prostate infection. it also helped for my gout and constipation. i'm using 2tsp acv to 8oz. of carrot juice, also added 2tsp of wheat grass.
question: will the acv destroy the benefits of carrot juice and wheat grass? thanks for a response.
Apple Cider Vinegar With the Mother
Posted by Karen (Sydney, Nsw, Australia) on 04/12/2010
Could someone explain to me what mother is?...thanks in advance..i just started drinking ACV recently, the supermarket brand and it has suppressed my apetite (2 teaspoons to a glass of water)..i have used it neat on atheletes foot (gone in a matter of hours) and used it neat, on a piece of cotten wool, for an under arm rash (also gone in hours)..i love this site..what a Godsend..thanks to everyones input and advice, especially Ted from Thailand...God Bless you all..Sydney... Australia
ACV Vs. Other Types of Vinegar
Posted by Don (Rodeo, Nm) on 10/27/2011
Hi Bill, in the Philippines, you mentioned lemon or lime with baking soda. Would like to know the recipe for that. Would you share that with me? Thanks, Don
Broad Benefits
Posted by Faron (Freetown, Prince Edward Island) on 03/12/2010
★★★★★
i have been taking 2 tbl spoon acv 3 times a day for two months now for weight loss and have found it quite good and lost 20 pounds and also careful what foods i eat plus i find it cuts my appetite also but have found that the longer i am taking it i was able to cut down 50% on the meds i was takeing for arthritis up to this point. I have back pain and nerve damage from an auto accident and have cut these meds by 50% as well i have since dropped the breakfast dose and added it at bed time that way i find i have better pain control at night. i find the pain relief beyond belief.
Breast Reduction
Posted by Mel (Passaic, Nj) on 02/06/2010
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
Hi,
I'm 26 yrs old. I had originally (last year) used acv when the doses were 2 tbsp in water at one shot. After a month, my boobs shrank a whole cup size, but I was still not overall thinner. Beware! I'm still afraid to take it now as the doses have changed. I think they grew back now though, because I took some dong quai and damiana (which I read increases them).