Apple Cider Vinegar
Health Benefits

Apple Cider Vinegar: A Complete Guide to Benefits, Uses, and How to Take It

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.
Brands of Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Amber (Flint, Mi) on 01/13/2010

Hi, I actually have a question and couldn't figure out where to post it. I have been using Apple cider Vinegar from the Meijer brand. I really like it, I like the taste. But I bought the Heinz brand because I wasn't sure whether the Meijer brand is derived from real apples or not. And if it would work just as well. Does anyone know if it is? Because I can't handle the taste of the Hienz brand, it is terrible! Any help on whether the meijer brand is okay to use would be great, thank you!

Brands of Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Peggy (Fishers, In) on 01/14/2010

I use a Raw, unfiltered ACV. It should contain what is called the mother. I find it in the healthf food stores or in a natural section of Krogers. I can't say brand names but if you look for those particular components it will benefit you more.The vinegars that are distilled or processed have all the goodness stripped out of it, such as enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Good luck!


Apple Cider Vinegar Tips
Posted by Speedy (Columbia, Sc) on 01/09/2010

Use a drinking straw aimed at the back of the mouth to drink the ACV water concoction. It gets the drink past the teeth and most of the taste buds. Goes down smooth (almost.) Love this site.


Recipes
Posted by Hailey (America) on 04/29/2014

Well, no. It doesnt change the efficiency.... It just helps with the taste


Foot Health
Posted by Queenie (Houston, Texas) on 12/16/2009
★★★★★

Apple cider vinegar cured my hurting feet within 3 days i will continue drinking it for weight loss, i am so thankful.


Flus and Colds
Posted by Codedwithout (San Diego) on 04/21/2016

It sounds like she had esophageal thrush. I had one just like it, including fever, after a 3 week course of several antibiotics. I drank a lot of probiotic drinks and it eventually went away, and would highly recommend doing the same, it keeps candida (fungus) under check by giving the body the good flora to fight it off.


Flus and Colds
Posted by Teresa (Michigan) on 01/29/2017

White spots in throat, with fever is strep throat, and if untreated with antibiotics can turn to rheumatic fever, which is life threatening.


Flus and Colds
Posted by Vera (Milltown) on 01/30/2017

White spots in throat with fever can also be mono. My son had those symptoms and was negative for strep and positive for mono.

And there are lots of reported cures for strep and mono with natural remedies on Earth Clinic.


Apple Cider Vinegar Tips
Posted by Kathy (Dubois, Pa) on 09/30/2009

Grocery store ACV (acetic acid) starts out as "glacial" acetic acid...that is, water-free acetic acid, which has a pH of 2.4. They then take that glacial acetic acid and water it down to a pH of 5 to get a standardized solution of acetic acid that they label "vinegar"...in other words they "reduce" the acidity to 5 percent. That is what they mean by "reduced to 5 percent". I don't' know if what they call organic vinegar is also just diluted glacial acetic acid, so I'll find out by reading the label the next time I go to the store. Personally, organic vinegar is so much more expensive than regular vinegar that it is not worth the price. Plus, it is very easy to make your own organic vinegar at home. Buy a gallon of organic apple cider. Remove the lid, and cover the top with several thicknesses of cheesecloth, secured with a rubber band (to keep the fruit flys out). Stir the cider around to introduce air into it and in a few weeks, it will naturally turn to vinegar. Put the cap on and shake the cider every day to make sure that air is getting into it (acetobacteria are an aerobic species and need oxygen to do their work). You can also innoculate your cider with a small amount of vinegar (organic or regular) to get the fermentation going. Given time and oxygen, cider or wine will turn to vinegar.

p.s. and in case you haven't noticed, regular old grocery store vinegar will also develop a mother culture over time, so there is nothing special about organic vinegar except the price.


Apple Cider Vinegar Tips
Posted by Tanya (Hailey, Id) on 09/30/2009

Thank you for this recipe! I have always wondered how to do this!


Apple Cider Vinegar Tips
Posted by Kathy (Dubois, Pa) on 09/30/2009

Oh, no problem, Tanya. But be aware that the fermentation will draw fruit flys. And btw, the vinegar is ready when the cider smells and tastes like vinegar...let your nose and tastebuds be your guide. Also, homemade vinegar can vary in acidity and sometimes have a pH of above (meaning more alkaline than) 5, which is why it shouldn't be used for water-bath canning of pickles, relishes, etc. In other words, home made vinegar may not be acidic enough to deter botulism in water-bath processed home-canned goods.


Apple Cider Vinegar Soak
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 10/11/2017

You may wish to buy new shoes and socks, or treat the shoes and socks for fungus to prevent recurrence.


Apple Cider Vinegar Tips
Posted by Pam (Orange County, Ca) on 09/23/2009

I have side effects after taking 2 TBS ACV diluted in a 8 oz cup of water twice a day - a lot of gas and bloating problem, even acid reflex, I think. Anyway, I couldn't sleep at night. That's how uncomfortable it made my stomach and chest feel. Then, I tried two ways to ease the problem. One is adding about 1/4-1/2 TS of baking soda to the drink. It worked. But, I was concerned about the side effects of using the baking soda mentioned on this web site, so I switched my ACV drink to a lower dosage - 1 TBS ACV with a full glass of water, and always drink it after a meal. Either way helps my problem. Oh, I also found out another great way to stop the gas/bloating problem - apples. It really works. But, it seems green apples work the best. Hope the tips would help anyone with the same problem.


Yeast Infections
Posted by Alib (Swansea, Wales, Uk) on 11/04/2010

From what I understand, yeast infections can be an issue if you are still eating processed carbs and sugars in any quantity. As yeasts need sugars to feed on, removing those from your diet would help to prevent yeast infections whether you are taking vinegar or not. All carbs will turn to some kind of sugar in the body, which is why most, if not all, Anti-Candida diets remove them. Those who have removed sugars and carbs from their diet are less likely to have problems with the vinegar - especially when some time has passed and all the residual sugars have cleared from the system. It is also possible that those who have issues with yeast infections when taking vinegar, may actually be pre-diabetic and have issues with carbohydrate metabolism anyway, in which case following a low-carb regime would benefit them.

The quantity of processed carbs and refined sugars that are consumed in the Western diet is damaging everyone to a greater or lesser degree. Above all we need nutrition - and the carbs and sugars rob the body of valuable nutrition during their processing whilst giving little or nothing in return. They look good, they taste good, but they are worthless to the body.


Long Term Side Effects
Posted by Mia (Upstate New York, United States) on 08/06/2009

I am just wondering if ACV will deplete anything from your body such as pottasium or anything else that i should watch out for. I take it twice a day(2Tbl spoons with a small cup of Organic apple juice, then i drink a cup of water. In the evening i mix it with a tablespoon of Blackstrap Molasses) and feel great, i am just worried that there could be some long term side effects from taking it everyday. I know that it can effect teeth, so i make sure it does not sit on my teeth. Thanks, and look foward to a response.

Long Term Side Effects
Posted by Dan (Myrtle Beach, Sc, Usa) on 01/03/2011

The first person who recommended ACV to me said that YES it does deplete your potassium, and that it could make your legs ache as a result. She said she would eat a banana when that happened and she would be fine. However, I've read in many other places that one of ACV's greatest benefits is that it INCREASES your potassium, which is a main reason why it works so well. I don't know. I like bananas, so I eat them often anyway. My legs never hurt.


Energy
Posted by Ed2010 (Canada) on 09/10/2013

Add 1 tblsp of ACV, 240 ml of water and 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of Baking Soda. Feeling fatigue is sign of body being ACidic. Good Health


General Health Tonic
Posted by Amyjoe (South Island, New Zealand) on 07/13/2009
★★★★★

I have been taking ACV along with manuka honey which also contains many healing properties, so far so good, every now and then i will add 1 clove of garlic by crushing and adding to it, im feeling great and will continue with this as long as i need too, thank you all for the awesome stories and knowledge you have all shared. Kia Kaha


General Feedback
Posted by J (Los Angeles, Ca USA) on 07/02/2009

For everyone using ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) on a more than rare instance, please note the following in my research of the product from webmd.com

http://www.webmd.com/diet/apple-cider-vinegar?page=3

Should I Use Apple Cider Vinegar?

The answer depends on how you want to use apple cider vinegar. As a salad dressing, you should be fine. But TAKEN AS A DAILY medical treatment, it could be a little more risky. Yes, some studies of applecider vinegar are intriguing. But a lot more research needs to be done. Right now, there is not enough evidence that apple cider vinegar -- or any vinegar -- has any health benefit for any condition. Since the benefits are unknown, so are the risks.

I think its a great option to help relieve the pain and suffering of various issues etc., but figured since everyone was somewhat glorifying ACV on the site I had to research it, and think this should be posted so people aren't overding it... apparently it has been known if used too often to lead to potentially osteoperosis (bone thinning) and a slew of other things. Do your research people, please, for you.

Thank you for this site and the posts though, great great ideas and great great remedies. Being added to my favorites list b/c I dont prefer pill popping and shots to fix ailments/sickness etc.

Best, J

General Feedback
Posted by Frank (Charlotte, Nc) on 10/15/2010

I whole heartedly agree. Of course doctors are going to shoot down any inexpensive natural remedy because they can't capitalize on it. They are all about drugs and treatments because it makes them and the drug companies money. I will take the natural remedies any day of the week and twice on Sunday. I have had great success with ACV, as well as cayenne pepper. They have worked better for me than any prescribed drugs.


Sinus Infections and Sinusitis
Posted by Fishnoises (Grand Blanc, Mi) on 07/14/2010

This is my first time trying the ACV diluted in water and I find that I like the taste! Maybe because my nose is so stuffed up from my allergies. If they do clear up as you guys say. Then maybe my sense of smell and taste will come back! (And that I will still not mind the taste of the ACV! ) Hoping to lose some weight too. . . . Keep ya posted! . . . Caroline


Website Articles
Posted by Tim (LA, CA) on 06/01/2009

Website Articles
Posted by Dug (St.Louis, MO, USA) on 06/02/2009

Dr.Mercola doesn't necessarily NAY ACV. He is providing an objective analysis of ACV benefits, which for the most part is positive. Please read the article again; he provides some scientific evidence to many of the ACV benefits. And also read the comments section- tons of positive feedback.

-Dug

EC: You are right! Sorry, reviewed too fast...


Website Articles
Posted by ROBERT HENRY (TEN MILE, TN) on 06/02/2009

I go to an anti- aging doctor, and she does not know that MSM is derived from DMSO my mixing it with Hydrogen Peroxide. Dr Mercola does not know that ACV is Malic acid and not acetic acid. Friends and neighbors, we can't trust any of these BS artists. They just slickin every thing for our appitite. They are like a car sales man they don't know crap about a car. They just sell them. Been with money managers for the last 14 years. They don't know crap either and that is the reason I'm now doing my investments myself. If Dr Mercola does not know that ACV is malic acid, he is a fraud.


Website Articles
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 06/03/2009 490 posts

According to Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malic_Acid), seems malic acid is what gives the green apple its tart taste but the malic acid decreases with ripening of the fruits (apples and grapes & probably other fruits). Malic acid winds up being converted to lactic acid.

Wiki definition of ACV (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_cider_vinegar) states that first fermentation of apple juice converts sugars in the apple juice into alcohol. A second fermentation converts the alcohol into acetic acid.

We all might want to find a better method of separating the ones who have our health at heart from the charlatans. Personally, I choose to go with the ones that check out with other sources and the best way to separate the two are by do they recommend remedies you can gather for yourself or are readily obtainable (as Dr. Jonathan Wright does) or do they only recommend herbs, etc. from far east India, South Africa, or China & are they connected to the place selling combinations of those "must be imported from afar" herbs.


Sinus Infections and Sinusitis
Posted by Cindy (San Diego, Ca) on 01/16/2010

Your feedback on the use of ACV resonated with me more than you would guess. I too am 58 this year and for years have "suffered" from sinus issues. Now, it seems that I can not have a good night's sleep because I usually wake up with terrible sinus preasure above my eyebrows. I have been on antibiotics twice since December. I hadn't read anything lately about ACV but remembered my grandfather always had a bottle in the bathroom and mixed it with baking soda and water. Because I was a child I didn't take note of the quantities. Last night, after searching the house for something to take for the horrible headache, I remembered the "concoction."... (maybe grandpa from the grave?) Anyway, I popured a little into a glass and slugged it straight. No water and no baking soda. Immediately my eyes teared and my throat got phlemmy (sp?)I coughed and my nose began to run...and run and run and soon, no headache! So this morning I got up and wanted to search for the "recipe." I read yours and now I hope that I will finally get a good night's rest.


Sinus Infections and Sinusitis
Posted by Phil (Alabama) on 10/21/2014

Did you ever get full recovery on the sinus issue using the apple cider vinegar?


Energy
Posted by Sarah (Arlington, TX) on 07/23/2009
★☆☆☆☆

I have been drinking 2 tablespoons with 16 oz of water 2x a day, using ___ organic ACV. I have not noticed any results so far, what so ever. Not with energy, skin, sleep, nothing. What could be going on, and why is it not working for me? Thanks!

Moles
Posted by Michelle (Charlotte, NC) on 02/11/2009
★★★★★

Hi Guys, I love this site.... I read a posting about someone putting ACV on a Mole, and it falling off....I have alot of moles, freckles on mt body, and a really cute beauty mark by my lip everyone loves...but a few months ago, a very Large Mole came up on the otherside of my month, and it stuck out very far from my face, it was a very ugly color, and the area where it was located itched nonstop. So I dipped a q-tip in organic ACV, and put it on the mole and took the cotton part off and but a bandaid over it for about 5 hrs...and took it off, I didn't have to do it for a couple of days, 2 days later it just dropped off, and I have no scar or anything....I LOVE THIS SITE..... TRY it for your moles....

Moles
Posted by Nanowriter (Hotspot, Texas) on 05/04/2015

Hi Katy, I wouldn't worry, it's not unusual for moles, etc, to get swollen and inflammed by treatment before they get better.


Apple Cider Vinegar and pH Balance
Posted by Mike (Atlanta, GA) on 01/11/2009

I wanted to ask about the ACV remedy for the purpose of alkalzing the body to be in a healthier. I am fairly healthy, if I wanted to take this as a maintenace dose, how long should I take this. I saw somewhere where it said 5 days on and 2 days off?

Mike


Colds and Flu
Posted by Marshall (Victoria, Texas) on 11/12/2008
★★★★★

Since I can remember, I have had one or two bouts a year with sore throat and cold/flu that turns into bronchitis. An elderly gentleman who remembered taking acv mixed with honey as recommended by his doctor when he was a child told me try it for my ailments. It has worked like nothing before! Mixed 50/50 with honey in a shot glass(for sore throat), as a straight shot(this burns the tummy a little), or 2 tablespoons with a cup of warm water for respiratory/sinus problems. I have not been sick since I started taking ACV at the first sign of illness. My children have used it as well. They aren't real happy with the taste and smell but I am happy with the results! Hard for doctors to get rich recommending this home remedy!


General Health Tonic
Posted by Roz (Calgary, Canada) on 10/13/2008
★★★★★

My grandfather is 93 and has used Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with raw honey and aloe vera everyday for 30 years. He has survived Colon Cancer and Throat cancer. Until the past 2 years he has been healthy as an ox. Warning: A recent side effect has been stomach bleeding which his doctors attribute to ACV.

General Health Tonic
Posted by Reader (La, Ca) on 11/10/2009
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

To Earth Clinic: Roz from Calgary, Canada's comment on ACV as a general health tonic is mostly very positive, but she warns that a doctor thinks it caused her husband's stomach bleeding, so it would help readers if you label the post as also having a warning.


Warts
Posted by Anon (England) on 02/17/2013

Hi, As strange as it seems I remember when I was young a boyfriend had a large wart on his hand and a friend of his mothers did the stone thing, thanks for reminding me. His wart went and it was huge. When I had one a few years ago I couldn't remember how it was done so I left the wart and it grew over a couple of yours but notably as soon as I did some work on my immune system is vanished!


Warts
Posted by Squaregum (Geneva, Switzerland) on 03/26/2015

To Francisca, from Alsace.

What brand ACV do you buy and where? I have only been able to find one in Satoriz. Thanks you in advance.


Foot Health
Posted by John (Lanarkshire, UK) on 07/26/2008
★★★★★

Put about a pint of distilled white or cider vinegar into a basin of warm water and soak feet. This deodorizes and softens calluses at the same time. Rinsing socks in this solution after washing acts like a built-in odour eater.


Warts
Posted by Terri (Babbitt, MN) on 06/03/2008
★★★★★

After numerous trips to the Dr. & failed painful treatments of the freezing method for the warts on my finger, my sister suggested this remedy. At night I wet a cottonball with the ACV then put it on the wart and cover it with a bandaid. I change this nightly. within 1-2 weeks my warts were gone.


Hair Growth
Posted by Alex (Frankfort, Kentucky) on 07/06/2009

2 Tablespoons in a glass of water / 3 times a day


Recipes
Posted by Ron (Paragould, Arkansas) on 04/07/2008
★★★★★

I'read and heard all these great things about apple cider vinegar. I have an uncle who is in his 80's and has taken apple cider vinegar since he was a very young man and he's never even been in a doctor's office. I tried it with water, with honey, and with a few fruit drinks. The best thing I've found for drinking ACV is V8 vegetable juice. I mix a small amount of V8 with my ACV, and have a larger cup of V8 in my other hand as a chaser. I grand slam the mix, never even letting it touch my tongue, then chase it with the pure V8. Most of the time I never even taste the ACV which is FINE with me! Plus I'm getting all sorts of good stuff just from drinking the V8!

Recipes
Posted by Noel (Santa Fe, NM) on 05/22/2008

What is it with such antipathy to ACV taste? I don't find it hard to handle at all - just mix in some water and throw down; I usually add some stevia but don't really find it necessary.

ANYWAY, I do have a good testimonial, amidst doing a lot of other natural health stuff these recent years, so it's a little hard to scientifically isolate results. ONE thing I know for sure the vinegar has immediately helped me with is clearing up a sort of dandruff condition under my eyebrows -- frustrating and sometimes embarrassing for over 20 years! I never really liked applying things to my skin, even natural oils and creams; they never helped. The ACV cleared it up! Now I'm experimenting with my scalp too - wonder if it will help with my somewhat-thinning hair that seems possibly related to my scalp condition, tending to both oiliness and dryness.



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