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.
Apple Cider Vinegar Soak
Posted by Deirdre (Earth Clinic) on 09/24/2009
★★★★★
I started soaking both feet and toes in about 1 inch of straight apple cider vinegar in a pyrex casserole dish (the same one I use for the magnesium oil soak) a few days ago to treat nail fungus and severe cracks in my heels, which I suspect to also be fungus related. Well, it seems soaking is a great way to get the benefits of acv without drinking it! You know the rosy, healthy glow you get after drinking apple cider vinegar in water? Well, it's happening after soaking. Also a great increase in energy. Too soon to say if I am losing weight with the soak.
I was finding that drinking apple cider vinegar lowered my blood sugar levels drastically at times, making me feel faint, but have not had any side effects from soaking thus far. The blood sugar reaction from ACV is a new thing. I had been drinking it regularly for many years before that without any problems.
I am using the organic brand of acv right now, even though you can buy a gallon of regular grocery store acv for the same price. I am thinking about ordering organic acv in bulk, since it takes up almost half a bottle of organic acv to fill the small dish with enough liquid to cover my toes. I must admit, right now I am re-using the acv a few times, otherwise it just isn't cost effective. But yes, I wash my feet before soaking them!
Sorry to say that I have had cracked heels for 11 years now (coincides with when I started training at the dojo). Only recently did it move into toenail fungus. Getting rid of it once and for all is long-overdue. Bad idea to have a fungal infection lingering on for years and years. I am determined to keep this up for months if necessary.
Apple Cider Vinegar Soak
Posted by Tricia (Ireland) on 09/26/2009 84 posts
One thing that I forgot to say in my previous post is to mark your nail file in some manner i.e. nail polish. Make it obvious so that you never use it on your finger nails or that somebody else might use it inappropriately. If you are carrying an infection of any kind (and most people do) it will be transferred to the fingers. The nail file can be cleaned with peroxide or rubbing alcohol but the dust is so minute and nail files are not easy to fully clean without a steriliser. So make sure it is kept for YOUR feet. As we say in Ireland "to be sure, to be sure".
Apple Cider Vinegar Tips
Posted by Eric (Lethbridge, Alberta) on 03/03/2016
Mixing with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) would neutralize all the acids (acetic, malic, ascorbic, etc.) that are in apple cider vinegar defeating the purpose of taking it!
Yeast Infections
Posted by Meg (Edison, Nj, USA) on 09/02/2009
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
ACV has a lot of benefits but one thing that ladies have to be careful about is Yeast infection. I am 29 and never got Yeast infection in life and now got twice in 2 months as I started ACV. But then I read that its because I wasn't using Organic one but just the regular store brand. I have the Organic one now but I am too afraid to try it as I cannot deal with Yeast Infection misery again. I thought I will inform the girls about this to be extra careful when using ACV...thanks!
Energy
Posted by Mac (Atlanta) on 09/10/2013
More than 8oz of water is too much... Do not mix or dilute it to much or you will not see results in a timely manner.
General Feedback
Posted by Knute (Sacramento, CA) on 07/02/2009
While the information at WebMD is interesting, and I often like to refer to it also, it must mentioned that WebMD is very much in line with standard mainstream medicine.
Regardless, when proponents of standard medicine voice their concern for risks of different alternative ways, we should always keep the following in mind:
A fully referenced report from a few years back showed that as many as 2.2 million people in the US have in-hospital, adverse reactions to prescribed drugs per year, and 8.9 million were exposed to unnecessary hospitalizations. But the biggest one is this: US number of deaths caused by conventional medicine annually: 783,936.
So, without a doubt, there are HUGE risks with standard mainstream medicine...
Morale: Always consider the source when they talk about risks!
Fountain of Youth
Posted by Val (Tampa, Florida) on 06/27/2009
Anyone taken ACV for 10 years or more consistently? Just wondering if you look younger than others in your age group who haven't? And how? Or do you know someone who has been taking it for 10 years or more? Thank you!
Fountain of Youth
Posted by Tara (Clarkston, Washington) on 07/05/2009
★★★★★
My mother in law is in her eighties.She doesn't drink or smoke and takes her acv everyday and has for decades.Her skin is beautiful!!!!!!It has not helped her emphysema at all or her weight but she barely has wrinkles.
Constipation
Posted by Sam (Florida, US) on 01/07/2015
Careful with those protein diets. They are harmful for the kidneys and the livers. I know from experience
Heartburn
Posted by Nancy (Shreveport, LA) on 05/22/2009
★★★★★
Colleen:
I too had terrible heartburn after having my gallbladder removed. I started with the 2 tbsp of ACV in 16 oz of water and sipping throughout the day. It was better but the I noticed that EC recommended 2 tsp so I switched and got much better results. I used to take 3-4 (minimum) Tums a day after getting off Prilosec and Zantac. Now I never take any.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Rob (North Shore, Auckland, New Zealand) on 04/08/2009
★★★★★
Hi there, I have just come across your great site and have now saved it to my favourites for ready access as and when required.
I have been using apple cider vinegar for over eight years after breaking both my clacaneous (heel bones) in a fall from a miltary assault case on a proferssional training exercise at a work conference. I was referred to it by a Reiki healer who felt it would assist me deal with the ongoing pain issues and also felt it would be a good de tox for the body.
It certainly did that with ny body reacting initially with a lot of small boil type infections manifesting as the apple cider vinegar in the body forced the toxins out through the skin. That lasted for 2 months and then my body cleared and I felt a whole lot better as a result - and continue to do so.
I am confident that ACV has assisted me to reduce the effects of living with constant pain and has so many other added values as the amino acids and enzymes produced in the fermentation process act as catalysts to help the body break down and rebuild molecules on a daily basis.
I swear by the natural benefits of ACV in so many ways and it is now part of my daily routine of getting up in the morning and pouring 25mm + into the bottom of glass and filling with warm water and a touch of sea salt. I follow this with a further 4 to 5 glases of water and this is a great way to start the day. I also try to have a shot before my meals when practical to do so.
If i go on a road trip I fill my water bottle with a dose of ACV and couple of pinches of sea salt as well.
Here is another good tip for you -Try filling a spray bottle with one third ACV and balance wityh water and spray onto your hair and skin on a daily basis after shampooing while showering. Just wait for the positive comments from your hairdresser and your skin feels nice and soft as a result. My hair is rejuvinated and definitely feels thicker as a result of using ACV.
So I am a believer and any natural product that contains essential minerals and trace elements present in ACV such as calcium, boron, magnesium,silicon,manganese and potassium has to have a positive effect on ones metabolism.
Another tip for liver spots on the skin ( hands and face in particular) as aging kicks in is to dip half a lemon into a bowl filled with ACV and let soak for short while as absorption occurs. Then rub on liver- spotted skin daily and watch spots begin to fade in a few weeks.
Rob North Shore Auckland New Zealand
Sore Throat
Posted by Melissa (Berlin, WI) on 03/28/2009
★★★★★
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!!
Flus and Colds
Posted by Vinicius (Malden, Ma, Usa) on 02/24/2013
just a heads up, don't drink too much water while you are eating, too much water in the stomach will just weaken the acid during the digestion. Stay healthy
Broad Benefits
Posted by Judy (Hubert, North Carolina) on 01/15/2009
★★★★★
As everyone should be I was very skeptical when I read of all the cures acheived with ACV. I started out looking for relief for my partners enlarged prostate. When I kept looking at all the things ACV could do, I said what the heck and tryed it along with him. Well let me just say that I feel like a brand new woman! I have had sever back pain and degenerative disease since I was 11 yrs old. About 6 yrs ago I was in an auto accident that I have had constant neck pain from. More recently, with my age now being 48, I have had knee and hip pain on my right side. After taking ACV in water, 2 tbls in 8 oz, for three days my hip no longer hurt! I decided to follow the recipe better and slowly drink 3 to 4 glasses of the same recipe all day. While at the gym I realized I could move my neck and look over my shoulder with no pain!! When I get up in the morning I no longer have to hang on to the counter when I kneel down to get something from the bottom of the cupboard!! I wake up everyday now PAIN FREE! I can't wait to see what happens next! As for my man, well he see's what it is doing for me and wants to do it too but hates the taste and doesn't have the patients. I have been doing all I can to get him to do it. He will now and again but won't do it every day. Does anyone have any ideas how to make it taste better for him? I am used to it already and really with everything it has done for me wouldn't care how it tasted.Thankyou so so so much for this site! Who would have thought that a little bottle from the grocery store costing all of one dollar could make me feel younger then I ever have!!
Broad Benefits
Posted by Diana (Palmetto, FL) on 01/09/2009
★★★★★
I have been suffering from cronic sinusitus for several years now and I have tried everything with no help. When I say everything, belive me, if it is out there, I tried it. I have used every over the counter medicine, nasal sprays, netti pots, heat packs and prescriptions and none helped. It has recently gotten so bad that I developed extremely dark circles under my eyes and asked a dermatologist what I could do to deminish them and they said "nothing". They were wrong! I have not only found relief from my sinus issues, but the dark circles are practically gone in a matter of days. I found your website and thank God for it. I took 1/8th cup of ACV for my sinus problems and that evening, I became very ill that night and instantly thought, it was due to the ACV dose. That night however, I went to bed and again took the ACV the next morning to help with my sinuses. In two days I woke with no congestion for the first time in 7 years!! This is an amazing remedy that has been sitting undiscovered by me in my pantry. I am on my third day of dosing with ACV and am equally excited about the prospect of it helping with my acne issues as well. I was really happy when my sinuses cleared, but am even more excited about the dark circles beginning to lighten. ACV is the one item I will never be without.
Diabetes
Posted by Faith (St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands) on 09/09/2008
★★★★★
I must say when I heard about Apple Cider Vinegar I was curious. I went out the same day and purchased a bottle. I'm a type 2 diabetic and I must say that I feel a lot better since taking it, my monthly cycle has changed to a more normal cyle. It used to be very heavy the first two days...no more.
I also started the pulling oil...that too is great. My mouth feels so clean all day. Just started it so I haven't really seen anything major, but I will report back. Thanks Earthclinic.
EC: Read more about apple cider vinegar and diabetes here.
Recipes
Posted by TERESA (GREENSBORO, NC) on 08/10/2008
★★★★★
I FOUND THE VINEGAR TASTE IS NOT SO BAD IF I ADD ONE OR TWO PACKETS OF PRE-MEASURED STEVIA W/2 TSP OF VINEGAR, W/6 TO 8 OZ WATER. UNREFINED, ORGANIC ACV WITH MOTHER IS AN INEXPENSIVE PROBIOTIC. I SIP IT THROUGHOUT THE DAY, AS A BEVERAGE. I ONLY USE DISTILLED VINEGAR FOR CLEANING.
Warts
Posted by Tina (DFW, Texas) on 06/06/2008
★★★★★
I had a plantar wart right on the edge of my heel that I could not get rid of. I tried the OTC freezing stuff and it did nothing. I starting putting ACV on a pinch of a cotton ball on it at night with a bandaid. I would also put a fresh one on in the morning and try to keep it on all day. This was during the summer even, I would just put a bandaid on it. It looked better than the wart anyway. After a few weeks, it turned white and eventually came out. The hold healed up and now you can't even see where it was and it has not returned after 2 years.
Dental Enamel Issues
Posted by Chris (Seattle, Washington) on 03/07/2008
★★★★★
I have employed gel tabs to avoid unpleasant flavors with liquid or oil treatments. In the context of ACV, this could avoid dental enamel erosion. When you fill them with liquids, you want to consume them quickly because they will begin dissolving immediately. I have found vegetarian gel tabs readily available.
Recipes
Posted by Sanjay (Ahmedabad, India) on 12/27/2007
★★★★★
after trying to use ACV for some months now, i feel it is best to use it on & off, not religiously everyday, also my dosage now is very small, just a few drops in a glass of water. believe me, the smaller dosage is more effective. i have stopped mixing with Baking soda now, because the dosage is small enough.
Dental Enamel Issues
Posted by Merry (Coon Rapids, Minnesota) on 10/09/2007
★★★★★
I have a suggestion that should remedy the problem with ACV possibly damaging tooth enamel over time. Use a straw when sipping your ACV remedies. This wil drastically cut down on the amount of acid contact with teeth.
Hiatel Hernia
Posted by Kelly (Edmond, OK) on 11/05/2006
★★★★★
I find that a tablespoon of ACV with water before a meal significantly reduces the swallowing discomfort due to Hiatal Hernia. It is not a cure, but it definitely makes swallowing easier for me.
Hiatel Hernia
Posted by Cordell (Sj, New Brunswick Can) on 05/05/2010
★★★★★
After 3 weeks of continual use (2 tbsp. diluted in half a cup of water with every meal), I have almost completely cured my acid reflux, chron's, ibs, hiatal hernia, and closed illeocecal valve. Persistence, and consistence is KEY!!
Pms
Posted by Joni (Grafton, ON) on 09/30/2006
★★★★★
I started taking ACV about 3 weeks ago after finding this awesome website. This month, I had a short, productive period minus cramps, bloating, lethargy and moodiness!!! Hallelujah!! Also no more mood swings during the rest of the month. Been quite happy, actually, no negative thoughts or despair at all. I attribute this with the ACV. Actually I just realized how calm I've been... but this may be also due to the honey I take with it. Also has been great for my skin!! And I feel like I digest my food better and have tons of energy. What a great website!! Thanks Earth Clinic!
EC: Click here for many more PMS remedies.
