Apple Cider Vinegar: Uses, Health Benefits and FAQ

Digestion

Posted by Lani (Florida) on 12/27/2017
★★★★★

Yes. I love it. I think sometimes my body craves it. It has helped my gout and digestive problems. I would give it 10 stars if possible.

Acid Reflux

Posted by Gary (Palm Desert, Ca) on 02/03/2012
★★★★★

About 12 years ago, I read that taking a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (ACV) and a teaspoon of honey in an 8 oz glass of water twice a day would help lower cholesterol... I don't know if that helped... but what I do know is that my heartburn and what I later found out was called gerd disappeared.

I could be having a severe attack of heartburn and take a teaspoon ACV in a half glass of water and it will immediately disappear.

If I take a teapsoon in an 8 oz or even smaller glass once or twice a day, I almost never experience either heartburn or gerd. I've recommended this to several friends, it has worked for most of them!

Energy

Posted by Teigan (Sydney, Nsw) on 08/23/2011
★★★★★

I'm so happy I found this site and read but this stuff - my energy and overall health have greatly improved since I started taking it. Advise anyone who is struggling to give it a try, its amazing!

Warts

Posted by Lolabell60 (Waretown, Nj/usa) on 06/28/2012
★★★★★

I have had a wart on the tip of my finger for a few years now. I just left it alone. It wasn't that visible and it didn't bother me. However, I just got tired of looking at it and was starting to bother me lately. So, I remember ACV was mentioned here for warts; so I tried it. I took a small piece of cotton, just enough to cover the wart and soaked it the ACV and put a bandaid on it. Left it on all day/night. following morning, took it off and repeated the process. It's been 3 days, and the wart has shrunk in size by half. No pain, by the way either. I will keep doing this until it is gone. ACV is truly a wonder. I drink 8 oz of water with 1 or 2 TBS of ACV every day by the way. Also helps with itching or bug bites. Just dab straight ACV on the itch. Love this site by the way. Lifesaver at times. Good luck everyone.

Acid Reflux

Posted by Sophie (Ga) on 12/29/2016

Acid reflux is usually caused by a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES), not by a lack of acid. It is a widespread myth on the internet that not enough stomach acid causes GERD. With GERD, the LES either doesn't close properly, or falls open, usually while lying down, which allows stomach acid to come up into your esophagus and throat. That's why GERD symptoms are so much more common at night when you're asleep or lying in bed. That is also why sleeping with the head of your bed raised or sleeping on a wedge pillow helps. It can also help to sleep on your left side because that position makes it anatomically harder for stomach acid to exit the stomach.

When the LES is open when it shouldn't be, it allows stomach acid to come up into your esophagus/throat. The acid can also get into your lungs and cause a lot of pain and damage. Treatment for GERD is focused on lowering the amount of acid, thereby making it less likely that stomach acid will reach your esophagus/throat. Another treatment is to lose weight because decreasing weight on your abdomen will decrease the amount of pressure on your LES. There is a surgery that can tighten the LES, but it is pretty extensive and therefore only used when GERD is very severe and all other remedies have been tried.

I just wanted to explain what is happening with GERD so that people will not be misinformed and think they need more stomach acid, or that adding acidity will help the problem because it won't. People with GERD have the same amount of stomach acid as people who don't.

Sinus Infections and Sinusitis

Posted by Geoff (Tarpon Springs, Florida) on 09/26/2010
★★★★★

I read your Post About Sinus Attacks. Drank Apple Cider Vinegar And Water and Was Cleared up in a Few Hours. This was as Good as it Gets

ACV Chasers

Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 04/22/2010

I believe that we often crave things that our body needs. When my oldest daughter was small she kept eating lemons, a while ago I was craving sourkrout the whole time, a friend of mine recently had a huge crave for avocados and avocado oil. We also keep away from stuff our body doesn't need or want and that is one of the reasons one should be careful when one finds a child should eat some food they really don't want to. I have no problem drinking diluted ACV at all but I wouldn't drink it undiluted because I am afraid it would damage my teeth. I always flush my teeth with water afterwards. If I were you I wouldn't drink too much, like anything too much of a good thing can be bad for you. With the sourkrout I know where to stop because I get diarrhea if I eat too much. Your body gives you a lot of signs.... Another thing which doesn't bother me is drinking diluted cayenne pepper, most people hate it. I suppose that we are all different........

Acid Reflux

Posted by Keith (Monroeville, Nj, Usa) on 03/17/2010
★★★★☆

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.

Energy

Posted by Jann (Tulsa, Oklahoma) on 04/23/2009
★★★★★

I PUT ACV IN MY TEA WITH STEVIA TO SWEETEN, APPROXIMATELY TWO TABLESPOONS OF ACV IN A 44 OZ GLASS, AND I FEEL SO ENERGIZED THAT I ALMOST GET ADDICTED, I HAVE TO MONITOR MYSELF OR I CAN DRINK 4 TO 6 OZ A DAY OF ACV, WHEN I JUST PUT THE ACV IN WATER I FEEL SO GOOD THAT I HAVE HAD PEOPLE ASK ME IF I AM DRINKING BURBON AND WATER ...I KNOW THIS MUST SOUND QUITE HUMOROUS, HOWEVER IT HAS HAD THE SAME EFFECT ON MY VERY HEALTHY 84 YEAR OLD MOTHER AND OTHERS THAT HAVE TRIED IT........CAN YOU EXPLAIN THIS??? DOES ANYONE OUT THERE UNDERSTAND WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT????????? I AM AN USUALLY HEALTHY 54YO FEMALE

Libido

Posted by Michael (Clarksville, Indiana) on 09/03/2008
★★★★★

I have started taking Apple Cider Vinegar two days ago...And I am having a side effect that no one else so far has reported. My sex drive has doubled. As well as my energy has went through the roof. No weight yet but have only been taking it for a couple of days...Will update later...

Cellulite

Posted by Lisa (Newton, MA) on 08/09/2007
★★★★★

I have been using ACV for just under 2 weeks and I cannot believe, my cellulite thighs are toning up! I am 60 lbs over weight and cellulite has been an issue forever despite excercise and nutrition. Since I strted the ACV, I notice the dimples in my thighs are disappearing! I cannot believe it but it is true!

Menstruation

Posted by K.D. (Canada)
★★★★★

I used to take honey @ ACV years ago but for whatever reason, quit doing so. People used to remark how clear and glowing my skin was. Anyway, in the meantime, my monthly period once short (2-3 days) became lengthier and more of a bother lasting seven days. How annoying. I just began taking the ACV & honey tonic again for only 3 weeks and glory be, my monthly shortened to 3 days again. Yippee!

EC: 3 Readers have found success. (Note: 1 strong dose works.)

Usda Breakdown of Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Susan (USA)

The below table is from the USDA's apple cider vinegar 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., _____). 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

Footnotes:
1 Contains 5% acetic acid. Total proximates do not equal 100%.
2 Acetic acid is included in energy calculation.

Brands of Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Surfer (Florida) on 04/19/2018
★★★☆☆

I have been using ACV for years and go thru a quart per month. Last year I returned 4 bottles of ACV to the store that I bought it because it was sour. There is a distinct difference in taste between a sour apple and a fermented apple. After the second time, I called the company and they did not seem alarmed or really that interested.......just told me to carry it back where I purchased it. Well I got tired of having to carry it back after the fourth time and have been using other brands and have not ran across this problem again. My experience was with one of the oldest and most widely used brands out there.

ACV and Tooth Enamel

Posted by Rafe S. (Tennessee) on 12/24/2021

Greetings all!

My first post on here after many years of reading all the wonderful information available from all you fine folks. I just wanted to say that for folks with tooth enamel concerns like myself, after I take my ACV and water, I take a half teaspoon of baking soda in half a cup of water and rinse. The baking soda neutralizes the acids in the vinegar and protects the teeth. Have a great day!

Recipes

Posted by Josie (San Antonio Tx) on 08/01/2015 22 posts

I have to tell you about my husband who hates the smell of Apple Cider Vinegar. I tried to get him to do it for his high blood pressure and he would not do it. Then I decided to try to put it on his apple juice and he knew right away. Then I told him to try one more time, but with organic grape juice, and he likes it. He has been doing it every day for a week. I use an 8oz glass and put 1 tablespoon of the Apple Cider Vinegar and he is doing good.

If you don't like the smell or the taste try it this way. It works for him. Josie

Weight Loss

Posted by Earthling (Usa) on 08/02/2015

Was that how you were eating prior to adding ACV to your daily routine? In other words, are you sure it was the ACV that helped you lose weight, or was it that you started "saying NO" to the foods you shouldn't have eaten that caused the weight loss?

Inquiring minds want to know. ;-)

General Feedback

Posted by Lisa (Michigan, US) on 03/12/2015
★★★★★

For those of you who use ACV for helping with ailments, I keep reading that you mix the ACV with honey & water or something similar to make a drink. Well, I love the taste of ACV straight and actually crave it. I would like to know if I would still benefit in the same way by just taking it straight? ex: fill a 3 tsp medicine cup and down it. Thanks.

Capsules

Posted by John (Averill Park, Ny) on 01/05/2015

Hi,

My name is John and I'm so thankful to discover earthclinic.com . I get excited to log on and read so much supportive advice from many good people throughout the world .

Here is my question : Is there an apple cider vinegar pill ? I'm concerned about tooth enamel being compromised .

If pills are available : 1- Are they as beneficial as the liquid ? 2- what is the recommended amount to take and how often ?

Thank you for any advice . Happy New Year!

ACV and Tooth Enamel

Posted by Mr. Ree (U.s.a.) on 06/19/2014

Just a quick note on ACV usage...I have been using Braggs ACV since 1960 with absolutely no trouble with my teeth. I have a slug of it after I have a protein meal as it's a digestive aid. Of course I know it does many other things but just wanted to calm everyone down about their enamel peeling off their teeth after using it.

Hair Conditioner

Posted by Ellenf (Leander, Tx, Usa) on 03/06/2012
★★★★★

Thank you EarthClinic contributors... You have made me the happiest mom!!!

My eight year old daughter has had dense, curly hair since she was two. I have for six years of my life dealt with her screaming and crying while brushing or combing the tangles out of her hair. I literally had to chase her when she was younger and brush her hair while running. I only brush her hair when it's wet or it turns into a puff ball. I have tried every shampoo and conditioner you can imagine. Even special (expensive) products made for curly children's hair.

I read the posts here, washed my daughter's hair, then rinsed. Next, I mixed about 2 tbsp of ACV mixed with warm water in a 16 oz squeeze bottle. I applied it to her scalp and worked it down through her ends, then rinsed and towel dried. I applied a small amount of leave in conditioner and began brushing her hair with a special (expensive) brush made for curly hair.

As I brushed her ends, the tangles fell out with VERY little effort. I then brushed from scalp to ends... Completely dumbfounded. I finished in about one minute and she ran off to play with her sister. I stood there, paralyzed in amazement, on the verge of tears. I could not believe that 2 tbsp of ACV solved this long standing problem. I think of the time, energy, frustration and tears that have gone into brushing my little girl's hair over the last six years and all I can do is shake my head. Bless you all!