Apple Cider Vinegar: Uses, Health Benefits and FAQ

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!

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.

I feel a real sense of obligation to post something here touting the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar to combat a sinus infection. I first read about it here and must concur with the other "yeas".

I am 4 months pregnant and had been suffering with an incredible sinus infection for three weeks. This is apparently rather common for pregnant women due to various reasons. Not ever having one before, I just thought it was a severe cold with headaches, toothaches, etc. Finally, I found out what I actually had. I did the saline solutions which helped and took in more vitamin C. No doubt these were helpful, but it was when I starting the magic concoction suggested here: 2 tbsp ACV, 1 tbsp honey, 1 cup warm H20. I actually had to chase each horrific gulp with water. But I got it down. That was YESTERDAY! Today, I woke up having a full night of sleep and no headache, no earache, no face tenderness.

Just WOW! I did do a bit of research into the possible adverse effects of ACV for pregnant women before proceding, but found nothing to concern myself with. I wouldn't choose to use it daily however during a pregnancy, but for combatting that debilitating infection, yes! Yes! Yes!

I had very bad Gerd conditions. Occasionally I could not even digest my food for days. I would have night sweats and general flu like feelings. I was prescribed pills from the doctor, and also tried the over the counter pills, all with varying results of success depending upon the severity of my condition. I had all the fun tests done on my digestive system with no real issues found, except Barrett's esophageal which the acid burning my throat caused. I determined to resolve the problem, and read many articles about diet. For me it was coffee, smoking, and stress which caused my worst break outs (in hindsight). Alcohol could also trigger an outbreak. Not overloading my body with coffee all day and drinking in the evening accompanied with smoking throughout, alone made a big difference. But while I was making these changes in diet I found information on how pills might not be that great for someone either, and I found Ted's recipe. Perhaps I should say I found the ACV treatment first, which didn't do anything for me, but then I added the Baking Soda, and what a difference! I threw the pills away and have never been back since! I began taking it 2-3 times a day, and after a week I was doing it only occasionally. Now I take it only as needed, maybe once or twice a month, though it wouldn't hurt if I did it more regularly. My most serious gerd symptoms are gone and now I only get occasional heartburn when that diet I spoke about earlier gets a little heavy on the bad stuff. But just one or two treatments in a day have me back on track. Make no mistake, for the worst conditions, you must modify your diet. I cut the coffee, stopped smoking (for awhile), and limit my alcohol consumption (though it's worse or as bad as coffee to me). After making difficult changes I was able to return to normal enjoyments in moderation. All things in moderation is something which must be observed for the best recovery. My mix is slightly different than Ted's by accident. I was confused about the water so I only used enough to slightly dilute the mixture, about 2-3 ounces of water (an easy amount to take in one or two gulps). A minute later I let out a big burp and I feel instant relief everywhere. If I do not feel better or burp I give it about 30 minutes and I do it again. I've never had to do it a third time, and once the symptoms are gone I don't do it again until they return. Usually I will be back in moderation mode and it isn't necessary until my next slip up. Also, I only use 1/4 to 1/3 teaspoon of baking soda to two teaspoons of ACV, so a lot of baking soda is not necessary, as has been mentioned. This is not a temporary daily fix like antacids, the effects seem to last days. Recently I was with friends for a weekend. It was early evening when we started drinking and my reflux began hammering me more than I had seen in a long time. I took this remedy and resumed to the festivities (hoping it would undo the damage that had already started and allow me to continue what I had started) and with only 1 dose I was fine all that weekend through the all "fun". I am posting this because my friends made alot of fun for me for this recipe. I explained that I did not know how it works, but I have tried alot of things and it just works. And works it does! Apparently, it can even stop reflux dead in its tracks when moderation isn't optional! My friends aren't convinced (likely far from it), but if you suffer, try this, it works, and it cost maybe 5 bucks for a 6 month supply. It has been about 2 years since I first read and begun this cure, thank you Ted! I try to pass it along to those who will listen.

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........

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

Your post made me crack up! Especially typed in all caps! I'm still laughing because I am feeling the same way and it happened over night! Through the roof energy! I'm giddy, silly and my mind is kind of freaking out! What a transformation for me! 2Tbs apple cider vinegar in water with honey and a dash of baking soda twice a day! I haven't felt this level of happy in I don't know how long! I'm 49! I'm excited and I just keep reading! Thank you God! :) OH! I'm also taking 400mg of Magnesium and 400IU of vitamin E before bed to help with hot flashes and it has helped tremendously. Over night seriously! What a shock! I was hoping I would sleep better and I do a little but I'm so happy during the day that I don't care! Ha!

Just to let you know this is a GREAT site. I have recommended it to lots of people who are having ailments which I believe can be helped by natural remedies.

I work in a long term care facility and am exposed to a lot of germs. I drink a TBS of ACV & Honey in water daily and believe this keeps my immune system up. While a horrid stomach & diarrea bug had the place quarantined, (Knock on wood) I escaped this bug which I give credit to the ACV/Honey.

My co-workers tease me about my attention to "natural" eating, etc, but I try to avoid processed foods, drink lots lots of water. Thanks so much for this site.

In 1972 my father was in his late 40's. Being from Wisconsin his diet included quite a bit of fatty food. Most of his weight was in his belly. Not uncommon in Wisconsin. At that time, I don't know where he found it, but he came home one day and announced that he was going to cut out 25% of the fat in his diet and drink 8 oz of luke warm water every night with 1 Tbsp of Cider Vinegar and 1 Tbsp of Honey.
I was still very young, and had a problem with bed wetting. He gave me his mixture one night before bed and told me that I would never wet the bed again, I didn't.

I now suggest organic for both and Raw Honey.
In a matter of two months, all of his belly weight had disappeared.
To add to that what I have learned over the years...
I am not Jewish, but NOT mixing milk products with meat is also very helpful since it it easier to digest out food.
What Western medical doctors won't tell us also is that when we combine our protein and carbs they turn into fat in our bodies immediately. We do need carbs, but complex carbs rather than all of the processed white flour and white sugar. Processed food is poison more than anything. We really can't trust the FDA. They allow chemicals to be put in our food. I believe that so many health problems are caused by chemicals that our bodies just don't agree with. Western doctors will just keep treating the symptoms.

Try Oatmeal and sprouted grain breads and pastas, you'll be surprised at how quickly you get use to them.
Lean protein and vegetables together.
Don't get on the scale every day, you'll just frustrate yourselves.
When I got pregnant with my son I weighed 125 pounds. I ate like a foodball player during my pregnancy. I gained over 100 pounds! He was a big beautiful 10 lb baby, lol
After nursing for a year and continuing to eat well I lost it all.
Look at the size of your bone structure and don't pressure yourself. Not all of us are meant to be skinny, just healthy and in proportion. Consider your genetic background.

I believe that Cider Vinegar is an amazing remedy for just naturally cleansing out our bodies, not just breaking down fat. Bath in it too. Try a full cup in a bath and massage cellulite. You will need to increase your water intake. I weigh 140 pounds now and I drink almost a gallon of water a day.

I just started Oil Pulling for my overall health and dental since I don't have a fortune to spend on my teeth.
Bless all of you and your health. You can do it!

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!

Apple Cider Vinegar has cured my chronic sinus infection.

About 4 years ago a root-canal on an upper back tooth developed an abcess that drained into my sinus. For two years I had a chronic sinus infection on that side and it seemed as though I would never be able to breath through my nose again! Anti-histamines, antibiotics, nasal sprays & saline rinses would knock down the pain and swelling temporarily, but nothing worked permanently until I found this site and started using ACV & baking soda. I used 2 TBS ACV and 1/4 tsp baking soda morning and night in small glasses of fruit juice. Put the ACV in the glass first, then the Baking soda (it will foam up and then subside) then fill with fruit juice.

Almost immediately the sinus started to drain and I can't describe the yucky blod filled mucous that came out at first. Gradually, the discharge became clear and now I feel "normal" for the first time in years. I can even smell the roses again!

OMG, please give more details on ACV and spider/varicose veins. I've been searching for a home treatment for yrs. I'm a ACV fan and do use it for other health issues.

I took a shot's worth of straight apple cider vinegar the moment I got home from a restaurant suffering from a queasy stomach. I usually dilute apple cider vinegar in water, but knew this time it had to go down straight if it was to work fast. Remarkably, it stopped my queasy stomach within 5 minutes. I am certain I did not get food poisoning because the apple cider vinegar quickly destroyed the bacteria in my colon and stomach. Amazing!

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!

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

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. ;-)

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!

I'm definitely convinced about the numerous benefits of ACV. Because of the calorie content of honey, is it permissible to add part of a Stevia packet to the glass of ACV? As readers here know, stevia is supposedly one of the safest non-sugar sweeteners. It helps the taste a lot, but I wouldn't want to diminish the positive ACV effects. Thanks!

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.

I've been drinking ACV for a few weeks now -- one shot morning and evening, with some water, and throughout my work day (a tbs or 2 in a bottle of water). I have so much more energy and end up not needing as much coffee as I used to. It also helps flush out candida and "junk" from the body. I'm hoping it'll help me shed some weight.

Yesterday my eye started feeling really itchy, not sure if it's allergies or a stye but immediately after it started swelling up I took 2 tbs of ACV with a little water in a shotglass and 30 minutes later the swelling went down tremendously. I woke up today and my eye is 90% better already!! Usually when I have allergies it takes a few days for the swelling to calm down but ACV sped up the process. Will definitely keep taking ACV :)

I had warts, and tried the duct tape with the cotton balls with some success. I started taking a quick swig from the bottle at night and in the morning, and now my hands have cleared up. I have also noticed that when I do take it at night, I don't have heartburn. This is my exp. though.

My 14 year old son has had severe breakouts on his face, back and chest. Last night I mixed up equal parts of ACV/water and we dabbed it on like a toner. This morning I was AMAZED at the difference. He has done this again this morning, and shockingly the acne and pimples are almost gone! Highly recommed this! It works! :0)

Kevel and U Taylor, it seems to all boil down to whether one has TOO LITTLE or TOO MUCH acid in the stomach. For too little, the apple cider vinegar (ACV) is marvelous, but if someone doesn't get benefits from it, and the situation is agravated, then the opposite measure (baking soda) would probably be more helpful.

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.

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

I've used ACV for about 2 months, and feel good. No weight loss, like I hoped, but aches and pains have gone away, and high energy throughout the day. I usually mix about a week's worth in water bottles and store in my fridge.

I was having a terrible time trying to take ACV and then I followed a post that ted responded to and he said o mix 1 teaspoon ACV and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in a cup and then wait for it to stop fizzing and then add 1/2 a cup of water. I was so excited because you could not taste or smell the ACV. I am 39, female, with lupus and fibromyalgia.

I'm so happy to have found this site, so much great info. I have been diagnosed several times with Candida. My body seems to be falling apart... Skin problems, allergies, lethargy and severe gastrointestinal problems for years. I started taking ACV twice a day with 5 drops of Grapefruit seed extract. It has been a week and I have so much more energy! Unfortunately, my cystic acne has broken out horribly... Worse than it's ever been. Is it possible that this means that my system is clearing out the bad stuff? Or am I making a mistake in using this as a solution?

YES!! My wife had some SERIOUS warts on her one leg that she refused to freeze off because it hurt and would blister so bad. She had it for years and they grossed me out. I wouldn't touch that leg. I read here about ACV working great on warts and she soaked small pieces of paper towel and held them in place with bandaids for 2 days and the big suckers turned black and then disappeared with only SOME burning! She was thrilled! Her leg still looks great 4 months later. She did the same thing on her daughter's hand, which had a few moderate warts, and the same thing happened. FANTASTIC!! I wish I could get my wife to drink it for her allergies, colds/sinuses, menstrual cycles, eczema and asthma, but she just cant get past the smell and taste. I am looking into pills for her so we'll see...