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.
Dental Enamel Issues
Posted by Cindy (Sterling, CO) on 12/12/2007
★★★★★
I have a small glass of about 1/4 tsp baking soda mixed with water ready, then I take 2 Tblsp ACV straight. After taking ACV, I swish with water, then swish with baking soda & water mixture & spit it out to clean all ACV out of my mouth to protect teeth. ACV has really helped digestion and constipation.
Dental Enamel Issues
Posted by Nathan (Portland, OR) on 03/22/2007
★★★★★
Let me add to Dr. Yong's comments regarding tooth enamel (and point out why William Campbell Douglas was misinformed). Acid damages tooth enamel. Pathogenic bacteria in the mouth produce acid as a byproduct when they consume sugar. So when you drink ACV, you expose your teeth to acid. When you eat products with high sugar content, the bacteria produce acid. Neither of these situations is necessarily deleterious to the tooth enamel if the exposure to the acid is over a short period of time. Saliva is able to cleanse the mouth, and the pH returns to normal. However, if you sip the ACV over a long period of time during the day, the pH of the mouth is unable to recover, and as a result of constant prolonged exposure, dental decay results.
The same amount of ACV ingested over a period of a few minutes will typically cause no problems. Yes, we eat/drink acidic/sugary foods all the time (as the MD mentioned) but these are the things that cause decay especially if sipped or ingested in large quantities over long periods of time. Try to consume your ACV 3 times per day within a period of 5-10 minutes.
Acne
Posted by Angelina O (USA)
★★★★★
[she'has found that applying apple cider vinegar (ACV) topically to her face several times a day (4 or more times) has cured her of a "very bad complexion". She reports that she applies it straight and that while it burns her skin a bit, works like a miracle!]
Shingles
Posted by Kev (Toowoomba, Australia) on 11/19/2011
★★★★★
35 yr old male, I too got a bout of shingles on my back. Doctors said it was too late for cream treatment. It blistered and pain became unbearable so I tried ACV swabs 5 times a day. It stopped the pain and in a couple of days it had cleared up. Amazing!!
Sinus Infections and Sinusitis
Posted by Jean (Las Vegas, Nevada) on 08/14/2008
★★★★★
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!
Varicose Veins
Posted by Yellogurl121 (Baton Rouge, La) on 11/10/2014
★★★★★
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.
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 |
|---|
| 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.
Food Poisoning
Posted by Deirdre (USA)
★★★★★
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!
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!
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.
Allergies
Posted by Danae (Mckinney, Tx) on 07/12/2013
★★★★★
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 :)
EC: Danae, Another option for even more energy is to add a dash of cayenne to your shot of ACV (or ACV tonic). Whew!
Acid Reflux
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 01/18/2013
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.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Tim (Pittsfield, Ma) on 01/28/2012
★★★★★
I had real bad acid reflux and heartburn I was taking two prilosec otc tabs a day! But still had that gnawing little pain rigth below the esophagus.. Then I tried ACV 4tbls a day mixed with water cured it all!! No more prilosec!!! AVC also cured my athletes feet and kept my feet much dryer. I'm a true believer!!
Asthma
Posted by Hazel (Regina, Sk, Canada) on 11/19/2011
★★★★★
A month ago, I had doubts about apple cider vinegar (ACV)... Many thanks to this site. I have not used my asthma maintenance med (Symbicort) for a month now.
Sinus Infections and Sinusitis
Posted by Delila (Tel Aviv, Israel) on 03/22/2012
My sister had very serious sinus problems and was suffering badly and said that the chronic conditions had completely ruined her life for over a year and half with mega doses of antibiotics and was considering to undergo an operation. As a last resort she went into google and looked up natural remedies for her problem and came up with this wonderful site and it has been a G-d send and read up all sorts of home remedies for the sinuses. One of the remedies was drinking 2 teaspoons of apple vinegar in a cup of water (using a straw so as not to ruin enamel of teeth) 3 times a day. From the first day she found relief to her chronic problem, but then came up with the idea of adding vinegar to a boiling kettle with water and breathing the fumes up her nose making sure not to burn herself - u must keep a distance so as not to burn herself and keep a low heat and use a towel over the head and making sure not to use too much vinegar because of the strong fumes, start with too tablespoons, if too strong add more water until comforable, if too weak add more vinegar. Since then and until this day her problem has completely gone thank G-d and I am a witness as to how much she had suffered before using apple cider vinegar. Halleluyah!!!
Acne
Posted by Melmax (Nyc, Ny) on 09/18/2010
★★★★★
LOVE! ACV. Have been taking it now twice a day for about a month. Unlike others, I have no problem with the taste. Actually like it, and don't add any sweetener. I've had acne all my life. Was told it was hormonal. Since taking apple cider vinegar (ACV), my skin has been clear and healthy looking. Also have lost some weight. And feel an overall sense of general wellness. Am keeping an eye on my varicose veins to see if it has any affect on those. Will keep you posted. But, either way, you can be sure I will keep up with the ACV.
Energy
Posted by Melanie (Ankeny, Iowa) on 03/21/2010
★★★★★
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.
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar Contraindications
Posted by Sams (Colorado) on 10/08/2020
This was very helpful info as I am also on blood thinners because of a man-made aortic valve.
When I started using ACV, I did end up having trouble keeping my INR stable until I added more garlic as part of my effort to use minimal blood thinner and more natural blood thinners. It was very helpful to know what was causing the problem so thanks for your post (years ago by now).
Weight Loss
Posted by Jenny (Kaiser, Missouri) on 11/30/2009
★★★★★
I HAVE VERY GOOD RESULTS FOR WEIGHT LOSS USING ___S APPLE CIDER VINEGAR. IVE LOST ALMOST 20 POUNDS IN 4MONTHS!!!! AND ITAKE 4TABLESPOONS WITH 1TEASPOON OF RAW HONEY TWICE A DAY FOR BAD FATIGUE. I HAVE RHEAMOTOID ARTHRITIS. THIS HAS BEEN A LIFE SAVIOR!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar Tips
Posted by Crystal (Salyersville, Ky, USA) on 09/13/2009
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.
Acne
Posted by Rachel (Hartford, Connecticut, Usa) on 07/26/2012
★★★★★
Try applying it topically for faster results. Here's my skin regimen: wash/exfoliate with a paste of baking soda and castille soap (castille soap won't dry your skin), tone with 50/50 mixture of water and ACV (I use B---- brand with the mother), then moisturize with organic virgin coconut oil. I've found all of these products at either the grocery store or a vitamin/health shop.
Since using the above procedure, my breakouts are down to near zero (I do get one or two here and there when I get stressed, but this is the exception rather than the norm). My skin just glows now -- I just wish this site had been around when I was in high school!
Acne
Posted by Ninasim (Northampton, Ma) on 09/26/2012
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?
Acid Reflux
Posted by Seana (Bennett, CO) on 06/02/2009
If you're experiencing constipation after drinking ACV, you'll want to drink more water. You should be drinking about 1/2 your body weight in ounces over the course of your waking hours. So, if you weigh 120lbs, you'll want to consume 60 ounces or 7.5 - 8 ounce glasses over the course of a day.
ACV is a mild cleanse. It gently cleans out your digestive system. If you've never drank it before you may have a lot to eliminate. More water will make your bowel movements softer and easier to pass. It should help with gas, pressure and bloating, too.
Sources: personal experience
Warts
Posted by Dan (Myrtle Beach, Sc, Usa) on 01/03/2011
★★★★★
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...
Sinus Infections and Sinusitis
Posted by Rob (Justice, IL) on 06/24/2008
★★★★★
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND SINUS RINSE....I SPEAK FROM EXPERIENCE---I'VE HAD 4 SINUS SURGERIES DUE TO A DEVIATED SEPTUM, FOLLOWED BY SURGERIES TO REMOVE POLYPS... I WOULD HAVE ALLERGIES IT SEEMED YEAR ROUND.. I HAVE BEEN USING THE ACV FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF, ALONG WITH DOING A DAILY SINUS RINSE (YOU CAN BUY AT ANY POPULAR DRUG STORE). I HAVE NOT HAD ONE SINUS PROBLEM SINCE-----THE ACV KEEPS THE ALLERGIES AT BAY, WHILE THE RINSE FLUSHES OUT ANY POLLENS OR DUST, ETC... IF I WOULD HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS 8 YRS AGO, I WOULD NOT HAVE HAD 3 SINUS SURGERIES...
Iodine Depletion
Posted by Lana (Ormond, USA) on 11/13/2007
★★★★★
Ingesting ACV has long been used for medical treatment and is sometimes very effective.. HOWEVER, one should also take an iodine supplement, such as kelp tablets or kelp extracts while using this therapy. Extended ACV consumption can remove iodine from the body, and can result in thyroid problems. (Salt also causes the same problems which is why commercial salt has added iodine.) I learned all this back in the early 1970's, and have not found this important information on iodine/ACV interaction in any articles or books recently. However I have not covered your entire site. So in case no one has mentioned this yet, it really needs to be addressed.
