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.

Cellulite


Posted by Page (Los Angeles, CA) on 05/31/2008
★★★★★

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!


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!

Replied by Anne
(Minneapolis, MN)
12/09/2021

How do you think she took the ACV for cellulite?


Children and Infants


Posted by Pauline (Port Townsend, WA) on 03/16/2008
★★★★★

I read Dr. D.C. Jarvis's book about folk medicine around 1960 and began to give my children apple cider vinegar whenever they got the stomach flu. It always worked. I believe he was the one who said that the vinegar changed the ph balance in the intestinal tract so that the virus couldn't live and reproduce.


Clean Burn Marks Off Pots and Pans


Posted by Stuart (Pittsburgh, PA) on 02/27/2007
★★★★★

My great great grandfather sold a liniment known as "IXL liniment, fit for man and beast" He claimed it to be 100% successful with all kinds of ailments and illnesses. I am not discounting the advertisements of either IXL OR ACV. One of the benefits of ACV that you failed to mention is its ability to break up black burns in pots and pans. Boil enough vinegar to cover burn mark and boil for half an hour. Keep track of contents so vinegar does not evaporate and allow to cool enough to handle. It takes a lot of hard rubbing but it will break up. Re boiling vinegar several times helps.


Colds and Flu


Posted by Noelle (Denton, Tx, Us) on 09/21/2010
★★★★★

I have been drinking ACV at a 2 Tbsp ACV/32 oz. Water dilution, 3 times a day, for a little over a week now, and have an overall feeling of energy, especially more energy at the end of the day than I usually have. This is especially important as my job has been unusually stressful lately. Friday, I felt the onset of a cold in the form of a tickly and then sore throat. I doubled my consumption of ACV and even did a couple of "shots" (my husband figured out that one standard shot glass holds right at 3 Tbsp. Liquid) with honey chasers. I don't feel 100% better, but I do feel like the cold never really got its "claws" into me, which has made a big difference. Also taking the popular alkaline fizzy tablet cold medicine, because

1) that's the only over-the-counter cold remedy that's ever really worked for me and

2) now I understand more about how pH levels are related to overall health.


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!


Constipation


Posted by Noor (Lawrenceville, Ga) on 06/10/2009
★★★★★

HI I just wanted to let people knw my story, I have been on a low carb diet wihich also known as protein sparing modified fast its very stricted in food u intake, awesome diet however the only problem is u don`t have bowel movements for days, a friend of mine told me she been taking apple cider vinegar ever since she had her last kid, and ask me to give it a try, so i did 2 tablespoon daily pure just like that no water no sweetener its just easier this way comparing in adding whole lot of water and honey...which tend to make it harder to drink. And belived or not i have bowel movements every single day, and its just 2 tablespoon a day and drink lots of water itself the whole day, i feel great more than ever, i highly recommend that to any body that suffer bowel movements, plz go buy yourself a good ACV unfiltered u will see diference in you.

Replied by Noelle
(Denton, Tx, Us)
09/21/2010

Yes, I have been on a similar high protein/low carb diet, through a weight loss center, but in their case when I reported constipation as a side effect of the diet, their remedy was to sell me their "cleansing tea" which while pleasant tasting was just a teabag version of senna-based laxatives! It seems that the ACV is helping in this regard but it may be too soon to tell just yet. Of course the weight loss center will not like this because they don't sell ACV or make a lot of money off it...

Replied by Sam
(Florida, US)
01/07/2015

Careful with those protein diets. They are harmful for the kidneys and the livers. I know from experience

Replied by Tiffany
(Kandas)
08/15/2016

Be careful drinking it straight. It is too hard on the esophagus. Repeat acid can cause irritation and eventually increase risk of throat cancer. I love to dink mine with lemon juice, or some of acv, raw honey and some cinnamon in hot water.


Cough, Chronic


Posted by Flint (Austin, TX)
★★★★★

I have 2 children that have never been immunized for whom I have made all medicines for at home all their lives. My 2 year old was suffering from a chronic cough. It lasted 5 months and none of my syrups, oils, tinctures etc were eliminating it. One day I was eating salad with a vinaigrette. He asked specifically for the dressing and drank 2 oz straight!! He continued to ask for it daily since and has seemed to have cured himself! The cough has subsided and I feel that it is due to the apple cider vinegar! What a smart guy!

EC: Read many more testimonials and cures here.


Cows


Posted by Leanda (Qld, Aust) on 04/07/2008
★★★★★

Found an article that said old cattle farmers would feed their cows 2oz ACV twice daily with their feeds for strong healthy calves. Improves strong healthy bones.


Cuticle Pain


Posted by Cindy (Smithfield, Utah)
★★★★★

I have a problem with my cuticles tearing all the way back to my knuckles. I have tried every lotion and cream available. It is very painful and interrupts my sleep. A few days drinking acv and it clears up but as soon as I stop, it comes right back.


Dental Enamel Issues

5 star (11) 
  85%
(2) 
  15%

Posted by Carolina (Chicago) on 03/25/2014

From what I know "acidity of undiluted apple cider vinegar may destroy tooth enamel when sipped orally" and this is exactly what happened to me. Maybe for someone it works, but not for everybody. People like me that have thin teeth do not have a very big tooth enamel cover and it affects it very fast.

Replied by Doreen
(England)
03/02/2016

That is so true. It eroded my teeth enamel as well. I used to sip it every day. Now I use a straw and push it as far back as possible and swallow as quick as possible.


Dental Enamel Issues
Posted by Coco (Jupiter, Fl) on 07/05/2013

I have found a way to prevent enamel erosion when drinking a cider vinegar tonic. Get a handful of dark lettuce or other greens. Put the greens in your mouth and chew them to a mush, but do not swallow them. Push the greens to both side of your mouth so they coat your teeth. Then use a straw to drink the tonic. After you drink the tonic, you can chew the greens a little more and swallow them. With a little practice, you will find that you can keep the acid from ever touching your teeth.


Dental Enamel Issues
Posted by Jessie (Sacramento, California) on 01/03/2013

I have been a Dental Hygienist for over 12 years and.... Yes, acidic foods and drinks do cause you to lose tooth enamel. This can contribute to sensitivity to hot/cold, sweets, touch; especially if you have any gum recession that causes the roots of the teeth to be exposed. An oral environment that is acidic leads to tooth decay as well. You may also notice yellowing of the teeth because as the enamel on the tooth gets worn, the yellow dentin (the layer under the enamel) will show through more. I would suggest rinsing with a mixture of water and baking soda immediately following the ACV. This will help to neutralize the acid. Do not brush afterwards, this will cause further abrasion to already weakened enamel. Also, it is best to drink the water and ACV quickly rather than sipping it over time. Each time you drink there is an "acid attack" in your mouth that can last for 20 minutes or so. Drinking it fast will limit the exposure time of the acid on the enamel. Hope this information is helpful.


Dental Enamel Issues
Posted by Dan (Redford, Mi) on 05/10/2010

If I mix cider vinegar with water and drink small amounts during the day, wouldn't that slowly remove my tooth enamel after a few years?

Replied by Siobhan
(Fairbanks, Alaska)
10/23/2010

To protect my teeth from the vinegar acid, I swish baking soda and water around in my mouth after every dose of ACV. Usually about a teaspoon of baking soda to a mouthful of water mixed in a small cup does the trick.

Replied by Meenu
(Vancouver, Bc Canada)
10/25/2010

Since I've started "ACV" FRO 2 MONTHS NOW I'VE NOTICED MY TEETH R PALE YELLOW AND "ACV" MAKES ME CONSTIPATED. PLEASE ANY REMEDIES FOR BOTH THESE PROBLEMS. WHAT IS THE REACTION U R GETTING AFTER USING BAKING SODA N HOW DO U USE IT AFTER "ACV". THX N BEST REGARDS TO ALL OF U.

Replied by Nuri
(Tacoma, Wa, Usa)
11/11/2010

Hi, sorry you feel a connection between ACV and yellow teeth. I haven't heard that problem before so perhaps there are other more complex reasons for this sighting. I have several homemade tonics which I take each day. I give you one which I use that covers the
ACV question:

I make this big health mixture every two days:
Start with a big pitcher or jar that will hold 40 oz or more. Pour in 32 oz of clean water
Put in 1/4 cup of Ted's magnesium/carbonated water concoction, plus 1/4 cup of organic ACV,
Plus 1/4 cup of organic unsulphered Black Strap Molasses

Cover the jar tightly and shake well. It mixes up real good. Pour yourself an 18 oz glass every morning and take 4 good swallows of it before brushing your teeth, then brush your teeth right after swallowing the tonic using nothing but baking soda to brush with. Spit and rinse, spit gain. Follow with a nice "food grade Hydrogen Peroxide 1/10 ratio mix". Slush it around for a few minutes and spit it somewhere. Then sip the mixture again every couple of hours like a little snack instead of soda pop or coffee. Then sip right before your 3 major meals and before bedtime, and brush with baking soda, rinse with peroxide mixture after each meal and before bed. The magnesium ought to take care of the constipation, if not eat a wider variety and larger quantity of garden vegetables

Replied by Nuri
(Tacoma, Wa, Usa)
11/11/2010

I forgot to add that the Black Strap Molasses added to this ACV, magnesium water mix is a nice way to take your Molasses everyday. Its all gooooood!

Replied by Averillh
(Eastsound, Wa)
02/13/2012

Swishing with baking soda or another acid-neutralizer immediately after consuming ACV is the best way to protect your teeth. Brushing your teeth directly after acidic things have gone into or come out of your mouth can further the damage to enamel since enamel is softer then.

Replied by Gs
(Manila, Philippines)
06/10/2013

I just use a straw. That way it goes straight to my throat without the Apple Cider Vinegar lingering inside my mouth.

Replied by Ellen
(Florida)
12/28/2013

Just chew a big wad of dark green lettuce. Keep the chewed up lettuce in your mouth while using a straw to drink the cider vinegar. The acid will not be able to get to your teeth because they are coated in greens.


Dental Enamel Issues
Posted by Jordan (Houston, Tx) on 12/10/2009

Question, as ACV is acidic, would it be a bad idea to put some in coffee? Coffee i know, is acidic..so I was just wondering what it would do. I dont want it to ruin my teeth by having too much acid or any other part in my body.

Replied by Dott
(Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Usa)
12/13/2009

Dilute your ACV with water, a couple ice cubes, and a couple crushed mint leaves..... and drink it through a straw. (Pretend it's a mint julip.) Then, brush your teeth after. Problem solved! ACV is an mild acid, but, I have heard that it is modified in the body by calcium, phosphate, magnesium and other alkalines; eventually winding up rather alkaline itself.

Replied by Elysa
(A, Tx)
12/02/2011

Actually I saw a study saying we are not supposed to brush our teeth until 30 minutes after eating something acidic because acid apparently loosens the enamel and it's possible to brush it away.

I personally like to rinse my mouth out with plain water and then wait to brush my teeth 'til later. No more sensitive teeth while brushing! :)

Replied by Halfy
(Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)
02/07/2012

Do not brush teeth after anything acidic!

It's correct that the acids weaken the enamel. Brushing immediately after will eventually brush away the tooth enamel. Not brushing right away lets the enamel strengthen again. You can rinse with baking soda and water before brushing your teeth, wait at least half an hour before brushing, or just use the apple cider vinegar after brushing your teeth.

The same goes after drinking cola, orange juice, or anything else acidic.



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