Apple cider vinegar may provide added health benefits for people looking for an alternative treatment to help manage their chronic pain.
Apple cider vinegar seems to always be discussed as a “cure all.” There has been talk about how apple cider vinegar helped to lower cholesterol, manage diabetes, alleviate joint pain, reduce indigestion and promote weight loss, and has even been said to help protect against cancer.
So can it really help, or is it too good to be true? Here are a few points to consider about apple cider vinegar and chronic pain.
Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits
Apple cider vinegar is used made using the sugars from fermented apples, which are converted into acetic acid, one of the active ingredients found in vinegar.
The most recommended apple cider vinegar, said to have the best-added benefits, is the organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar with “the mother” present. The mother is a cloudy substance in the vinegar that contains friendly bacteria, proteins and enzymes. The substance floats to the bottom of the glass container. Before use, apple cider vinegar drinkers are advised to shake the bottle to make sure the mother is well mixed throughout.
Apple cider vinegar can help the body’s response to inflammation by forming an anti-inflammatory response that can be caused by arthritis and joint pain.
The vinegar is also rich in potassium, or vitamin K. In fact, one tablespoon contains 10.9 mg of potassium. People who have low levels of potassium may experience weakness, fatigue, muscle cramps and constipation, according to Mayo Clinic.
Apple cider vinegar contains very little sugar and very few calories if consumed from the bottle or in pill form.
Ways to consume Apple Cider Vinegar
Although there are no studies that prove apple cider vinegar has any scientific benefits for chronic pain, people who have added it to their treatment plan report experiencing a variety of benefits.
Some take a daily tablespoon of apple cider vinegar combined with eight ounces of water to help prevent damage to the esophagus. Experts advise to not ingest a tablespoon without diluting it with water.
Some people also add a teaspoon of honey or lemon to activate their digestive system. Detox drink recipes suggest adding cinnamon, ground ginger and cayenne pepper to the drink. You can also add apple cider vinegar to tea, create a non-alcoholic cocktail or add it to a latte.
If you would like to try apple cider vinegar, but are worried about the taste, good news! You can now purchase an organic, 16-ounce all-natural drink, available in various flavors, such as Concord grape, acai, ginger or limeade. These apple cider vinegar drinks can be purchased from a variety of retailers and brands, including Braggs.
If you prefer not to drink the vinegar, you can also buy a capsule version from a variety of manufacturers.
Please be sure to consult with your doctor before adding any supplement to your regular treatment regime.
What other alternatives can you use for chronic pain?
If you are unsure about using apple cider vinegar to help combat your chronic pain, there are a variety of other ways to help you feel better. Often, feeling better involves a multi-faceted approach that follows a treatment plan provided by your doctor, and many other activities, such as: exercise, acupuncture, chiropractic treatments, aromatherapy, yoga and physical therapy.
Have you tried apple cider vinegar? Please comment below to share your experience.
