Apple cider vinegar is made by a two-step fermentation process. First, apple juice is fermented with yeast and bacteria to form alcoholic hard apple cider. Then, the alcohol is fermented again with acetic acid-forming bacteria to form apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar is a tasty, versatile condiment that can be used in salad dressings, vinaigrettes, and marinades.
It is also used as a home remedy for several ailments, such as indigestion, sore throats, and arthritis. But can apple cider vinegar really help with these conditions?
Arthritis and Apple Cider Vinegar
Arthritis is a general term for conditions that involve swelling of the joints or surrounding tissues.
Symptoms typically include:
● pain
● swelling
● redness
● stiffness
● decreased range of motion
Treatments for arthritis often depend on the type and severity of arthritis, but usually include pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
People who are fond of alternative medicines will sometimes claim that apple cider vinegar can be used to reduce inflammation and treat arthritis. This claim is not supported by clinical research or scientific evidence.
Apple cider vinegar probably won’t make your condition worse, but it is unlikely to provide any help except as a placebo.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Weight Loss
One possible way that apple cider vinegar might possibly help a little bit with arthritis is if it aids with weight loss.
Carrying around extra weight can put a strain on your joints, which can aggravate arthritis symptoms.
Vinegar—any type of vinegar—can provide short-term effects on your satiety (the feeling of fullness). This suggests that a spoonful of vinegar before or with a meal may make it a little easier to avoid overeating.
However, vinegar is not a magic weight-loss treatment. The effects are minimal, and weight loss generally involves a much more comprehensive approach, including diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Safe?
When taken in small amounts, apple cider vinegar is generally considered safe for most people. However, you will want to dilute it with water before consuming it.
Because of the acidity, apple cider vinegar may provoke symptoms such as:
● indigestion
● heartburn
● sore throat
● tooth enamel erosion
Apple cider vinegar can also interact with certain medications, such as diuretics and insulin. Therefore, check with your doctor before using it if you are taking any medications.
Alternative medicines like apple cider vinegar should never be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatment. If you have arthritis, be sure to talk to your doctor about the best way to manage your condition.
