Does Raw Apple Cider Vinegar Really Cure Anything?

Apple cider vinegar is an ancient folk remedy, said to relieve just about any ailment you can think of. Most of these claims lack medical evidence; however, a few do have promising research results to back them up. With many claims to its name, apple cider vinegar has caused quit a buzz, but it's not a cure for anything.

Weight Loss

• According to Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, there is no evidence that taking apple cider vinegar for weight loss is effective. Still, people have used vinegar for thousands of years to lose weight. A very small study done in 2005 suggests that taking a small amount of vinegar with meals can make you feel fuller and more satisfied sooner. Apple cider vinegar does contain nutrients that, if combined with exercise and diet, could help you lose weight. Enzymes, for example, help aid in digestion and allow the body to digest fats more efficiently. Also, pectin is a natural fiber found in apples and apple cider vinegar, and fiber helps the body digest carbohydrates and absorb less sugar from them. The chain reaction caused by enzymes helps to send fats where they are needed in our body instead of being stored. Talk to your doctor about using apple cider vinegar, though, because ingesting large amounts could have risks.

To Treat Acid Reflux

• Another widely claimed benefit is apple cider vinegar's ability to cure acid reflux. Strangely, that's suggesting you should take an acid to treat acid reflux.
  There have been no studies to substantiate this claim; however, one study suggests taking apple cider vinegar could decrease your risk of esophageal cancer. Still another study found taking undiluted apple cider vinegar could cause lasting damage to the esophagus. If using apple cider vinegar as a digestive tonic, dilute 1 to 2 teaspoons in an 8-ounce glass of water. In theory, apple cider vinegar works on acid reflux by providing more digestive enzymes to both the stomach and intestines, helping food digest faster and stay in your stomach. These enzymes also help relieve constipation. There are other digestive enzymes---like those found in papaya---that can do the same thing.

Many Other Claims

• As an overall body cleanse, users of apple cider vinegar claim it detoxifies the entire body. When it comes to skin conditions, apple cider vinegar is said to soothe sunburns, dry out acne, cure athlete's foot, heal cold sores, stop itching, treat diaper rash, kill head lice, make your hair shiny and help varicose veins. The list of claims seems endless, but is not without contradiction. Sticking with proven cures and treatments for most ailments is best.

Warnings

• The risks of occasionally taking small amounts of apple cider vinegar are low. But apple cider vinegar taken long term can have risks. Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and quite harsh. Taken undiluted, apple cider vinegar can damage tooth enamel, gums and throat tissue. Apple cider vinegar could also lower potassium levels in the body, affecting bone density. Apple cider vinegar can interact with diuretics, laxatives, diabetes medications, heart disease medications or other drugs. Always talk to your doctor before taking apple cider vinegar.