Vinegar Cures for Fibromyalgia

The Internet is full of folk remedies that "cure" every kind of medical condition. Unfortunately, many of these claims are unsubstantiated. The result is people with conditions such as fibromyalgia, embark down disappointing emotional paths; chasing the next new hope. Additionally, there is wasted money on ineffective "cures". This is why it is important to check the facts behind the stories and consider the financial risks if the "cure" is ineffective. In the case of vinegar cures for fibromyalgia, there is little risk on either end. Vinegar is inexpensive and it is a food substance that causes no harm.

The Basis for Vinegar as a Cure

• Apple cider vinegar is the variety that is typically prescribed for curing fibromyalgia. It is used because of the many trace nutrients it contains. These include phosphorous, chlorine, potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, iron, fluorine and silicon. These are all contained in apples too; however, apples have much larger amounts of these elements. The most important curative ingredient in apple cider vinegar appears to be malic acid.

  Studies have shown that malic acid is important in energy production at the cellular level. They have also shown that muscle endurance training involves the metabolism of malic acid. From this it is reasoned that the malic acid in apple cider vinegar may help to improve the flow of oxygen in the muscle cells. Additionally people believe that the trace nutrients in apple cider vinegar are important in relieving "oxidative stress" or OS (a negative result when oxygen used for energy is converted into damaging "free radicals"). Many have speculated that OS contributes to fibromyalgia.

  The reality is that new fibromyalgia studies refute the notion that oxidative stress contributes to the pain, tender points, depression or overall effect of fibromyalgia. These studies do however support the notion that oxidative stress contributes to the fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. And so it seems that apple cider vinegar and the malic acid it contains may actually contribute toward the relief of the fatigue that accompanies fibromyalgia. However the jury is still out on this. The evidence is strictly anecdotal. And it is important to remember that there are many foods high in anti-oxidants, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, carrots and teas, that would help to thwart "oxidative stress".

  But since apple cider vinegar is cheap and it is a food that does no harm; it definitely seems worthwhile for people with fibromyalgia to conduct their own experiments especially because of the malic acid component which sets it apart from other sources of anti-oxidants. Two daily tablespoons are the recommended dose. The unfiltered variety of apple cider vinegar is recommended because of the added nutrients in the sediment. It is available at health food stores.