Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar:
- Diabetes: Best researched, the effect of vinegar on blood sugar levels. Several studies found that apple cider vinegar may help glucose levels. In a study done in 2007, 11 people with type 2 diabetes found that taking 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before bed lowered glucose levels in the morning by 4%-6%.
- High Cholesterol: In a 2006 study, evidence showed that vinegar could lower cholesterol, although the study was done on rats, so more research is needed to see how it might work with people.
- Blood Pressure & Heart Disease: Another study done using rats had found that vinegar could lower blood pressure. An observational study found that individuals that ate oil and vinegar dressing on salads 5-6 times a week had lower rates of heart disease than those that didn’t.
- Cancer: A few studies had found that vinegar may be able to kill cancer cells or slow the growth. Although, some observational studies of individuals has caused some confusion. One study found that ingesting vinegar decreased risk of esophageal cancer. Another study claimed ingesting vinegar increased the risk of bladder cancer.
- Weight Loss: White vinegar may cause an individual to feel full. In 2005 a study was done of 12 individuals and was found that those that ate a piece of bread along with a small amount of white vinegar felt fuller and more satisfied.
The Risks of Apple Cider Vinegar:
- Highly Acidic: Always dilute apple cider vinegar in water or juice. Pure vinegar can cause tooth enamel damage as well as damage to the tissue of the throat and mouth.
- Long-Term Use May Cause Low Levels of Potassium and Low Bone Density.
- Could Interact with Diuretics, Laxatives, and Medicines for Diabetes and Heart Disease.
- Vinegar has Chromium which can Alter Insulin Levels.
Should Apple Cider Vinegar Be Used?
- As a salad dressing, yes, although daily use as a supplement could be risky. Even though some studies have shown that apple cider vinegar may help, much more research is needed. It would be recommended to speak with your doctor before using vinegar for medical reasons.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Animals:
- Relieves and prevents antibiotics.
- Improves digestion.
- Acts as a urinary system tonic, cleans urinary tract infections, and prevents formation of kidney and bladder stones.
- Improves the growth and condition of fur.
- Clears the skin of bacterial and fungal infections.
- Reduces skin flaking and dander.
- Repels insects, such as fleas and ticks.
- Helps prevent food poisoning.
- Acts as a natural antibiotic by interrupting the development of infectious bacterial and viral disease.
- Relieves muscle fatigue.
- Alleviates itching,
- Improves ability to adapt to cold temperatures.
- When applied to ear, clears and prevents ear infections.
No studies have been found to prove any of the claims above for animals. If you decide to use apple cider vinegar for your pet, be sure to talk to your veterinarian prior to any ingesting. Always make sure to dilute vinegar prior to any application to the skin or coat.
Personal Experience:
As for my person experience, I have never used vinegar to treat any of my own ailments. As for my pets, I have used it as a spray for their skin, coat, and as a flea repellent. From what I found the spray works best when mixed with water, apple cider vinegar, and a bit of baking soda or salt. This helps to ensure that the fleas are not just repelled, but that they are sucked of moisture and killed as well. Vinegar is also known to make it difficult for fleas to stick to the cuticle of the fur, as it helps to close it and make it soft and shiny.
My personal recommendation would be to give apple cider vinegar a try, externally. As for internal use on yourself or your pets, I would recommend speaking to a professional. As mentioned above, you are just looking for a way to help the pH of your body to get back to where it should be, check out The Ultimate Reset or even The 3-Day Refresh.