Apple Cider Vinegar for Gout
Apple cider vinegar is one of the known remedies for gout. This is because when ACV is consumed, it has an alkalizing effect on the body, helping to achieve that balanced pH environment.
But ACV isn’t just for gout. It’s also useful for other conditions such as acne, dandruff, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It might even reduce your risk for certain cancers. It’s no wonder why this tonic has been used for thousands of years. Not only is it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen, it also heals various ailments.
Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Here are some of the ways that apple cider vinegar is beneficial for your health:
1. ACV helps lower blood sugar
Many diabetics use ACV to control their blood sugar. When taking a high carb meal, taking ACV has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity.
2. ACV helps you feel full longer
Having gout means you need to maintain a healthy weight. With ACV, you can certainly achieve that since it helps you feel full longer and avoid binging on food.
3. ACV helps with weight loss
Weight loss is a result of feeling full longer from taking ACV. When you lose weight, it’s easier to manage other comorbidities associated with gout. You also put less strain on your joints, reducing your chances of experiencing a gout attack.
4. ACV lowers your risk for cancer
ACV might help lower your risk for certain cancers. This is because vinegar has been shown to kill cancer cells.
5. ACV can sooth a sore throat
ACV has antibacterial properties that make it an ideal remedy for sore throats. However, it can be uncomfortable to take this ACV on an already irritated throat so make sure to dilute it with water first before gargling.
6. ACV reduces fungal growth
ACV also has antifungal properties which means you can use it to fight candida growth. If you have candida in your mouth and feet, ACV is a great solution for this.
Where Does Apple Cider Vinegar Come From?
Apple cider vinegar has been around for a long time and was used for a variety of purposes. Japanese Samurai warriors would take it to boost their strength. The Romans would use it in combination with fire to break through the rocks in the Alps. During the first world war and the civil war in the United States, it was used to treat wounds. It’s also been said that Cleopatra used ACV to cleanse her skin.
So, you’re probably wondering, where does ACV come from?
ACV is made from apples. First, the apples are crushed and its liquids are squeezed out. Bacteria and yeast is then added to the liquid to begin the fermentation process. This is when the sugars turn into alcohol.
Then there’s the second fermentation process where the acetic acid-forming bacteria allows the alcohol to turn into vinegar, giving it its sour taste. By the time it’s done fermenting, it should have a medium amber color. The finished product is ACV which is rich in nutrients such as potassium, mineral salts, amino acids, B vitamins, vitamin C, and more.
When it comes to gout, the real star compound here is the acetic acid. This turns into alkaline inside the body to help balance out those high uric acid levels caused by gout. Having gout means your body has become too acidic which is why it’s useful to take alkalizing remedies such as ACV.
Aside from alkalizing the body, ACV may also help with your joints, reducing the inflammation and swelling caused by a gout attack. Many gout patients experience relief just a few hours after taking ACV, some even days later.
Ways to Incorporate Apple Cider VInegar Into Your Lifestyle
1. Take 2 to 3 tablespoons a day
This is the most common way to take apple cider vinegar. Take it straight using a tablespoon and do it 2 to 3 times a day. If it’s too strong for you, you can dilute the ACV in a glass of water. Try adding honey too if you’re not a fan of the strong sour taste.
2. Add it to salads
If you’re making a dressing for your salad, you can add ACV Into the mixture. This gives it a sour tangy flavor that will enhance the taste of your meal. Just be careful not to add too much as ACV has a very strong taste. A little bit goes a long way.
3. Add it to smoothies
Give your morning smoothies a little bit of kick with a few teaspoons of ACV.
4. Add it to bone broth
If you regularly make bone broth at home, you can boost its benefits by adding two tablespoons to the mixture. Do this after you’re done cooking the bone broth.
5. Add to marinades
Marinating is a great way to enhance the flavor of your meats. However, you can take this one step further by adding ACV to your marinade mix. Marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking the meat.
6. Use as vinegar replacement
If you’ve run out of vinegar in your kitchen, ACV makes for a great, if not, even better substitute! Use it for recipes where you would normally use vinegar.
7. Use as a preservative
Into pickling? Try using ACV as a preservative. This makes the food more acidic, killing any bacteria that will cause it to spoil.
7. Use as rice fluffer
If you eat rice regularly, ACV can be a great addition since it can make rice fluffier. Add a teaspoon of ACV to your rice water before cooking and you’ll get fluffy rice as a result. The best part is that there is no trace of vinegar taste in your rice.
8. Use as a digestive tonic
If you’re having digestive issues, you can make a digestive tonic by mixing two teaspoons of ACV with ginger, water, and lemon juice. Add water and honey. You can make it hot or cold, whichever you prefer.
9. Use as a post workout drink
We all know how exercise is important for gout sufferers since it aids with weight loss and strengthens the joints. Before you begin working out, make yourself a post workout drink by adding a tablespoon of ACV to your water bottle. This will allow you to stay hydrated while fighting that lactic acid buildup during your workout. The ACV will also help boost your metabolism allowing you to burn fat faster
10. Use as a topical ointment
During a gout attack, you can use ACV as a topical treatment. Fill a small basin with 4 cups of hot water and a cup of ACV. Soak the affected joint for 30 minutes. You can also soak a clean cloth in the mixture and wrap it around the joint for 15 minutes. This should give you some relief from the pain.
11. Use as a produce scrub
Eating whole foods is one of the hallmarks of a healthy gout diet. However, certain produce can contain traces of pesticides which are harmful to your health. To avoid this, you need to wash your fruits and veggies before consuming them. ACV is a great ingredient to use in cleaning these items before eating.
How to Shop for Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is very easy to spot in the grocery. It comes in bright yellow packaging with the name brand Bragg on it. This is the go-to choice when it comes to ACV but you can find other brands as well. There are a lot of good ones made in the United States and Europe. Avoid ACVs made in China as they tend to have looser regulations there. There’s a good chance you’ll end up with low quality variants when you get it from there.
You need to make sure you are buying real organic raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar. This means that the ACV has the mother which is where all that good bacteria resides. This is what gives it its murky appearance. Avoid the clear ACVs as those have been heated and distilled, removing its beneficial effects. You’ll want to be cautious of products that are labeled apple flavored. This is not real ACV; it’ll probably just contain apple juice.
Also make sure to check the expiration date. ACV is good for up to five years but you’ll want to grab one that hasn’t been sitting on the shelf for too long. The beneficial bacteria in it needs oxygen to survive so you are better off with a fresher ACV.
In Conclusion
So, you’ve learned that ACV is not only beneficial for health, but it also has many uses. We could’ve added more but we limited it to just ways that it can impact your gout health. While ACV can sound like a miracle tonic, it should never be used as a replacement for your medication. If you’re weaning of medication use and plan to use ACV is one of your remedies, make sure to speak with your doctor first.
Any experience with using apple cider vinegar as a gout remedy? Did it work? What other benefits have you seen from taking it? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns.