Apple cider vinegar cold

Why Apple Cider Vinegar Is A Natural Remedy For The Common Cold

There is hardly anything more common than the common cold. We often fall prey to bouts of sniffles, with a runny drippy nose, a sore throat that makes it difficult to even talk, and painful sinus blockages. And the fatigue that comes with it leaves us drained so that even simple chores feel like a challenge.

What Is Common Cold?

When we say common cold, it’s actually the symptoms we are referring to. The symptoms are an indication that your body’s immune system is at work against viruses that have found their way in. The coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and runny nose are all signs that the inflammatory chemicals in your body, such as histamine and kinin, are widening your blood vessels and helping produce more mucus. 1

It can be caused by many viruses, with rhinovirus being the most common one, and has no cure. The myriad of pills and medicines we take simply help us alleviate its symptoms till the disease runs its course and leaves us naturally.

Apple Cider Vinegar For Common Cold

As an alternative to the drugs in the market today, most of which are sedating and mind-numbing, a natural remedy being touted as effective in treating the common cold is apple cider vinegar, also known as ACV. Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple cider, which is then re-fermented to form acetic acid or vinegar. It has a host of nutritional and medicinal properties and is used to treat a wide variety of ailments–from diabetes to urinary infections. Let’s look at how ACV can help tackle the cold infection.

The Vinegar In ACV Kills Bacteria

Apple juice has compounds that can inactivate viruses. A study showed that a number of products like apple juice, cider, and wine showed various degrees of antiviral activity against poliovirus. 2 It might not be able to stop them completely but it could help alleviate symptoms and reduce the severity of the infection.

Although the initial infection that causes a cold is due to a virus, the symptoms that can be attributed to virus infection only last one or two days. Cold can last a week or two, and this is because the damaged cells in the airways become vulnerable to a secondary infection by bacteria already present there. Normally, these resident bacteria don’t cause any harm, but when the cells are killed and the tissue is inflamed, they seize the opportunity to become pathogenic. 3

Apple cider vinegar has similar organic acid contents as vinegar. The organic acids in vinegar, mainly acetic acid, pass into the cell membranes of microorganisms leading to bacterial cell death. 4 These anti-microbial properties of apple cider vinegar can help fight common cold and bring relief from its symptoms faster.

Its Vitamin C Makes Symptoms Less Severe

Apple cider vinegar contains more than 30 important nutrients, with a dozen minerals, including potassium, magnesium, iron, and sodium; over half a dozen vitamins, including vitamin B1, B2, B6, vitamin C, and vitamin E; essential amino acids; and several enzymes. 5 ACV is particularly rich in vitamin C.

In one study on 818 people, the researchers assigned a vitamin C tablet and a placebo to two study groups, without telling them what they were taking. The average number of colds and days of sickness per person was lower in the vitamin group than in the placebo group, but not very significantly. Interestingly, though, many more people in the vitamin group compared with those in the placebo group remained free of illness throughout the study period. They even had 30 percent fewer days of disability because they had comparatively fewer incidences of symptoms like chills or severe discomfort, which usually make daily activities and work difficult. 6

Though it has not been conclusively proven that vitamin C can prevent colds, it has been shown to reduce the duration of symptoms. A study showed that vitamin C did not reduce the incidence of colds in the general population but it had consistent and statistically significant small benefits on duration and severity for those using vitamin C regularly. 7

These studies suggest that with its vitamin content, ACV can significantly prevent common cold and may also reduce its severity.

Potassium In ACV Removes Mucus

ACV also contains potassium, which is known to absorb excess fluids such as mucus from the body and remove them. 8 This helps relieve chronic sinusitis, a condition caused by excess mucus build-up in the cavities of nasal passages. Sinusitis is a common symptom of common cold. This also clears mucus congestion in the throat.

How To Take ACV For Cold?

It’s a very simple method. Just mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water several times a day. Or mix it with tea. You could even dress your salad with ACV.

Taking apple cider vinegar will give you the much-needed relief in the most natural way, without having to rely on mind-numbing and sleep-inducing medication.

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How to Drink Apple Cider Vinegar

This article was co-authored by Adrienne Youdim, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Dr. Adrienne Youdim is a Board Certified Internist specializing in medical weight loss and nutrition and founder and creator of Dehl Nutrition — a line of functional nutritional bars and supplements. With 10+ years of experience, Dr. Youdim uses a holistic approach to nutrition that blends lifestyle changes and evidence-based medicine. Dr. Youdim holds a BA from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and an MD from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). She completed her residency training and fellowship at Cedars-Sinai. Dr. Youdim holds multiple board certifications awarded by the American Board of Internal Medicine, the National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists, and the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is also a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. Dr. Youdim is an Associate Professor of Medicine at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. She has been featured on CBS News, Fox News, Dr. Oz, National Public Radio, W Magazine, and the Los Angeles Times.

There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 110 testimonials and 95% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.

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Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a common cooking ingredient, and some people report that it has helped them lose weight, improve their immune system, and regulate their blood sugar. You can add a little ACV into your diet each day to cleanse your body and detox. Whether you mix it into drinks or your meals, you can start your ACV detox easily! While some people think apple cider has a positive effect, current research is conflicting. [1] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

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The Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Cathy Wong is a nutritionist and wellness expert. Her work is regularly featured in media such as First For Women, Woman’s World, and Natural Health.

Arno Kroner, DAOM, LAc, is a board-certified acupuncturist, herbalist, and integrative medicine doctor practicing in Santa Monica, California.

For centuries, apple cider vinegar has been used to treat a wide variety of health ailments. It’s also a popular disinfectant and natural preservative. Today, it may be best known as a weight loss aid and a way to help control your blood sugar.

Apple cider vinegar is produced when apple cider is fermented. During this process, bacteria or yeast interact with the sugar in apples. The cider turns into alcohol and then into vinegar.

Some people drink the vinegar itself or use it as a condiment like salad dressing. Others take capsules or eat gummies.

This article explains which benefits are backed by science and which are unproven. It also lists some of the possible side effects you might experience.

Health Benefits

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid. It also contains bacteria and lactic, citric, and malic acids. These acids are what gives the vinegar its tart taste.

Apple cider vinegar is believed to boost your health in many ways. Here’s what the research says about its benefits.

Blood Sugar

The acetic acid in vinegar may block enzymes that help you digest starch. Starchy foods such as bread, pasta, and rice can cause a surge in blood sugar after you eat.

So taking apple cider vinegar could lead to a smaller blood sugar spike after starchy meals.

A 2017 research review published in Diabetes Research & Clinical Practice showed that taking vinegar with meals lowered insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use sugar, and it’s increased in diabetes. Vinegar also lowered post-meal blood sugar levels.

To add apple cider vinegar to a meal, try a splash on salads or in marinades, vinaigrettes, and sauces.

If you have diabetes or prediabetes, talk to your healthcare provider if you’re thinking of using more than you’d typically find in cooking. Vinegar can interact with diabetes medication. It shouldn’t be used if you have certain health conditions like gastroparesis, a digestive disorder in which the stomach empties slowly.

Weight Loss

Advocates claim that taking vinegar before or with a meal may help you feel full faster and lose weight.

A small study published in 2018 tracked weight loss in two groups of people over a 12-week period. Both groups ate fewer calories. One group also had 30 milliliters of apple cider vinegar a day.

At the end of the study, the vinegar group lost more weight. They also lost more visceral fat. That’s the fat around the organs in your abdomen, and it is linked to a higher risk of heart disease.

People tend to use more apple cider vinegar when taking it for weight loss purposes. Some even take it in supplement form.

Recap

Some research points to apple cider vinegar as a way to lower blood sugar and help with weight loss. More large-scale studies need to be done to confirm these benefits.

Other Uses

Over the years, apple cider vinegar has been used as a home remedy for many health and beauty purposes. While there isn’t strong science to back these claims, some people have reported success.

Dandruff

To treat dandruff, some people spritz an apple cider vinegar and water solution onto the scalp. It is believed to fight flakes, itchiness, and irritation. Vinegar’s acetic acid may change the scalp’s pH, making it harder for yeast to thrive. Yeast contributes to dandruff.

It is also used to treat an itchy, scaly skin condition called seborrheic dermatitis. A 2017 study published in the Galen Medical Journal said applying the flowering herb Althaea officinalis along with vinegar resolved the condition in a 32-year-old woman.

Some people use it as a hair rinse to remove shampoo build-up and clarify dull hair. If you try this, be sure to mix the vinegar with plenty of water so it doesn’t sting your eyes.

Vinegar doesn’t get rid of head lice.

Sunburn and Other Skin Injuries

People often treat mild sunburns with a cool water compress, cool bath, aloe gel, or moisturizer. Others swear by apple cider vinegar. It can be added to a cool bath or mixed with cool water and spritzed on affected areas to ease pain. It’s a good idea to avoid the face.

There is little evidence that apple cider vinegar can relieve sunburn pain. It does have strong germ-fighting properties, though. It may help prevent skin infections caused by sunburn and other skin injuries.

Apple cider vinegar shouldn’t be applied to the skin in full-strength or strong concentrations. It also shouldn’t be used for more serious burns. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider for major sunburns.

If you have mosquito bites, poison ivy, or jellyfish stings, some advocates say you can dab a weak apple cider vinegar solution onto the area(s) to help itching and irritation.

Acne and Other Chronic Skin Issues

There isn’t much evidence to suggest that apple cider vinegar could clear up acne. Still, some people dab on a little to dry out pimples. It should be diluted before applying it to the face as it can harm your skin if it’s not mixed with water.

There is some research suggesting that applying apple cider vinegar to varicose veins may make them less noticeable. Varicose veins are raised blood vessels that can be painful.

Different vinegars have different amounts of acetic acid. That can make it hard to know how much water to add to make it safe for skin. Keep that fact in mind if you want to use apple cider vinegar on your skin.

Sore Throat

One of the oldest uses of apple cider vinegar is as a remedy for sore throat (pharyngitis).

There are many different recipes and methods. One basic drink recipe calls for a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, a teaspoon of honey, and a small pinch of cayenne pepper stirred in a cup of warm water. Some drink the mixture and others like to gargle it.

Apple cider vinegar has germ-fighting properties. It’s also said that the capsaicin in hot peppers relieves pain. But there hasn’t been any specific research that shows apple cider vinegar fights sore throat.

In fact, there is evidence that treating a sore throat with vinegar can do more harm than good. If it’s not mixed with enough water, vinegar can damage tissues in the throat. The damage may worsen pain and make it harder to swallow.

It is not clear how much apple cider vinegar should be added to water to make a safe treatment for sore throats, especially in children.

Body Odor

Some claim that apple cider vinegar may keep smelly feet and armpits in check. It may help to balance the skin’s pH (acidity level) and fight bacteria that cause body odor.

One method is to mix a bit of apple cider vinegar into water. Dip a baby wipe, cotton ball, or cloth into the solution. Wring out the extra liquid and wipe the bottom of the feet or the armpit. Wipes can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.

At first, you might notice a vinegar scent. It usually goes away when the vinegar dries.

It’s a good idea to test the apple cider vinegar solution in a small area first. You should also avoid using it near delicate fabrics like silk or leather. The acids could damage them.

Recap

Some people have had personal success using vinegar to treat dandruff, acne, sunburn, sore throats, bites, and stings. There isn’t much research to support these uses, however. If you decide to give it a go, be sure you water down the vinegar first so you don’t damage your skin.

Possible Side Effects

Apple cider vinegar is a popular household product. Its popularity could lead you to believe that it’s completely safe. You should be aware of some potential side effects, however. They may be more of a problem if the vinegar is too strong or in contact with your body too long.

For instance, it can cause chemical burns. Some people had burns after using it for warts and a skin condition known as molluscum contagiosum.

Some people have tried vinegar as a home remedy to whiten teeth or freshen breath. But the acids can damage tooth enamel and lead to cavities.

Eating or drinking apple cider vinegar may lower your potassium levels too much. It can also lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), throat irritation, and allergic reactions.

Vinegar is an acid. It can cause burns and injury to the digestive tract (including the throat, esophagus, and stomach). This is especially true when it is used in large amounts or without diluting it with water.

Substances that have a pH less than 7 are acids. Many apple cider vinegar products have a pH of 2 to 3. That means they are highly acidic.

Apple cider vinegar may interact with medications, including:

• Laxatives (medications that make it easier to have a bowel movement)
• Diuretics (medications that rid your body of extra water and salt)
• Blood thinners
• Heart disease and diabetes medications

Apple cider vinegar shouldn’t be used as a nasal spray, sinus wash, or in a neti pot. It shouldn’t be added to eye drops.

Dose and Preparation

Apple cider vinegar is available as a liquid and a supplement. There is no standard dose for the capsules and gummies, so follow the package directions and check with your healthcare provider.

Many uses involve diluting vinegar with water, but it’s hard to tell how much water to use to make the vinegar safe. Some advocates suggest a ratio of 1:10 (one part vinegar to 10 parts water) if you’re putting it on your skin. Using vinegar on delicate or damaged skin may not be a good idea.

If you’re drinking vinegar, a teaspoon to a tablespoon mixed into 8 ounces of water is a common recipe. Again, the safety of various doses isn’t known.

The amount of acetic acid in commercial apple cider vinegar varies (unlike white vinegar, which is 5% acetic acid). That can make it impossible to know the true strength of your mixture.

What to Look For

You can buy filtered or unfiltered vinegar. The filtered type is a clear, light brown color. Unfiltered versions (such as Bragg’s) have a cloudy layer at the bottom of the bottle.

Known as «mother of vinegar» or simply «mother,» this cloudy layer is mainly bacteria. Some say unfiltered options are better. They do tend to be more costly than filtered vinegars, though.

When you buy apple cider vinegar capsules or gummies, read the product label first. Make sure it lists apple cider vinegar, not acetic acid (white vinegar). Supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. That means you should look for brands reviewed by independent parties such as U.S. Pharmacopeia.

Summary

Apple cider vinegar has been around for ages. There’s some evidence that it could help control blood sugar or help you reach a healthy weight. Some people have had success using it to treat skin and scalp problems, but there’s no solid science backing these uses yet.

Apple cider vinegar contains some acids, so it’s usually mixed with water when it’s used for acne, bites, or other skin problems. If you drink it, be aware that it can harm your teeth or digestive system if it’s too strong. It can also interact with some medications in ways that could harm your health.

A Word From Verywell

If you’re considering using apple cider vinegar for any health purpose, speak with your healthcare provider to see if it’s right for you. It’s usually not a good idea to self-treat. This is especially true if you are avoiding standard treatments. People with certain conditions (such as ulcers, hiatal hernia, Barrett’s esophagus, or low potassium) may need to avoid apple cider vinegar.

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