Apple Cider Vinegar for Arthritis: Does it help? | Ampersand Health (2024)

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Apple Cider Vinegar for Arthritis: Does it help? | Ampersand Health? ›

While apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties, little evidence supports its use for arthritis pain management. Anecdotally, however, some people do find it helps them. Since it is a low-risk home remedy, it probably doesn't hurt to try.

Can apple cider vinegar help with arthritis? Some people say that drinking a small amount of diluted apple cider vinegar helps relieve their arthritis symptoms. However, there is not enough evidence to suggest that it works. The Arthritis Foundation includes apple cider on their list of food myths about arthritis.

Physical Activity

Walking, biking, swimming, and other water activities (e.g., water aerobics, aqua jogging) are all effective ways to ease arthritis pain and are safe for most adults. Learn more about physical activity for arthritis.

'Some people may notice digestive benefits, like decreased bloating, quite quickly, often in a few days. For other benefits, such as weight loss or improved blood sugar control, it can take several weeks to months of consistent use to observe noticeable changes.

But also know that diluted apple cider vinegar — one or two tablespoons mixed into a glass of water — should be consumed in moderation. Dr. Kalakota says it's a good idea to limit yourself to a glass of it per day, though this amount isn't known to bring any health benefit.

Dosage recommendations can vary, but taking 1–2 tablespoons (tbsp.), or 15–30 milliliters (mL), of apple cider vinegar with water before or after meals may be beneficial. This article outlines how much apple cider vinegar you should drink for different health benefits, as well as the best ways to avoid side effects.

Standard dosages range from 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 mL) to 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) per day mixed in a large glass of water. It's best to start with small doses and avoid taking large amounts. Too much vinegar can cause harmful side effects, including tooth enamel erosion and potential drug interactions.

Short-term relief for pain and inflammation may include pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Heat and cold. Pain may be eased by using moist heat (warm bath or shower) or dry heat (heating pad) on the joint.

Should You Drink Apple Cider Vinegar Before Bed? Apple cider vinegar may offer health benefits, including supporting weight loss and lowering blood sugar. But drinking it at night does not seem to have any added benefit over drinking it during the day.

It may lower cholesterol.

The same small study that reported ACV boosted weight loss also found that it lowered the total cholesterol levels of study subjects who took it. It also increased their "good" cholesterol and lowered levels of triglycerides (fats in the blood). Other studies have had similar findings.

Does apple cider vinegar work better at night or morning? ›

While there's no research to support the best time of the day to have it, drinking it empty stomach remains to be the most recommended way to have ACV. Doing so may maximize health benefits, boost digestion and may even help promote fat loss if followed regularly.

No evidence supports the claim that apple cider vinegar can help someone pass a drug test. Drug tests, like urine tests, work by determining whether someone has consumed a specific drug or one of its metabolites. These tests are quite precise and are not impacted by substances like apple cider vinegar.

“Apple cider vinegar is rich with detoxification properties and can promote circulation in the liver detox process,” says Jamie Bacharach, a homeopathic expert and the head of practice at Acupuncture Jerusalem.

Owing to its anti-inflammatory and alkalising properties, apple cider vinegar may provide relief from muscle soreness; however, studies on its benefits are limited, and much of the evidence to support this claim is purely anecdotal.

Turmeric and apple cider vinegar, each containing anti-inflammatory properties, merge to form an excellent anti-inflammatory drink, potentially cutting down bodily inflammation.

Leg cramps: ACV is one of the most renowned and effective remedies for healing leg cramps that are due to dehydration, low potassium levels, and overused or stressed muscles. Used as both a preventive and a curative, ACV has been helpful to hundreds of people. Take 1 to 2 tablespoons in ¼ cup warm water daily.

There's no direct evidence that alcohol has either a positive or negative impact on the condition of arthritic joints, says Rebecca L. Manno, MD, MHS, assistant professor of medicine in the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center in Baltimore.