Is apple cider vinegar good for arthritis? How to use Apple cider vinegar to relieve arthritis? How does it act on inflammation? Is it dangerous to consume it in the long term? And finally, what are the other natural remedies to reduce the pain of arthritis?
I. What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is the term used to describe several conditions all related to joint pain.
Some parts of the body are more likely than others to develop arthritis. The knees, spine, or hips may be affected by arthritis.
There are two recognized categories of arthritis. Osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis. The symptoms of arthritis are difficulty in movement, chronic pain, and fatigue.
II. What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar obtained by fermentation of apples. This compound is used in cooking, as a seasoning.
But also, apple cider vinegar is used for natural beauty care. It can be used for the face or the hair for example.
For different health problems, the consumption and use of apple cider vinegar also work wonders. It is one of the most frequently used grandmother remedies.
III. Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Arthritis?
1. How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Relieve Arthritis Pain?
Apple cider vinegar acts on the joints by helping to eliminate the deposits that often form in them. In addition to being a disinfectant and an antibacterial, apple cider vinegar is an anti-inflammatory.
This means that the application of apple cider vinegar reduces the sensation of pain. The joints are then relaxed, as well as the muscular tissues.
2. How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar to Relieve Different Types of Arthritis
You can both consume apple cider vinegar and use it externally, to act on your arthritis.
Internal use:
For several months, take a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in a glass of water. Do this before meals, which means three times a day.
Dr. Jarvis, an American doctor who has studied the benefits of apple cider vinegar, has developed a recipe.
Quite similar to the previous one, you should use 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and one to 2 teaspoons of honey.
A ½ glass to drink, again, before meals.
This is a cure to continue for several months, to have effective results on your arthritis.
This remedy combined with exercise can relieve your symptoms.
External use:
All you will need is apple cider vinegar and a clean cloth.
Start by soaking the cloth in apple cider vinegar.
Like a bandage, put it on the painful joint.
You can leave it on for an hour (minimum time), or all night for more effectiveness.
Once the cloth is removed, rinse your knee with warm water.
Another variation is to rub your joint with apple cider vinegar before applying the cloth.
In this case, you don’t even need to rinse with hot water afterward.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey Ease Arthritis?
To use apple cider vinegar and honey for arthritis, use an empty bottle in which you put 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and one of honey. Then add spring water until the bottle overflows.
Keep this bottle in a cool place, and drink this product twice a day.
Improvements in your health will only be felt after a few weeks.
4. Turmeric and Apple Cider Vinegar for Inflammation
If you are overweight, consuming turmeric combined with apple cider vinegar can work wonders.
It is important to remember that being overweight weakens the joints, which makes arthritic inflammation even more painful.
There are cider kinds of vinegar on the market already combined with turmeric that you can consume.
5. Is It Dangerous to Drink Apple Cider Vinegar in the Long Term?
The danger of drinking apple cider vinegar comes mainly from its acidity. It can be harmful to the health of teeth, which can damage in the long run.
It can also affect the stomach and cause heartburn. If you have a slow stomach disorder (gastroparesis), it is best to avoid ingesting too much vinegar over the long term.
An important tip: if you are sensitive to apple cider vinegar, you should take the precaution of diluting it in more water than usual before consuming it.
6. Is There Research to Support this Remedy?
There is not really any research supporting the positive effect of consuming apple cider vinegar on arthritis symptoms.
Proponents of apple cider vinegar consumption for arthritis argue that its antioxidant beta-carotene and acetic acid are able to relieve joint pain.
But the Arthritis Foundation counts apple cider vinegar as an arthritis food myth.
7. Can Apple Cider Vinegar Make Inflammation Worse?
Apple cider vinegar has side effects, but nowhere is it noted that it could worsen arthritis inflammation.
The actions of apple cider vinegar, including the fact that it is energizing and promotes digestion; can have a beneficial impact on arthritis.
The negative effects of apple cider vinegar are most often related to overuse or hypersensitivity.
8. How Long Does It Take for Apple Cider Vinegar to Work for Arthritis?
In order for apple cider vinegar to act on painful joints, you must consume it regularly, adding it to your diet.
It is only after a few weeks that you should feel improvements in your health.
One method is to drink a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and a teaspoon of acacia honey for 30 days, morning and night.
IV. Other Home Remedies for Arthritis
1) Massage with Essential Oil of Wintergreen
Mix in a bottle with 50 ml of vegetable oil of your choice (almond, coconut …), 90 drops of essential oil of sweet gaultheria. In case of a painful crisis, use this amalgam of oils to make a massage.
You can also pour a few drops into your bathwater.
2) Acupuncture to Relieve Arthritis
Acupuncture is said to have effects quite similar to those of morphine. By stimulating certain areas of the body, endorphins are released in the body. These endorphins are capable of reducing the sensation of pain.
Combining acupuncture with medication is a good way to calm the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
3) Magnesium
Add 20 g of magnesium to a liter of bottled water. Shake it up to mix it well, then drink the remedy.
Drink a glass preferably every morning.
A 3-week cure every year is also a way to act on your arthrosis.
Your joint pain will be reduced by this tip.
Magnesium acts on the calcium present in the bones, restoring its mineral balance.
5) Hot and Cold
Warmth is best applied upon awakening, to dilate the muscles and blood vessels. So use a hot water bottle or a heater on your painful joint.
On the other hand, if during the day your joint becomes inflamed and red, put an ice pack on it. The cold will relieve the pain.
6. Cherries
Some studies have highlighted the positive effects of eating cherries on arthritis. The symptoms of a condition like gout, for example, can be reduced, if you consume cherries.
There are many ways to consume cherries. You can add them to your preparations (salads, pancake batter, yogurt …). Eating sour cherries plain is also a good tip.
7. Yoga
The consistent practice of yoga offers great benefits to people with arthritis. The slow movements and deep breathing of this activity help the joints to be a little more mobile. Yoga promotes flexibility and strengthens the muscles.
8. Mediterranean Diet
In France, a scientific study found many benefits of the Mediterranean diet for those with joint problems. Promoting the consumption of vegetables, olive oil, cereals, and fruits; the Mediterranean diet could relieve arthritis pain.
A Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, but also cardiovascular diseases and cancers.
9. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids help control the symptoms of arthritis. Omega 3s protect joints from damage and inflammation. Unfortunately, the human body does not produce them naturally. To benefit from the many advantages of omega 3 on the human body, it is necessary to consume fatty fish, which are rich in them.
It is also possible to consume omega 3 supplements to act on joint pain and reduce stiffness.
V. What Foods are Helpful to People Living with Inflammatory Arthritis?
In inflammatory arthritis, it is important to choose foods rich in omega-3. Think about eating fish, such as mackerel, tuna, or trout.
You can also eat different types of seeds, such as walnuts, flax seeds, cashews, or almonds.
Legumes and dried fruits rich in iron can also be added to your diet.
VI. What Are the Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is acidic. Therefore, it can first cause damage to the enamel of the teeth. It should therefore be consumed with a straw and not too often.
If you have a stomach ulcer, you should avoid using apple cider vinegar, because it can make your problem worse.
If you use apple cider vinegar topically, remember to dilute it with water, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Useful Links:
Arthritis Studies: A Guide for Patients
Benefits of Bentonite Clay and Apple Cider Vinegar [poultice & mask]
Apple Cider Vinegar for Dog Itching?
Apple Cider Vinegar for Kidney Infection and Kidney Failure?