Apple cider vinegar is not a kitchen staple but a profound natural remedy. Hippocrates- the father of modern medicine- first used ACV to treat wounds in 400 BC. Since then, apple cider vinegar remedies have a strong repute for their benefits.
ACV treats many health issues, including obesity, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. It is also a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Thus, it cures many diseases produced due to inflammation, such as arthritis. Combined with other healthy choices, ACV can do wonders for your health.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is a fermented liquid made from apples. Fermentation converts the sugar present in apples into acetic acid. Besides acetic acid, ACV also contains polyphenols, antioxidants, and vitamins.
The ‘mother’ vinegar- the unfiltered one- is more beneficial for your body. It has a cloudy appearance due to enzymes, probiotics, proteins, pectin, and minerals.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a common disorder affecting the joints. It causes swelling and pain in the joints, limiting a person’s mobility.
The main symptoms of arthritis are
- joint stiffness
- joint swelling
- fatigue
- numbness
- fever
The most prevalent types of arthritis are:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – is a chronic autoimmune disease in which your immune system targets a healthy joint tissue by mistake.
- Osteoarthritis (OA) – damage to cartilages leads to this type of arthritis, causing bones to collide and get inflamed.
There is no cure for arthritis, but medicines can reduce the pain and symptoms. But, medications for arthritis come with greater side effects.
So people tend to use natural remedies, such as apple cider vinegar. Many have found ACV to be the answer to the callings of their pained joints. Exercise, a healthy diet, and losing weight also help manage your arthritis.
The Science Behind The Remedy:
Apple cider vinegar works against arthritis in any of the following ways:
- Reduces Inflammation:
Inflammation is the marked cause of pain and damage to the joints in arthritis. Apple cider vinegar fights off inflammation, which reduces pain and swelling. Antioxidants present in ACV prevent free-radical damage to the joint tissues.
- Dissolving Acid Crystals:
Apple cider vinegar dissolves acid crystals build-up in the joints. Thus, it reduces the stiffness and swelling of the joint.
- Detoxification:
Apple cider vinegar contains another major ingredient – pectin. The pectin, with acetic acid, eliminates the toxins responsible for the degenerative damage to your joints.
- Promoting Weight Loss:
Your body weight impacts your arthritis a great deal. Extra weight means extra pressure and exertion on your joints, the knees, feet, and hips. Doctors strongly recommend shedding some weight if you have arthritis (even if you don’t have arthritis, losing that extra fat isn’t bad).
ACV is the perfect tool to reach your weight loss goal. As per the Journal Of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, apple cider vinegar controls blood sugar levels and contributes to weight loss.
It also curbs hunger and promotes satiation, thus restricting overeating. Use the best apple cider vinegar for weight loss to cut extra pressure on your joints and improve mobility.
- Minerals Replacement:
Apple cider vinegar contains many minerals, including magnesium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. These minerals make up for the mineral deficiency in your body. Thus, it helps with reducing joint pain.
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Arthritis?
There are many ways you can use ACV for treating arthritis:
- The most common way to use apple cider vinegar is to drink it. Take a spoonful of raw, unfiltered mother vinegar in the mornings and afternoon. You can dilute it with water or take it with honey if you don’t like the taste.
- Use it in soups, like salad dressings, or include a little in your daily food.
- Mix a small amount of apple cider vinegar with an oil (coconut oil or olive oil). Rub this paste on the affected joints gently.
- You can take a bath with apple cider vinegar as well. Add a little amount to the bathtub and soak for 30 minutes. It reduces the stiffness and soreness of the joints.
Some Other Ways To Manage Your Arthritis:
Besides ACV, there are countless ways to manage arthritis and next joint pain.
Healthy Diet – fresh fruits, vegetables, and superfoods improve your immune system and health. They provide the essential nutrients for healthy joints and muscles.
Exercise – exercise keeps your joints flexible and reduces your weight. Get low-impact exercises, such as walking or tai-chi.
Acupuncture – is an ancient Chinese medical treatment. While there is no extensive research, acupuncture may relieve joint pain and swelling.
Cold Treatment – applying ice packs or frozen vegetables (wrapped in a cloth) provides instant relief from pain and swelling
Takeaway!
While there is no research-back evidence to support ACV as a remedy for arthritis. Yet, its use in small amounts accounts for no harm. Natural remedies in combination with prescribed medicines can elevate pain. However, consult your doctor before using apple cider vinegar or other natural remedies.
