Everything You Need to Know About Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Gout Relief

Gout is a painful and common form of arthritis that affects 1 in 100 people. The condition occurs when the substance, uric acid over accumulates in the blood and is not properly filtered out. Uric acid is produced when the body metabolizes a chemical called purine. Purines occurs naturally in the body, but are also introduced by certain foods that are consumed. Under normal conditions the body is able to eliminate uric acid by filtering it through the kidneys and expelling it through the urine. However, when uric acid begins to collect in excessive amounts, the kidneys are unable to keep up with the new workload. The unfiltered uric acid that stays in the bloodstream causes a rise the pH level of the blood, creating a more acidic environment which allows the uric acid to take on a crystalized form. The crystalized form of uric acid tends to localize around joints, which causes an inflammatory response that results in symptoms such as excruciating pain, limited mobility and swelling – or a Gout Attack.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is a fermented juice made from rushed apples. It contains some essential vitamins such as Vitamins B1, B2, B6, biotin, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid and vitamin C. It also contains the minerals sodium, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium. Finally, Apple cider vinegar also contains significant amounts of acetic acid and citric acid.

For centuries Apple cider vinegar has been a staple when it comes to home remedies. It has been used for osteoporosis, weight loss, cramps and pains, indigestion, sinus problems, high blood pressure and arthritis. Backed by scientific research, Apple Cider Vinegar is a must when it comes to relief and self-treatment.

What are the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Gout?

Apple cider vinegar has been touted for its health benefits primarily due to its effect on the blood’s pH level. Thanks to its composition, Apple cider vinegar can play a significant role in normalizing or ‘alkalizing’ significantly acidic blood. This lone property is immensely beneficial when considering treatment or trying to reduce gout. Gout is the product of excessive uric acid that has crystalized in the blood stream. The uric acid alone fosters a more favorable environment to reach its crystal form – which is an acidic one.

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid. When acetic acid is broken down it creates acetate, which is absorbed into the blood stream and converts into bicarbonate (an antacid). Once converted it has a direct influence on increasing blood alkalinity. By increasing the alkalinity of the blood, the acidity is lowered and the once favorable environment for uric acid becomes hazardous, causing the crystalized uric acid to become soluble and easy to filter out through the kidneys.

Gout sufferers who use Apple cider vinegar report relief from gout attacks and symptoms within hours after use thanks to the rapid rise in blood alkalinity. Some sufferers even attest that apple cider vinegar has helped get rid of their gout completely by maintaining and normalizing their blood pH levels.

How Should Gout Sufferers Use Apple Cider Vinegar?

Consumption Treatment

The most common home remedy for apple cider vinegar gout relief is by consuming the vinegar as a drink. While the taste takes some getting used to, most people will take one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, twice to three times daily. It’s important to remember that apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and should not be consumed alone or you might risk damaging your tooth enamel or burning your esophagus. A popular recipe that many gout sufferers use are as follows:

8 Fl. Oz Water
2 to 3 tbsp Apple cider vinegar
Mix both liquids together until well combined and consume after every meal.

Topical Treatment

As a topical treatment, an option for dealing with a gout attack involves soaking the affected area with apple cider vinegar. Depending on the location of your pain, you can use a bath or create a poultice. This method works more to produce relief from your gout attack and to reduce your symptoms. To create a soaking bath, fill an apparatus with 4 cups of warm water and 1 cup of apple cider vinegar. Immerse the affected area in the bath for about 30 minutes. If you are dealing with an area that cannot be easily soaked, you can created a poultice by soaking a dry cloth with apple cider vinegar and wrapping it around the affected area for about 15 minutes.

What type of Apple Cider Vinegar Product do I Buy for Gout?

Liquid

Apple cider vinegar can commonly be found in a liquid form in the condiment aisle of any grocery story. Although common it is important to put a lot of consideration into getting a good quality vinegar product. When shopping for apple cider vinegar be sure to look for something that is organic and non-pasteurized and non-fermented. This ensures that the product you are getting has went to the least amount of processing. Additionally, opt for an apple cider vinegar that comes with the ‘mother’, a cloudy filmy substance that can be found at the bottom of the jar. ‘Mothers’ are the main bacteria that ferments the vinegar and a product with a mother contains more levels of acetic acid. If you come across an apple cider vinegar product that is clear be sure to steer clear of it as it is cheaper and has been processed to the point where the health benefits of the product has been completely removed.

Capsules

Apple cider vinegar is also available in capsule or pill form at health food stores. It is a good option for those who are sensitive to consuming vinegar or who have a sensitive mouth or esophagus that could react poorly to the vinegar in liquid form. When choosing a capsule look for a product that only contains apple cider vinegar and no added ingredients. Additionally, something that is at least 500 mg per serving is recommended to get the most effective amount for your home remedy treatment.

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How Often Should I Use Apple Cider Vinegar?

While there are no official guidelines on taking apple cider vinegar internally and can largely vary depending on the individual, it’s important to remember to moderate how much you consume daily. Most gout sufferers opt to consume apple cider vinegar two to three times a day.

What are the Potential Side Effects of using Apple Cider Vinegar for Gout?

If you intend to make apple cider vinegar a staple in your treatment plan for gout, here are some considerations to keep in mind as you move forward:

Apple cider is highly acidic. The main ingredient, acetic acid is quite harsh and can cause damage to your esophagus and tooth enamel. You should always dilute apple cider vinegar with water before consumption.
Long-term excessive use of apple cider vinegar can possible cause low potassium levels and lower bone density.
Apple cider vinegar has been shown to interact with laxatives, diuretics and medicines for diabetes and heart disease. Be sure to consult with your health practitioner before using apple cider vinegar as a medicinal treatment if you feel you might be at risk.
Apple cider vinegar makes a great addition to any salad dressing, so you don’t only have to consume it as a drink. As part of your healthy life style change, you can create your own dressings for salads using apple cider vinegar and make it a part of your new nutrition plan.

Combining Treatments

When it comes to home remedies and treatments it’s always important to consider if there are dangers to ‘mixing-and matching’ techniques and methods. Here are some combination treatments that some gout sufferers have used:

Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda For Gout Relief

Combining apple cider vinegar and baking soda is one method of upgrading the ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’ tonic. Baking soda offers antacids that help alkalinize the blood, further reducing the uric acid levels present in the body. Additionally, mixing baking soda with the apple cider vinegar tonic helps to reduce the acidic of the drink before consumption. This is especially helpful for those who have trouble consuming just apple cider vinegar and water alone. A popular recipe is as follows:

¼ tsp baking soda
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
8 fl. Oz water
Stir all ingredients in a glass until well combined and baking soda is dissolved.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Cayenne Pepper for Gout Relief

Cayenne pepper is a popular addition to a gout diet thanks to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to that, capsaicin, a substance found in cayenne pepper when used topically offers joint-pain relief on the gout affected area. The capsaicin does this by sending chemical messengers from the skin to the brain, the brain reacts to the irritation of the capsaicin on the skin instead of the pain from the gout attack. Gout sufferers create a poultice with crushed peppers or cayenne pepper powder and apple cider vinegar and apply it to the affected area. You can also add cayenne pepper to your diet by incorporating it into dishes or adding a few sprinkles to a breakfast smoothie.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Cherry Juice for Gout Relief

Research has supported that cherries can reduce gout symptoms thanks to the antioxidants that combat the free radicals that cause the inflammatory response during a gout attack. Cherry juice can be taken either by eating the whole fruit (roughly 1 ½ cup a day), drinking 100% natural cherry juice or even taking cherry extract capsules. Cherry juice can be consumed alongside apple cider vinegar with no specific negative effects. The two remedies are definitely great options that support one another for the same end goal.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey for Gout Relief

Honey is one of nature’s best medicine and a companion when it comes to gout relief. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties it helps to reduce gout symptoms and provide relief during a gout attack. Honey can be easily added to your diet by consuming it in teas or using it as a sweetener in your smoothies. In addition, it can be combined with your ‘Apple cider vinegar’ tonic by adding two tablespoons to the mixture. Not only will it boost the body’s anti-inflammatory response, but it will also make your solution taste much better while create a buffer between your mouth and esophagus and the harsh acid in apple cider vinegar.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Long Term Gout Relief

Usage of apple cider vinegar is not entirely intended for long term usage. Instead, it’s best to consume before or during a gout attack. Once the body has consumed apple cider vinegar, the alkalization of blood should help in stabilizing your uric acid levels. Combined with a healthy lifestyle change and better habits, apple cider vinegar can help in a short amount of time to produce long term gout relief and results. Gout can be easily remedied with a healthy lifestyle change and the practice of better habits, if you think you suffer from gout then take the Gout Quiz to determine your severity and receive a personalized treatment plan.