Apple cider vinegar is an acidic liquid made from fermented foods. People have used vinegar for thousands of years to cook food, preserve food, treat wounds and prevent infection. Many people believe that apple cider vinegar is a cure for various diseases, including gout.
Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints. These crystals typically cause redness, pain, and swelling in the joints and surrounding tissues, especially in the lower extremities.
Can apple cider vinegar prevent or treat gout?
Apple cider vinegar is popular as a natural remedy for many ailments. To date, there is no scientific evidence that apple cider vinegar can treat or prevent gout. However, some research suggests that acetic acid, a key ingredient in apple cider vinegar and other vinegars, may reduce or manage risk factors for gout, including:
- inflammation;
- high blood pressure;
- high cholesterol;
- diabetes;
- obesity.
In a 2021 study, researchers gave male rats that were on a high-fat diet 7 milliliters of apple cider vinegar per kilogram of body weight daily. After 30 days, there was a significant decrease in the animals' food intake and body weight. In the same study, apple cider vinegar lowered blood sugar and improved serum lipid profiles by reducing circulating levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins.
Additionally, in a 2021 study, mice on a high-fat diet were given high doses of palm vinegar containing 4% acetic acid. The rodents experienced decreased body weight, reduced inflammation, and a change in their gut microbiome.
People have historically used apple cider vinegar in folk medicine to treat diabetes. Recent research suggests that consuming vinegar may improve insulin sensitivity. This effect could occur because acetic acid slows digestion and reduces carbohydrate absorption. The same researchers noted that drinking vinegar before bed may reduce fasting glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
So, while there is no evidence that drinking apple cider vinegar directly prevents or treats gout, it may have an indirect effect on risk factors.
Health benefits of apple cider vinegar
This product belongs to the category of fruit extracts, which is obtained by oxidizing apple juice. Vinegar contains more than 15 beneficial amino acids, vitamins and microelements. The beta-carotene content helps prevent the accumulation of free radicals in the body.
It contains various organic acids (lactic, citric, berry, etc.), as well as pectin. Its regular use helps to establish the metabolic process, reduce sludge levels, strengthen the immune system, etc. Some women use this product for weight loss purposes. It smells nice, unlike other types of vinegar (wine, balsamic, etc.).
How to drink apple cider vinegar for gout?
There is no fixed recommended dosage of apple cider vinegar for treating or preventing gout. A 2021 review found that drinking 15 ml of vinegar, which contains 750 mg of acetic acid, every day may improve some conditions that are risk factors for gout, such as obesity and high blood pressure. It is best to use diluted vinegar as it can weaken tooth enamel, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Application results
The benefits of apple cider vinegar are undeniable. Due to its plant origin, it is considered relatively safe. In a short period of time you can get rid of joint pain, inflammation and other pathological conditions.
Increased elasticity of cartilage tissue
Due to the destruction of uric acid crystals, the elasticity of the joints increases, and the patient returns to motor activity.
Reducing the inflammatory process
Thanks to the organic acids and trace elements that make up vinegar, regular use helps stop the source of inflammation, and thereby relieve the patient from unpleasant pain.
Relieving swelling
An acute attack of gouty arthritis is always accompanied by swelling and redness of the affected joint. Vinegar helps remove excess fluid from the body, improves metabolism, and reduces swelling.
Risks
While apple cider vinegar is safe, people should be aware of the risks and take precautions. One study found that people who consumed apple cider vinegar weekly were 10 times more likely to experience severe dental erosive damage. Diluting drinks with apple cider vinegar reduces the impact that acid has on your teeth and mouth in general. Drinking the mixture with a straw can minimize the acidic effects. It is also important to watch out for other side effects that may occur as a result of consuming apple cider vinegar. Research has shown that apple cider vinegar can improve feelings of fullness, which reduces appetite and promotes weight loss. However, the results of a 2014 study found that satiety may be primarily due to the fact that drinking apple cider vinegar causes nausea. In a study, young, healthy people of normal weight who drank apple cider vinegar with breakfast experienced nausea and a feeling of fullness. The study authors also noted that regular consumption of vinegar may cause the following side effects:
- acid reflux;
- changes in bowel habits;
- belching and gas;
- damage to the esophagus;
- acute pancreatitis.
If side effects occur, it is best to stop using apple cider vinegar or reduce the dose. If any side effects are severe or continue to get worse after you stop using apple cider vinegar, you should seek medical attention.
Rules of application
Apple cider vinegar can be used for gout. It is recommended for both external and internal use.
Internal use
In this case, drinks are prepared based on it, which help stabilize the process of metabolism of purine compounds. Here are some popular recipes:
- Take 60 ml of apple cider vinegar per glass of tomato juice. Drink during gout exacerbation 1-2 times a day before meals.
- In its pure form, use according to the following scheme: take 2 tablespoons of the product for 1 glass of water, drink in one gulp during meals. Frequency of administration: 1 time per day. Gradually increase the volume of vinegar. The average course of treatment is 1-2 weeks. Therapy is stopped after relief of acute symptoms.
Before starting to take this product, be sure to consult with your doctor. Otherwise, the harm from its use may exceed the effectiveness of therapy.
Outdoor use
Doctors recommend using this remedy as compresses, lotions, baths, etc. If side effects occur during treatment (redness, itching, etc.), then its use should be stopped and seek help from your doctor.
Other home remedies for gout
Many natural home remedies can relieve gout symptoms. Diet and lifestyle changes that affect gout:
Eat cherries or drink cherry juice
Some studies have shown that consuming cherries can reduce uric acid levels. Compounds in cherries called anthocyanins also act as anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants. A 2012 study that included 633 people found that consuming cherries or cherry extract for 2 days reduced the risk of a gout attack by 35%.
Eat ginger or take ginger supplements
Compounds in ginger called flavonoids also reduce uric acid levels. In a 2015 study, rats with high blood uric acid levels consumed ginger flavonoids. As a result, their uric acid levels decreased.
Avoid foods rich in purine
People diagnosed with gout should know which foods contain purines. Purines are substances that increase uric acid levels.
Foods high in purines include:
- some types of meat, including pork, liver, turkey and veal;
- seafood including sardines, cod, trout and haddock.
Take Vitamin C
Research suggests that vitamin C, which is found in many citrus fruits, may reduce the risk of gout by increasing the amount of uric acid excreted by the kidneys. The authors of a 2015 review found that daily intake of more than 500 mg of vitamin C reduced serum uric acid levels.
Avoid or limit alcohol consumption
Alcohol is a known risk factor for gout. The risk of gout increases with the amount of alcohol a person consumes. The type of alcohol also matters. For example, beer increases the risk of gout more than liquor. The safest alcohol for people with gout is wine.
Consume low-fat or low-fat dairy products
Some studies suggest that compounds in milk—orotic acid, casein, and lactalbumin—may reduce gout flare-ups by increasing the amount of uric acid excreted by the kidneys. Other compounds in dairy products may also reduce acute gout inflammation. The authors of one review recommend consuming low-fat or low-fat dairy products such as yogurt and skim milk.
Drink coffee
Although not all doctors recommend it, coffee may reduce the risk of gout in some people.
Bolotov's drink
The famous scientist Bolotov invented a special drink based on apple vinegar, which is often used in the treatment of gouty arthritis. For preparation you will need 500 ml of product and 150 g. dried lingonberry leaves. The mixture is poured into a dark container and left to infuse for 24 hours. After this, carefully filter, drink three times a day in the following proportion: take 10 parts of water for one part of the tincture.
The product can also be used as a rub 2-3 times a day. The drink helps to get rid of symptoms during an acute attack.
Apple Cider Vinegar Recipes for External Use
To restore normal joint mobility and relieve pain attacks, external agents are used. Most often these are ointments, compresses or lotions.
Ointments
The medicinal ointment is prepared as follows: for 1 chicken yolk you will need 1 tbsp. acetic acid and 1 teaspoon of turpentine. Mix everything thoroughly and apply to the painful area overnight.
Compresses
There are several variations of this procedure:
- a compress of pure vinegar is applied to the affected joint, insulated and kept for 8 hours;
- warming compress of pepper and vinegar. The latter is heated a little and red cayenne pepper is added to it, a gauze cloth is moistened and applied during an acute attack of gout. 3 days are enough to relieve acute symptoms.
Other recipes for making infusions
To reduce joint pain and inflammation, use the following recipes:
- Chestnut tincture based on apple cider vinegar. For preparation, you need 60 g of dried chestnut flowers, which are poured with 0.5 liters of acetic acid. Leave in a dark place for 48 hours, filter thoroughly. For oral use, take 1 teaspoon of tincture per 0.1 liter of water and drink 2 times a day for a week.
- Add honey and vinegar in equal proportions to a glass of water and mix thoroughly. Take 2 times a day.
Precautionary measures
Before starting treatment, you should definitely consult your doctor and consider the following points:
- exceeding the recommended dosage when taken orally can lead to severe burns of the gastric mucosa;
- to prevent tooth enamel destruction, it is better to drink all products through a straw;
- after taking tincture or drinks with this product, you should rinse your mouth thoroughly;
- When the first signs of an allergy appear, stop using the product and seek help from a specialist.
By following these simple conditions, you can avoid unwanted consequences.
Contraindications
Despite all its advantages, this product has a number of contraindications that must be taken into account before starting treatment. For internal use it is prohibited when:
- diseases of the stomach and other gastrointestinal organs (ulcers, gastritis, etc.);
- increased levels of hydrochloric acid;
- cirrhosis or inflammation of the liver;
- deposition of stones in the kidneys in men and women.
The product is not recommended for patients with acute cystitis. The product has a diuretic effect; after its use, the number of urinations increases significantly. Do not apply it to skin areas with wounds, burns, etc.