Q: I am a vinegar addict. I just want to know if it is too bad for my health. I'm 16 and I've been addicted to it ever since I was a kid. I drink it straight from the bottle sometimes or I mix it up with my snacks. I love to eat salty foods like tuyo (a filipino fish) because I know I can dip it in the vinegar. Then after that I would drink it. I just want to know what can happen to me If I have too much? I also feel stomach aches after.
-Sean
P.S. Is vinegar bad news on your good teeth?
A: Hello Sean,
Moderation, moderation, moderation. You can eat anything, whether it be dark chocolate or apple cider vinegar as long as you don't go overboard. Keep in mind, vinegar is acidic and can be tough on your tummy as well as your tooth enamel. So, after a binge with ACV simply rinse your mouth and/or brush your teeth just as you would with orange juice or lemonade. Speaking of salty foods...Have you tried vinegar potato chips? If they are all-natural, a handful are oh-so tasty and you'll be getting good-for-you postassium.
Q: I am addicted to cucumbers soaked in vinegar and salt. I know the salt isn't good for me, but besides that......can too much white vinegar hurt me?
- Melinda
A: Why in the vinegar world would you want to use white vinegar in your food when apple cider, red wine, and balsamic vinegars are so much better for you? Also, why not turn to the Mediterranean diet--in my books The Healing Powers of Vinegar and Olive Oil--which will provide good health and good taste. Also, you really don't need an excess of salt...There is controversy whether it can raise blood pressure but if you have a problem, at all, with heart health, please consider turning to these heart healthy vinegars and olive oil teamed with the Med diet and lifestyle. Use white vinegar for cleaning windows, coffee pots, etc. And try sliced cucumbers splashed with antioxidant rich red wine vinegar and olive oil!
Q. I have heard that Vinegar is great for treating sunburn. How do I use it for such? Does it really work?
- Linda Andrade
A. You bet it works. In The Healing Powers of Vinegar (page 159), one woman recalls "getting the worst sunburn of my life on a Florida beach. The result was so painful that I could not even sit down comfortably. I took some acetaminophen and whined a lot. Then our neighbor suggested using white vinegar on the sunburn. I will never forget the relief that the vinegar provided."
What Vinegar Remedy to Use: Baby that sunburn. Apply ice cold vinegar immediately for fast relief. It will prevent fast relief and blisters. White, apple cider vinegar, and red wine vinegar have been used for centuries as a natural healing agent and pain reliever. P.S. Vinegar works for bee stings and burns, too! It will help keep inflammation at a minimum.
Q: Will ACV clean my urine of THC [marijuana]?
A: Good question. Bad remedy. While apple cider vinegar can be used to help detoxify your body of sugar, dietary fat, additives and preservatives in food, I do not believe the ancient miracle worker will do the trick to fool your potential or current employers during a drug test. Sure, the acetic acid in vinegar acts as a blood purifier and detoxification agent, enabling toxins to be more easily transported and excreted from the body. But this action is great for burning body fat, not a guaranteed way of getting rid of traces of marijuana.
Q: Is vinegar is good for high blood pressure and cholesterol?
A: Yes, apple cider vinegar (ACV) seems to be helpful. Ideal blood pressure, these days, is 120/80 (or even a tad less), and cholesterol levels: In adults, total cholesterol levels of 240 milligrams or higher are considered high risk, and levels from 200 to 239 mg are considered borderline risk. Apple cider vinegar is rich in potassium which may help counterbalance sodium levels in your body and lower the risk of developing high blood pressure. Insoluble fiber in ACV reduces
cholesterol by binding with fiber, which is eliminated by the body.Also, people who have high blood pressure and high cholesterol numbers may be struggling with body fat and unwanted pounds and/or have pre-diabetes. These problems clustered together are called "Metabolic Syndrome." A study shows that ACV (in the form of either taking 2 Tbs. in water or including it in your meals) slowed the spike of blood sugar, and lifestyle changes
Q: Are fruits bad when you have high triglycerides? And does vinegar help lower them?
A: High triglycerides (fats the circulate in the bloodstream) puts you at risk for heart disease. Your triglyceride level of less than 150 is what you should be aiming for to get the odds in your favor. Insoluble fiber in ACV reduces cholesterol by binding with fiber, which is eliminated by the body. One study showed that taking 3 teaspoons per day can help lower cholesterol. But that is not all.The Mediterranean diet--includes potassium-rich fresh fruits (people in the Mediterranean countries consume up to 9 servings daily of heart healthy antioxidant-plentiful fruits and vegetables) which can also help stave off high "bad" cholesterol numbers. Also, include protein (fish, low-fat dairy, a few eggs per week) and exercise daily to raise your good cholesterol numbers. One more thing: Don't forget olive oil. Pick up a copy of The Healing Powers of Olive Oil to see how consuming this good for you fat can help you lower your risk of developing heart woes.
Q: Can red wine vinegar be used as a detox also?
A: Fiber rich apple cider vinegar with its potassium is truly the best detox vinegar to use. Red wine vinegar is fine for a semi-detox diet. In other words, use it with olive oil on tossed greens or when cooking nutrient, veggies with nutrients and water to help flush out toxins in your body. Not only does all natural RWV contain disease-fighting antioxidants, it will add flavor to your food and not pollute your body like processed salad dressings or mayonnaise can do.
Q: During one day - can you drink too much apple cider vinegar?
A: If you look on my homepage a 120 year-old woman claims she drinks a glass of ACV every day. Personally, I believe in moderation, whether it be vinegar or olive oil. These foods contain disease fighting antioxidants but--too much acid in apple cider vinegar can be hard on the stomach. Also, why would you want to drink a lot, anyhow?
Team ACV with RWV, olive oil, plenty of fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, fish, some low-fat dairy, nuts and delights like a piece of chocolate bar or vanilla ice cream drizzled with balsamic vinegar and get all of the virtues of the Mediterranean diet. That means you will stay heart healthy, stay lean, stave off other age-related diseases and ailments. And don't forget to get a move on each day!
Q: What are the side effects when taking ACV daily?
A: For most people, you like them, will likely benefit in a great many ways by using vinegar, which may include getting rid of unwanted pounds, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, getting a boost of energy and sense of well-being, and much, much more. However, since apple cider vinegar is acidic you could have tummy woes. Personally, I do not take it daily. I use ACV externally for a number of ways. Also, remember, since it's acidic (much like orange juice) do rinse with water if you take it by way of a tablespoon or two. Overall, side effects are minimal. Vinegar is natural and it, like olive oil its counterpart, is a remarkable folk remedy used since biblical times.
Q: Does ACV lose any of its healing properties when used in cooking? My husband is taking it for blood pressure, me for detox.
A: Firstly, disease-fighting antioxidant rich red wine vinegar (RWV) is a more common choice for vinegars when you turn to cooking with vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is often used in a variety of ways for internal use. Countless folks use the popular folk remedy by taking vinegar shots (a tablespoon or two daily) to help detox the body and/or keep blood pressure numbers under control. Also, whether you are detoxifying or lowering BP numbers, you want to team vinegar with fresh fruits and vegetables-raw is best.
What's more, when you do cook foods such as vegetables it is possible to lose some of the essential vitamins and minerals during the heating process so the same is probably true with vinegars. Overcooking and processed food is not as healthful as fresh eats. My personal opinion? Whenever possible eat raw, fresh foods-especially vegetables, fruits and vinegar (i.e., use ACV or RWV on a healthy salad with a wide variety of colorful veggies and fruits). And when you do cook with vinegar, cook lightly. In other words, think healthful stir-fry and salads. Do not overcook your vegetables. Fresh, crisp and vitamin-mineral rich food is good for your body from head to toe.
Q: I am trying to lose my tummy and lovehandles can apple cider vinegar help me to do that please let me know because I am taking it every morning before I have my breakfast.
A: Yes, apple cider vinegar seems to help some people to speed up their metabolism and burn fat. Read: yes, you can lose that belly and have a flat tummy without that unwanted pudge! Popular celeb Fergie has been using ACV "shots" to maintain her fit and trim body -- see article link on my homepage www.calorey.com . Also, note the Woman's World article -- one woman lost nearly 25 lbs. by including vinegar in her daily diet. In my book, The Healing Powers of Vinegar, it will tell you more about how it works and includes super fat-burning diet plans, too. You can order the book via your online above. And don't forget The Healing Powers of Olive Oil---this is another heart healthy fat-fighter, too!
Q: I am a chili cooker and have noticed that adding a little vinegar sweetens the chili. Do you have an explanation for this effect? Thanks, Gary Geesman
A: In my book The Healing Powers of Vinegar, I include a Hearty Garlic Chili recipe. It includes 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar. Keep in mind, wine vinegar is made from fruit--grapes which can be sweet, right?
The best part is, red wine vinegar contains no calories, no fat, 5 milligrams of sodium, no carbohydrates, and no protein. And, according to researchers, it's possible that there could be some disease-fighting antioxidants in red wine vinegar, says UC Davis wine chemist Andrew Waterhouse, Ph.D.
So, enjoy the healthful red wine vinegar with the contents of chili -- tomatoes, beans, garlic, and onion. It's one of life's sweet pleasures.
Q: How many calories are there in vinegar and oil dressing?
A: You're better off teaming natural vinegar and olive oil rather than purchasing store bought vinaigrette. Why? This way you can keep both calories and sodium levels in check. One tablespoon of olive oil is 120 calories. Per serving size--1 Tbs.--of a common brand of red wine vinegar label will tell you that it contains no calories, no fat, and a mere 5 milligrams of sodium.
Q: Can vinegar help to ease stress and tension?
A: Want to chill from modern-day stressors? Vinegar can be used for calming and mild sedation. In fact, past research at Yale University showed that for some people, the aroma of spiced apples can stave off a panic attack and lower stress levels.
What Vinegar Remedy to Use: Make an anti-anxiety cocktail by putting 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into 1 cup of boiling water and simmering it for a few minutes. Add a cinnamon stick and honey to taste. For an extra relaxing boost, drop a chamomile tea bag into the cup. (Page 161 Home Cures.)
For more information on how to chill out, check out both books The Healing Powers of Vinegar and The Healing Powers of Olive Oil. These books praise the heart healthy Mediterranean diet and lifestyle (staying physically active on a daily basis) -- two components to help you destress (at any age).
Q: I've heard baking soda will reduce acid in the body. I tried baking soda, vinegar, & water and the taste was good, as opposed to vinegar & water which makes me gag. Is this combination of baking soda & vinegar & water good for the body? Thanks. Sandy
A: I am not aware of the benefits of teaming baking soda and vinegar for good health. (Baking soda is a good natural household cleaner, though.) As you know, vinegar is acidic as is orange juice and other foods. Some folks cannot tolerate acidic foods such as vinegar. At all.
In my book The Healing Powers of Vinegar, Chapter 20, Vinegar Is Not for Everyone: Some Sour Views, page 212, Dr. Susan Lark, M.D., notes, that consumption of certain acidic, low-pH foods such as different types of vinegar can be stressful to overly acidic people--despite vinegar's potential nutritionl perks. "The reason for this is that their highly acidic pH can trigger either immediate or slower-acting stress responses within the body." Also, adds Dr. Lark, many of her overly acidic patients have complained about vinegar causing unpleasant reactions such as canker sores, heartburn, bladder pain, and join discomfort."
That said, I'm not sure vinegar will help you to reduce acid in the body. It depends on you.
But if you are trying to achieve an overall acid/alkaline balance in your body, natural vinegar may do the trick, according to health pioneer Dr. Jarvis (Chapter 4, Where Are the Secret Ingredients?, page 37). Dr. Jarvis recommends taking 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water several times a day. This remedy may get rid of sinus problems as well as other ailments and get your acid/alkaline levels in balance. (Try a bit of honey to sweeten the taste. You may find it to be an acquired taste.) From The Healing Powers of Vinegar, Revised and Updated (Kensington), available here on Cal's website and online at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com .
P.S. Sandy, my new book The Healing Powers of Olive Oil is now available. I am sure this book will help you to achieve overall better health and balance of your body, mind, and spirit, too.
Q. Will organic apple cider vinegar help prevent herpes simplex recurrences?
- Anonymous
A. Any woman or man who has contracted genital herpes, an infection of the genitals, buttocks, or anal area caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), is not a happy camper. It has no cure. Outbreaks can last for several days to weeks. Read: tingling, itching, and painful little bumps on the private parts.
What Remedy to Use: For an outbreak, try blotting the region with apple cider vinegar for quick and long-lasting relief of itching and pain.
Why You'll Like It: Prescription antiviral medications are available to help you prevent future outbreaks. But with ACV, you will get relief immediately--and you won't have any drug side effects. Plus, if you're seeking a fast and soothing solution, vinegar (which also can help dry up blemishes and canker sores) might be your best friend.
Q. Is vinegar heart healthy?
- Mike
A. I don't want to tell you that if you take a few tablespoons of apple cider vinegar each day that you will have a healthy heart. It's not true despite what ACV advocates will tell you. However, ACV is made from healthful apples, which do contain potassium. Potassium counteracts the damaging effects of too much sodium and can help prevent high blood pressure. This powerful mineral inhibits fluid retention, too, which is caused by an accumulation of sodium in the body. As a result, this also helps ward off high blood pressure.
But it's teaming ACV with the Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle that is the real key to good heart health. That means, eat lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains, fish, olive oil and vinegars (red wine and balsamic vinegars contain antioxidants to help you stay heart healthy) and forego unhealthy fats--yes, you will have a healthier heart.
Plus, regular exercise is part of keeping your cholesterol and blood pressure numbers in check. Also, by following the Mediterranean way of life you will lose unwanted pounds and body fat--another way to stave off heart problems and boost longevity. (Note: You will find valuable info about how both vinegar and olive oil are the liquids to heart health. Check out both of my books.)
Q. Can apple cider vinegar reduce the effects after a stroke?
- Tashina
A. So what causes a stroke, anyhow? "The same thing that causes a heart attack. It can be a narrowing of a blood vessel in the brain or a blood clot," explains Dr. Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D. "High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke--more for a stroke than a heart attack."
Here are six ways to prevent a stroke, straight from Dr. Sinatra, a cardiologist (from Doctors' Orders by Cal Orey,
:
1. Keep your blood pressure down.
2. Get essential fatty acids--such as omega 3's--to prevent plaque rupture.
3. Keep your weight down.
4. Exercise regularly.
5. Don't smoke.
6. Own your own anger.
That said, ACV may help you to recover as well as prevent another stroke. But it is not a magic bullet. Still, the potent elixir does contain disease-fighting ingredients such as potassium and acetic acid that may help lower high blood pressure and slash artery plaque, according to studies. Plaque buildup in arteries can cause strokes by blocking blood flow to the heart and brain.
Also, red wine vinegar contains potential disease-fighting ingredients (i.e., catechin, polyphenols, resveratrol) which may help prevent stroke, too.
But note, consuming vinegars alone without adopting a healthful diet and making positive lifestyle changes most likely cannot prevent a stroke from occurring or reverse effects of any health damage. However, teaming vinegar and olive oil in a heart healthy Mediterranean diet along with regular exercise may help you to prevent having a stroke and put you on the road to a faster recovery.
Q. I am trying the two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in warm water twice. It is working beautifully and is improving my health, thank you. My question is does ACV affect the urine flow in people?
- Russell
A. Good question. While some women claim vinegar can help stave off painful bladder infections, many people don't realize that the acidic wonder food may also trigger interstitial cystitis (IC), which is a chronic inflammtory condition of the bladder. (You can read more about this problem on page 213-214 of my book The Healing Powers of Vinegar.) It is known that symptoms include frequency of urination, urgency of urination, and pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort. An estimated 700,000 people in the U.S. suffer from IC (men are not immune). But, vinegar is not on the list of the five "biggest misery makers" for people with IC. Other troublemakers include cranberry juice, coffee, carbonated beverages, tomatoes, and tobacco.
Plus, if you are drinking more water than you usually do -- this in itself can cause an increase in urination. Overall, there is good chance you do not have IC and your water intake in combination with ACV can be detoxifying your body and making you feel healthier.
But, if you do have IC (a consultation with your healthcare provider will help you to determine if you may have IC) you will still benefit greatly by following the heart healthy, longevity-boosting Mediterranean diet (whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, fish, and olive oil -- and forget the vinegar -- include feel-good endorphin boosting exercise). And note, you can use vinegar(s) externally for a wealth of home cures, too. Please order a copy of my new book The Healing Powers of Olive Oil .
Q. I have been taking apple cider vinegar with mother 2 times a day on empty stomach for over a month now for osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) which did help to ease pain but unfortunately for some reason my tongue has swollen up with spots and it really burns when I am eating. Do you think this is due to taking the vinegar or is it just a coincidence? Also I would like to know if this will help my husband who had got diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. - Ra
A. While vinegar is acidic and can cause tummy woes and problems for women who have irritable bladders--but I haven't heard of vinegar causing a sore tongue. Ouch! I do know a candida infection can cause a red or white irritated sore tongue. And a lack of essential vitamins can wreak havoc on your tongue. Are you eating enough iron-rich foods or getting an adequate amount of B vitamins in your daily diet? Consult with the American Dietetic Association www.eatright.org/ to find out if your diet is adequate for you. P.S. Check out this website http://www.atlantadentist.com/sore_tongue.html
Meanwhile, diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure? Sounds like your hubby has "metabolic syndrome." According to a recent report published on the Wall Street Journal Online, nearly one in three baby boomers has metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions, which increase the risks of stroke, diabetes and heart attack.
Vinegar may be the perfect and practical modern miracle for baby boomers and seniors. Cal Orey’s revised and updated book, The Healing Powers of Vinegar: A Complete Guide to Nature’s Most Remarkable Remedy, -- available above -- shows that the metabolic syndrome can be hindered with simple apple cider vinegar found in kitchen cupboards.
The man in your life may win the battle if you help him make diet and lifestyle changes teamed with vinegar. It is proven by scientists worldwide that people who follow a Mediterranean-style diet (whole grains, vegetables and fruits, legumes, fish, olive oil), like the vinegar-based meal plans in my book, can lower their weight, blood pressure, insulin, total cholesterol and triglycerides, while boosting their good cholesterol.
Q. I have heard that Vinegar is great for treating sunburn. How do I use it for such? Does it really work?
- Linda Andrade
A. You bet it works. In The Healing Powers of Vinegar (page 159), one woman recalls "getting the worst sunburn of my life on a Florida beach. The result was so painful that I could not even sit down comfortably. I took some acetaminophen and whined a lot. Then our neighbor suggested using white vinegar on the sunburn. I will never forget the relief that the vinegar provided."
What Vinegar Remedy to Use: Baby that sunburn. Apply ice cold vinegar immediately for fast relief. It will prevent fast relief and blisters. White, apple cider vinegar, and red wine vinegar have been used for centuries as a natural healing agent and pain reliever. P.S. Vinegar works for bee stings and burns, too! It will help keep inflammation at a minimum.
