How to Take Apple Cider Vinegar for Gout
In general, apple cider vinegar for gout should be consumed three times per day, ideally after meals. This promotes an alkaline environment inside the body.
Apple cider vinegar for gout can be taken through different methods:
1. Take it internally
The standard way of doing it is by mixing two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a cup of water and taking drinking this mix two times a day. If you can’t stand the sour taste of ACV, consider adding a teaspoon of honey to the mix.
You can also mix ACV with baking soda to further enhance its alkalizing effects. Just add half a teaspoon of baking soda for every 2 to 3 tablespoons of ACV. Stir in a cup of water and drink half an hour before a meal. Just make sure your stomach isn’t empty as it can make you feel queasy.
Use a straw when drinking ACV to prevent it from getting contact with your teeth. ACV is very acidic, and when it touches the teeth for a prolonged time, it can erode tooth enamel causing it to be dark and ultra-sensitive.
2. Apple cider vinegar soak
Apple cider vinegar can also be used topically during a gout attack.
Mix 1 cup of apple cider vinegar with 4 cups of hot water in a basin and soak the affected foot in the mixture for 30 minutes. You can also soak a clean cloth in apple cider vinegar and wrap it around the foot, leaving it there for 15 minutes.
3. Mix it with juices
Mix ACV with juices such as cherry or blueberry. Just be sure they don’t contain artificial sugars which can only worsen your gout symptoms. Always opt for natural puree juice.
4. Add it in recipes
Don’t forget to add apple cider vinegar to your meals whenever you can. The best way to incorporating it into your diet is by adding it to salad dressings.
ACV has a rich, sour taste that enhances the flavor of many salad recipes. You can also add it to your smoothies and soups!
5. Take apple cider vinegar capsules
Those who can’t stand the taste of regular apple cider vinegar are better off taking it in capsule form. This is especially helpful for those with sensitive teeth or esophagus. Make sure to take at least 500 mg of apple cider vinegar to help manage gout.
Many people experience relief from gout after just a few hours of taking ACV while others get relief after a few days. Find the method that best works for you and sticks to it.
Filtered Versus Unfiltered ACV
Unfiltered, unpasteurized ACV can be easily detected from filtered ACV.
- Filtered ACV is clear and more pleasant to look at.
- Unfiltered ACV will still have a blob in it, which is termed the “mother.” The “mother” is used as a starter in making the ACV.
Many people associate unfiltered ACV as having extra health benefits. For example, ingesting the "mother" may have polyphenols and probiotics. However, there is no research to back this up so ingest the "mother" if you would like.
Basically – enjoy the type of ACV that you like the best.
Spiro's Tip on Which Type of ACV to Buy
The murkier, the better. That’s always a good rule to follow when looking for apple cider vinegar in the market.
The right kind should have strand-like structures of living bacteria in it. Avoid the clear ACV as those have been heated and distilled, removing its health benefits.
Always buy the organic, non-pasteurized, unfermented ACV that hasn’t been heated or processed. This still has the nutrients, minerals, and enzymes that can help treat gout.
The Bottom Line…
Apple cider vinegar is a very effective remedy for gout, but not everyone will experience the same level of relief. Some have used ACV for years and have experience long-lasting relief from it while others fare better with different gout treatments.
Whatever the case may be, be sure to always consult with your doctor before using apple cider vinegar for gout treatment. They will check to make sure ACV doesn’t counteract with your current medications and that you are not allergic to apples.
