There is no scientific evidence that apple cider vinegar (ACV) can dissolve existing gout crystals in the joints. Gout crystals are deposits of uric acid, and while ACV is a popular folk remedy, clinical studies do not support its efficacy as a direct treatment for gout.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The key ingredient within it, malic acid, not only aids in the breakdown of uric acid, but also its elimination from the body.
Breaking up gout crystals requires lowering uric acid levels through hydration, diet, and medications like allopurinol or colchicine. Home remedies like cherry juice, cold compresses, and Epsom salt soaks may offer symptom relief but won't dissolve crystals.
8 Things You Should Never Do While Taking Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar offers numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, weight management, and blood sugar regulation. However, it also comes with potential risks such as tooth enamel erosion, digestive discomfort, and interactions with medications.
Taking apple cider vinegar (ACV) daily in moderation (1-2 tablespoons diluted) might offer benefits like slight blood sugar reduction and modest weight loss support, but long-term, high doses can erode tooth enamel, irritate the throat/stomach, cause digestive issues, and lower potassium levels, potentially interacting with medicines like diuretics and insulin. It's crucial to dilute it in water, avoid large amounts, and consult a doctor, especially if on medication, as it's not a miracle cure and excessive intake carries risks.
Background. Several metabolic studies and a recent double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized trial have shown that higher vitamin C intake significantly reduces serum uric acid levels.
Drink Lots of Nonalcoholic Fluids.
Staying hydrated helps flush out uric acid (the cause of your joint pain) and prevent kidney stones, another possible problem associated with high uric acid levels. Aim for eight to 16 cups of fluids a day, at least half of them water.
Of interest, nine out of 10 joints of the patients with gout of <10 years' duration were free of crystals after 1 year of SUA‐lowering treatment and the remaining joint by 18 months.
Drink at least 8 glasses of nonalcoholic beverages a day – plain water is best. And if you're having a flare, increase your intake to 16 glasses a day. The water helps flush uric acid from your system.
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Daily Apple Cider Vinegar Consumption
“Your ankle may feel hot, swollen, and inflamed for a few days during a gout flare,” says Mary Kimbrough, PT, DPT, a physical therapist with Hinge Health. “It may be difficult or painful to walk, stand, or climb up and down stairs, and sleep comfortably.” While a gout flare can feel very painful, it's often manageable.
Apple: Apple is a rich source of malic acid which helps in neutralizing uric acid and thus provides relief to the sufferers. You should consume one apple daily after a meal in your uric acid diet.
Hydration: The Key to Flushing Out Uric Acid
Drinking enough fluids helps the kidneys flush out excess uric acid naturally. Drink at least 2.5–3 litres of water daily to aid in uric acid excretion. Lemon Water (Nimbu Pani): The citric acid in lemon helps dissolve uric acid and prevents crystal formation.
Lemon Water: Lemons are a natural source of vitamin C, which studies suggest might help lower uric acid levels and reduce gout attacks. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a glass of lukewarm water and enjoy it first thing in the morning or throughout the day.
Kidney disease is one of the leading causes of gout, especially when the kidneys cannot remove uric acid from the blood. If you have either condition, talk to your doctor about preventing the other.
Soaking in Epsom salt can temporarily relieve pain but does not treat the underlying uric acid build-up.
Diet. Eating a diet rich in red meat and shellfish and drinking beverages sweetened with fruit sugar (fructose) increase levels of uric acid, which increase your risk of gout. Alcohol consumption, especially of beer, also increases the risk of gout.
The big toe is the most common site for a gout attack, but it can also affect the midfoot, ankles, and other joints. These crystals trigger intense inflammation, leading to: Sudden, severe pain. Often described as a throbbing or crushing sensation, gout foot pain frequently starts at night and can be debilitating.
ACV is not for everyone.
People with acid reflux, ulcers, low potassium, osteoporosis, or those on specific medications should avoid or consult a doctor before use. Usage tips: Always dilute ACV, start with small amounts, and incorporate it into meals rather than directly drinking.
It can interact with some types of medicines, including insulin, diuretics (water pills), laxatives and certain medications for high blood pressure. Nausea and vomiting. “Some people quite literally just can't stomach the taste and acidity of apple cider vinegar,” Czerwony warns.
Anecdotal evidence suggests a possible correlation between the overconsumption of apple cider vinegar and bone loss. Osteoporosis weakens and thins bones, resulting in joint pain, back pain, an increased risk of bone fractures, and height loss or stooping.
A two-sample MR analysis was performed using the genome-wide association study summary statistics to identify the causal association between gout and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). The results from both samples confirmed a positive correlation among hyperuricemia, gout and risk of Vitamin D deficiency.
Attacks of gout are usually treated with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID), like ibuprofen. If the pain and swelling does not improve you may be given steroids as tablets or an injection.