Can Apple Cider Vinegar Cause a Health Problem?
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Janis
Posted on: June 29, 2007

Your information regarding Apple Cider Vinegar (2002) indicates the vinegar as being acidic. I am under the impression that white vinegar is acidic, but Apple Cider Vinegar is in fact alkaline and is very helpful on a daily basis to pH balance your body, please let me know your opinion.

Yes, you are right: apple cider vinegar is alkaline forming.

The theory that an excess intake of cider vinegar can cause problems is based on the following:

Acidic food, for example fruits like berries, oranges etc., and apple cider vinegar, are alkalized in a normal digestive process if digestion and metabolism are optimal, minerals required for the alkalizing process are well balanced, and there are no metabolic diseases present. If these conditions are not present, then the alkalizing process cannot function properly and these acidic foods can build up acid in the body.

There are many theories about how and whether the acid/alkaline foods affect health. I believe that a good balance to food and supplements is best, and using apple cider vinegar in the regular diet, in salads and cooking, is a balanced approach.

Paul Pitchford, in his book "Healing with Whole Foods", states that "when chronic conditions are benefited by vinegar as the sole remedy, one must usually continue to use vinegar, or the condition returns. This leads to a kind of vinegar dependency, which can be overcome if the diet and other pertinent factors in the lifestyle are improved." Pitchford states that vinegar is contraindicated in weal digestion marked by loose, watery stools; general deficiency (frailty); muscular injury or weakness, including rheumatism.

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