Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Psoriatic Arthritis? A Complete Guide
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on your skin. Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints.
Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint in your body, but it often affects your fingers, toes, knees, and spine.
There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, but there are treatments that can help you manage your symptoms and prevent joint damage.
Some of these treatments include medicines, physical therapy, and surgery.
However, some people also use natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar, to help with their psoriatic arthritis.
In this blog post, we will explore the benefits, risks, and safety tips of using apple cider vinegar for psoriatic arthritis. We will also look at the scientific evidence behind this natural remedy, and whether it can really work for you.
Read on to find out more.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from apples. It has a sour taste and a strong smell. You can find it in many grocery stores, health food stores, and online. Some people drink it diluted with water, while others apply it to their skin or hair.
Apple cider vinegar is said to have many health benefits such as lowering blood sugar, improving digestion, and boosting immunity. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to prove that apple cider vinegar can treat or prevent any disease.
Therefore, you should be careful when using apple cider vinegar, especially if you have any medical conditions or allergies.
How Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help with Psoriatic Arthritis?
Some people believe that apple cider vinegar can help with psoriatic arthritis by reducing inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. They also think that apple cider vinegar can improve the appearance and health of the skin affected by psoriasis.
However, there is no clear proof that apple cider vinegar can do these things. There are only a few studies that have looked at the effects of apple cider vinegar on arthritis, and they have shown mixed results.
One study found that drinking apple cider vinegar for 12 weeks improved the symptoms of osteoarthritis, another type of arthritis, in some people.
However, another study found that drinking apple cider vinegar for 8 weeks had no effect on the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, yet another type of arthritis, in most people. There are no studies that have specifically tested apple cider vinegar for psoriatic arthritis.
Some people also apply apple cider vinegar to their skin to help with psoriasis. They claim that apple cider vinegar can soothe the itching, burning, and scaling of the skin. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
In fact, apple cider vinegar can irritate and damage your skin if you use it too often or too much. Apple cider vinegar can also interact with some medicines and skin products, causing unwanted side effects.
What are the Risks of Using Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is generally safe to use in small amounts and for a short time. However, it can also cause some problems if you use it too much or for too long.
Some of the risks of using apple cider vinegar are:
- It can damage your tooth enamel, making your teeth more sensitive and prone to decay.
- It can irritate your throat, mouth, and stomach, causing pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- It can lower your potassium levels, which can affect your heart, muscles, and nerves.
- It can interact with some medicines such as insulin, diuretics, and blood thinners, causing serious complications.
- It can worsen your skin condition, especially if you have eczema, rosacea, or sensitive skin.
Therefore, you should always talk to your doctor before using apple cider vinegar, especially if you have any medical conditions or take any medicines.
You should also follow these tips to use apple cider vinegar safely:
- Dilute it with water before drinking it. The recommended ratio is one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to one cup of water.
- Drink it with a straw to protect your teeth and mouth.
- Rinse your mouth with water after drinking it.
- Do not drink more than two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per day.
- Do not apply it directly to your skin. Dilute it with water and use a cotton ball or a spray bottle to apply it.
- Do not use it on open wounds, cuts, or infections.
- Do not use it more than once or twice a week.
- Stop using it if you notice any signs of irritation, allergy, or infection.
Summary
Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural remedy that some people use to help with their psoriatic arthritis. However, there is no solid evidence that apple cider vinegar can treat or prevent psoriatic arthritis.
Moreover, apple cider vinegar can cause some side effects and complications if you use it incorrectly or excessively. Therefore, you should always consult your doctor before using apple cider vinegar, and follow the safety guidelines to use it properly.
Remember, apple cider vinegar is not a substitute for the medical treatments that your doctor prescribes for your psoriatic arthritis.
The Bottom Line
We hope this blog post has been informative and helpful for you and helped you to learn whether Apple Cider Vinegar is good for Psoriatic Arthritis.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.
Thank you for reading and have a great day! 😊