The official blog of the Lung Institute.
There’s been a growing trend in people seeking natural remedies to relieve illness symptoms over the last few years. For people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), any natural remedy that can help manage COPD symptoms or flare-ups sounds appealing. One of the more talked about items is apple cider vinegar. So what is the connection between Apple Cider Vinegar and COPD?
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
The name says it all. Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from apples. Apple cider vinegar as been linked to having many health benefits ranging from curing bad breath to aiding in stomach digestion. Many home remedies involving apple cider vinegar involve organic or unpasteurized versions of the product, ones still containing the mother of vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar contains many compounds with antioxidant properties, the most potent of which is acetic acid. Antioxidants protect cells from free radicals that cause damage to cell DNA. According to Livestrong, in a 2010 study published in Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers found compounds with antioxidant activity of the enzyme superoxide dismutase in apple cider vinegar–meaning, the compounds in apple cider vinegar convert superoxide and other harmful free radicals into less harmful oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.
How to Take It
WebMD recommends not drinking apple cider vinegar straight. Due to its acidic qualities, it can be harmful to tooth enamel and the lining of the esophagus.
According to Readers Digest, there are several other home remedies using apple cider vinegar, which may help some side symptoms of COPD.
- Controls Blood Sugar Levels – One study found that people with type 2 diabetes not taking insulin found that taking 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with water before bed resulted in lower glucose levels by morning. An Arizona State University study found that people who drank an apple cider vinegar and water mixture before eating high carbohydrate meals had lower blood sugar after eating.
- Clears Stuffy Noses – Apple cider vinegar contains potassium that thins mucus. Also, the acidic PH prevents bacteria growth. Directions: Mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and drink.
- Creates an Energy Boost – The potassium and enzymes in apple cider vinegar help relieve that tired feeling. Directions: Add one or two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to a glass of cold water.