Vinegar makes most salad dressings tastier, but did you know it can also help digestion?
While vinegar is primarily used in the kitchen, it has long benefited humans in other areas, including health issues. In some cases it can be much less expensive than other remedies.
Here are four suggestions for possible uses of vinegar, from various health Experts on JustAnswer.
Remedy for sinusitis
Apple cider vinegar — a pantry staple for salads and other recipes — can come in handy to help relieve sinusitis.
Dr. M.D. Mazumdar recommends mixing 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/2 cup warm water and drinking the mixture twice daily. “Apple cider vinegar helps thin the mucus,” he said.
Get rid of toenail fungus
According to Mysticdoc, another doctor on JustAnswer, toenail fungus can be treated at home with the following vinegar mixture: Take a dab of Vicks VapoRub and mix with a teaspoon of white vinegar. Soak the toenail in warm water and pat dry. Apply the mixture over the white semicircular area of the nail, then cover the nail for three hours.
“Do this every day for two weeks,” he said, “and you should start to see your nails returning to health.”
Help with digestion
Another benefit of apple cider vinegar is that it can assist the digestive process, says PatriciaRN.
Her recommendations for good digestion include drinking two quarts of water per day and taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before each meal.
“The vinegar acts as an acid to help digestion, but in the body it is metabolized as alkaline, which is usually quite helpful since most of us have metabolisms that are a bit too acidic,” she said.
The ‘sugar destroyer’ for diabetics
“A mixture of fiber and vinegar before dinner can help stop the quick absorption connected with sugars,” said Dr. P. Joti.
He suggests mixing a cup of water with 1 teaspoon of Metamucil or psyllium husk and 4 teaspoons of vinegar. “Drink before dinner and it should cut down the absorption of sugar,” he said.
Before trying a home remedy with vinegar, it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor, who may have additional information for you to consider.
