Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Neuropathy?
Are you living with diabetic nerve pain and wondering, is apple cider good for neuropathy? Here’s what you need to know. Today, ACV has many reported health benefits, but only some of them are backed by research. So, is apple cider vinegar for nerve pain one of those proven benefits? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
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We make this acidic substance when yeast digests apples’ sugars, turning them into alcohol. Next, a healthy bacteria converts that alcohol into acetic acid. And the final combo gets bottled as apple cider vinegar (ACV.)
Now, thanks to the bacteria involved in fermentation, ACV contains some probiotics. And that means it could support your gut health. Plus, it contains several important vitamins. So it’s not a bad idea to throw some ACV in your salad dressing for a nutritional boost. But what about the other reported benefits? Can apple cider vinegar for nerve pain help manage neuropathy? The answer lies in understanding more about this condition.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve disorder. Diabetics often develop this condition because high blood sugar levels can impact your nerve health. Specifically, the high blood sugar can lead to swelling in your circulatory system. Next, the swelling presses on your nerves. At that point, you may experience neuropathy symptoms such as numbness, tingling or burning pain in your feet, muscle weakness or increased sensitivity to touch. The loss of sensation could also affect balance and lead to an increased risk for falls.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Neuropathy?
Currently, using ACV for nerve pain is a home remedy with limited research to back its effectiveness. Two small studies suggested that ACV could relieve inflammation and support weight loss. Currently, there’s no evidence suggesting that you’ll get any benefit if you use apple cider for nerve pain. So, while it shouldn’t cause you any lasting health concerns, taking an ACV shot probably won’t give you the relief you’re seeking. But here’s what can help, instead.
Diagnosing and Treating Neuropathy in Spring TX
In our Spring and Tomball, TX podiatry practices, we diagnose neuropathy using a special computerized sensory test. The results we get from this screening will help us determine the best way treatment to treat your symptoms.
Our team of podiatrists also likes to match the treatment to the patient, choosing the least invasive option possible. That was the case for our patient Debra R., who recently shared:
“Dr. Walsh was wonderful. She had the patience to hear all about the separate problems with my feet. I’m apparently a textbook case of diabetic neuropathy. I didn’t understand that all of my issues are due to diabetic neuropathy and poorly fitting shoes. Since I am having many problems it is nice to have a doctor that doesn’t just give you a device or medication that either doesn’t work or has a horrible side effect.. She gave me a script for diabetic shoes so I immediately went to get them. Also, she suggested over the counter cream for neuropathy pain. It just became an over the counter medication. I have tried at least 4 or 5 other creams that haven’t helped the pain and from last night’s results this one will help a lot.”
Is Apple Cider Vinegar good for Neuropathy? Prescription and Surgical Treatment Alternatives that Actually Work
Not every patient will find neuropathy relief with creams or shoe changes. But that doesn’t mean help isn’t available. Some patients benefit from medications that relieve neuropathy pain, such as Lyrica, Cymbalta and Nucynta, which all have FDA-approval for treating diabetic neuropathy.
Getting your diabetes under control and reaching a healthy weight may also prevent neuropathy pain from getting worse. And, in our office, we also offer a procedure known as peripheral nerve decompression. Patients who are candidates for this surgical procedure report less pain and improved sensation in their feet.
Ready to resolve your diabetic neuropathy? Forget about home remedies like apple cider vinegar for nerve pain and stick with what works. Make an appointment with our diabetic podiatrists today, and we’ll help you find the neuropathy treatment option that will give you relief.