People worldwide believe apple cider vinegar is a cure-all for many common complaints, from skin issues to weight loss and more. The problem is that many of these claims aren’t backed by solid science. According to the Mayo Clinic, studies evaluating apple cider vinegar’s ability to aid weight loss haven’t consistently shown significant and sustainable results across diverse populations. The Cleveland Clinic reports that many people believe in the power of apple cider vinegar to improve digestion. Yet there isn’t adequate scientific research to support that claim, either. Here, we explore whether ACV might improve hepatitis C symptoms by detoxifying the liver, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation.
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Detox the Liver?
One purported benefit of apple cider vinegar is its ability to detoxify the liver. “Apple cider vinegar is rich with detoxification properties and can promote circulation in the liver detox process,” says Jamie Bacharach, a homeopathic expert and the head of practice at Acupuncture Jerusalem. “By promoting blood flow and filtration, and boosting energy within the liver, apple cider vinegar can aid in the removal of harmful toxins that tend to build up in an overwhelmed or unhealthy liver,” she continues. Again, there aren’t any studies that specifically speak to the benefits of apple cider vinegar for hepatitis C. But a study published in 2015 in the American Journal of Cancer Prevention suggests that ACV could potentially combat liver tissue damage triggered by nicotine toxicity. The study — which was conducted on male albino rats — found that compounds in apple cider vinegar had a protective effect against toxins, suggesting that ACV might also help repair liver damage in humans. But before you experiment with remedies to self-purify, Bacharach recommends consulting your doctor, who can determine whether a DIY liver detox is safe for you.
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Strengthen the Immune System?
About 90 percent of people infected with hepatitis C are cured after 8 to 12 weeks with an antiviral medication, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But even though treatment can get rid of the virus, it doesn’t hurt to have a strong immune system as another weapon to fight disease. For this reason, some people with hepatitis C might consider complementing traditional therapy with ACV to strengthen their immune system. “Thanks to the fermenting process, apple cider vinegar possesses bacteria that serve as probiotics, which have been shown to boost immunity,” says Bacharach. “The acidic content in apple cider vinegar can even help thin mucus, which doesn’t strictly speaking boost immunity, but it does help fight common ailments and colds,” she continues.
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Fight Inflammation in the Liver?
Inflammation is an underlying cause of hepatitis C, and the goals of treatment are to reduce inflammation, prevent liver damage, and cure the disease, according to the American Liver Foundation (ALF). If true, claims that apple cider vinegar can function as an anti-inflammatory mean it could decrease liver inflammation. “Thanks to its alkaline pH, apple cider vinegar can prevent blood from becoming overly acidic, which does in effect reduce inflammation,” notes Bacharach. But she warns that ACV should not be turned to or relied on as a stand-alone inflammation fighter, as its effects are not nearly potent enough in safe doses.
Is ACV Safe for People With Liver Damage or Hepatitis C?
According to the CDC, about 2.4 million Americans, or roughly 1 percent of the population, had hepatitis C between 2013 and 2016. Given the possible benefits of apple cider vinegar for liver health, the million-dollar question is: Is it safe or recommended for people living with this disease? The answer isn’t yes or no, because no two individuals living with liver damage are exactly alike, explains Bacharach. She suggests erring on the side of caution and consulting a doctor who’s familiar with your medical history before self-prescribing apple cider vinegar.
Final Word: What to Know Before Drinking ACV
Even though some people claim to have great results from drinking apple cider vinegar, regular consumption has its risks. For example, in a case study published in 2012, daily consumption of a glass of apple cider vinegar was linked to tooth erosion. The vinegar may also interact with some supplements and medications, and given its acidic nature, drinking too much could irritate the throat, warns the Mayo Clinic. So while ACV is a popular natural remedy, speak with your doctor and make sure you know the risks, especially if you have a chronic disease like hepatitis C or take medication.
