How to Drink Apple Cider Vinegar to Lower Blood Pressure

White vinegar has been pasteurized and has little medicinal benefit.

The difference between most vinegars and raw apple cider vinegar (ACV) is that ACV contains live microorganisms, called the "mother." The mother appears as dark sediment or brown strands floating toward the bottom of your jar of apple cider. Always shake your cider before using to disperse the mother and make sure every spoonful contains the probiotics and nutrients that might help lower your blood pressure.

Things You'll Need

• Raw apple cider vinegar
• Filtered water

Instructions

1. Choose a raw apple cider vinegar that is cold-pressed, fermented, unpasteurized and made from organic apples. This will ensure it has the highest possible mineral content. Raw ACV is high in potassium, an electrolyte your body uses to conduct electricity through your body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, low levels of potassium are linked with high blood pressure, but only if you are slightly potassium deficient. Talk to your doctor before adding any potassium supplement to treat high blood pressure.

2. Combine two tablespoons. of ACV with eight ounces of filtered water and drink three times daily. If the taste of ACV is too strong, you may add fresh lemon juice. If you prefer a warm drink, you can add ACV to hot water to make a tea. You may add a natural sweetener, such as honey, agave or stevia -- but make note of the extra calories, and avoid adding honey or agave if you have diabetes.

3. Add raw apple cider vinegar to condiments such as salad dressing and mustard to get more ACV into your daily diet. Try to take ACV before each meal, so that it aids in digestion, as well as lowers blood pressure.

Tips & Warnings

• Always consult your physician before using any alternative therapies.

• ACV may help treat the symptoms of high blood pressure, but not the underlying cause. Using ACV as part of a healthy, low-cholesterol diet, maintaining a healthy body weight and getting regular exercise will also help lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease.

• Many of the studies touting the benefits of apple cider vinegar for blood pressure reduction were animal studies. Further human testing is needed before hard conclusions may be drawn.

References

• Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits.com: Many Tried and True Home Remedies Use The Natural Healing Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
• University of Maryland Medical Center: Potassium
• Mercola.com: What the Research Really Says About Apple Cider Vinegar