“Apple cider vinegar has anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant properties, so it shouldn’t be used as a substitute for arthritis drugs. There is more research that is needed.”

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that is marked by inflammation. It causes pain and damage to the joints. Other symptoms associated with the disease include:

  • Joint swelling.
  • Joints are stiff.
  • fatigue

There is no known cure for the condition. Various medications are available to help treat the symptoms of RA. They want to lower inflammation and discomfort and prevent further joint erosion.

Natural remedies, such as apple cider vinegar (ACV), are also available. They’re not a substitute for medication, but they may offer relief from certain symptoms.

It is possible that the anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant properties of ACV could be important for symptom management.

There are several phytonutrients, or plant-based compounds, in ACV. Examples include polyphenols and acetic acid. Researchers believe polyphenols may contribute to ACV’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Acetic acid may play a similar role, according to animal studies.

A 2021 literature review concluded that polyphenols, in general, may help alleviate RA-related joint damage, swelling, and pain.

There are studies that link the reduction in swelling and pain of the RA with the use of the compounds in the ACV.

A 2019 study split 70 adults with type 2 diabetes and high blood lipids into two groups. For 8 weeks, they received either 20 milliliters (mL) of ACV each day or no ACV at all. The group who received ACV saw better blood sugar management and less oxidative damage in the body. Oxidative damage is closely linked to inflammation.

The study was not performed on people with the disease. Anti-Inflammatory benefits may be important to people with RA. There are more studies that need to be done.

Other uses of apple cider vinegar

It is used in cooking. It might have health benefits, according to small studies.

If you are interested in trying a natural remedy, try a bottle of ACV.

Learn more about the uses of ACV.

There’s not sufficient research to establish that ACV is effective at preventing, treating, or curing RA or any of its symptoms, including pain.

It is not certain if applying ACV to affected areas will have health benefits. Inappropriate use on the skin could cause irritation, inflammation, and damage.

A small 2019 study found that a diluted ACV mixture didn’t improve skin integrity in people with atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition. The study participants soaked one of their forearms in the mixture for 10 minutes over 14 days.

In addition, the Arthritis Foundation lists ACV as a common arthritis food myth for the management of pain and inflammation.

Adding it to foods is a good way to add it to your diet.

The dose most often linked to health benefits is 15 to 30 mL per day, mixed in water or other beverages. There’s no scientific evidence to suggest there’s an ideal daily dose of ACV to consume when treating RA or managing its symptoms.

Also, vinegar is highly acidic. Before ingesting it, you may want to try diluting it with water to prevent damage to your teeth.

“Applying ACV on a daily basis for local pain relief is a common use, but it doesn’t have any scientific studies behind it.”

Many people believe that adding ACV to a bath before bed can also help to relieve RA pain. More research must be done before any conclusions can be drawn.

If you notice an adverse reaction after using it, stop using it.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), several other nutritional and topical complementary approaches for RA symptom relief are available.

There are some approaches for RA that are nutrition based.

Some topical therapies to consider include herbal oils and capsaicin cream.

Only a small amount of research has been done on many of the natural remedies for RA. They need more work to understand how they help.

The National Center for Health Information recommends against substituting other approaches for treatments recommended by a doctor.

There is not enough evidence to prove that ACV is an effective treatment for RA.

Traditional RA medications are not a replacement for ACV. Taking medication is important for managing the disease.

It seems like the side effects of ACV are less than those of traditional therapies. It may not be helpful for some people.

Consuming too much or using it wrong can have several side effects.

Before you try alternative treatments or combine traditional therapies with other approaches, you should talk to a doctor about what you want to do.

If you begin to experience unusual side effects, get immediate medical attention.