Does the miracle cure apple cider vinegar help against water retention?

Water retention: what is it?

In technical jargon, water retention is also referred to as so-called “oedema”. This is a swelling in the tissue in which fluid collects. These can be a symptom of various diseases, so you should always seek medical advice before self-treating with a home remedy such as apple cider vinegar. Edema can also occur due to genetics, weather, hormonal problems, lack of exercise and as a side effect of medication. In addition, a distinction is made between internal, external, local and generalized water retention on the whole body.

This is how water retention occurs

Our body consists largely of water. Practically every cell, even our bones, contains a certain amount of water. The liquid is transported to the surrounding tissue via our capillaries, which are small blood vessels. If there are imbalances in this system, such as a change in pressure, the liquid accumulates. Veins and capillary walls become leaky and water deposits form. Because of gravity, the legs are particularly often affected.

Water in the legs: cause

If our legs or feet are swollen, this indicates edema in most cases. Such water retention occurs for a variety of reasons, often due to a lot of sitting and standing or due to high temperatures in summer. Water in the legs, for example, is also a common problem during pregnancy. However, special caution should be exercised if there are visible varicose veins on the legs – the water retention must then be medically examined. Circulatory disorders or venous insufficiency could be responsible for the swelling. However, if no professional treatment is required, a home remedy such as apple cider vinegar can also be used for water in the legs.

Apple cider vinegar for water retention

Leg edema can be uncomfortable. Fortunately, we can easily resort to a tried and tested home remedy for slight swelling: apple cider vinegar. Fermented and fermented by acetic acid bacteria, cider has a draining and anti-inflammatory effect. Ingredients such as potassium have a regulating effect on water retention. In addition, apple cider vinegar also contains numerous other important substances such as vitamins, folic acid, iron, iodine and zinc. Apple cider vinegar is therefore also ideal for hair care or for treating heat rash.

Uses of apple cider vinegar

In order for apple cider vinegar to develop its full power, we have to consume it properly. The most effective methods for this are leg wraps or a drinking cure. Because this is a completely natural treatment, there are usually no side effects to worry about – if you are unsure, talk to your family doctor beforehand.

Apple cider vinegar as a leg wrap against water retention

If the swelling on the leg has already caused skin irritation, it is a good idea to apply apple cider vinegar externally. This works ideally with a wrap, for example. To do this, cool a towel in the freezer for a few minutes, then soak it in apple cider vinegar and tie it around the water retention. The cold wrap also supports drainage and soothes the skin. A positive side effect: Such a vinegar wrap can also help at elevated temperatures.

Drinking cure with apple cider vinegar

Those who prefer internal use can also take apple cider vinegar orally. As a daily drinking cure before breakfast, it stimulates the metabolism. After a meal, a glass of apple cider vinegar helps against the feeling of fullness and supports digestion. It is important, however, never to drink the liquid undiluted, otherwise the acetic acid could irritate the mucous membranes. To get around this, we mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon of honey in a cup of cold or lukewarm water. However, the drinking cure with apple cider vinegar is not recommended for people who suffer from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, fructose intolerance or diabetes. In these cases, you must first consult a medical specialist.