Apple Cider Vinegar for Hot Flashes: Is it Helpful?

Apple cider vinegar for hot flashes is a popular topic on blogs and social media.  Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of menopause.  If you’re in any of the three stages of menopause (perimenopause, menopause, or postmenopause) hot flashes are probably a part of your everyday life.  Indeed, hot flashes do not show any manners or common courtesies.  They break your concentration, show up while doing a major presentation, and wake you up at night.

Many women are not ready or unwilling to use hormone replacement therapy for their menopausal symptoms.  However, some women are willing to try natural remedies, including apple cider vinegar. But, is it helpful?  And if so, how should you consume it? 

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

As mentioned in a previous post, I drink apple cider vinegar a few days a week as an overall health tonic.  Apple cider vinegar has been used in different cultures for medicinal purposes for centuries.  Notably, apple cider vinegar is probably among the top five most commonly used natural remedies.

Apple cider vinegar is made with fermented apples.  Manufacturers add wine yeast to crushed apples, turning them into alcohol.  Then, they add a particular bacteria that turns the alcohol into acetic acid (i.e., vinegar).  Now, this is important.  Always buy organic, unfiltered, and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar.  Why?  Well, unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains the “mother” bacteria, the key to many of its health benefits. Possible benefits of using apple cider vinegar regularly include:

• Lowers blood sugar levels
• Improves insulin resistance
• Regulates appetite to prevent weight gain or help weight loss
• Creates a sense of fullness in the stomach to prevent weight gain or help weight loss
• Reduces food cravings to prevent weight gain or help weight loss
• Lowers cholesterol
• Improves heart health
• Protects against certain cancers
• Improves eczema
• Controls gastric reflux and heartburn

How Does Apple Cider Vinegar for Hot Flashes and Other Menopausal Symptoms Work?

Now, this is important.  Though many women swear by it, there is no hard scientific evidence that apple cider vinegar relieves hot flashes.  Instead, the information comes from folk medicine, holistic medicine, and people’s experiences.   Many believe that apple cider vinegar works by regulating the sweat glands, hence, relief from hot flashes. Apple cider vinegar may also relieve other symptoms of perimenopause or menopause such as:

• Night sweats
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Mood swings
• Irritability
• Forgetfulness or memory lapses
• Brain fog
• Dry, itchy skin

How Much Apple Cider Vinegar to Take for Hot Flashes?

It is easy to drink too much apple cider vinegar when hot flashes make you feel miserable.  Some people think, “If a little is good, then a little more is better.”  This is not true with apple cider vinegar.  On most days with mild symptoms, I do not use more than 3 teaspoons a day, the same as 1 tablespoon or 15 ml. If you use the bottle cap, limit intake to 3 capfuls a day.  I have seen other recommendations of no more than 3 tablespoons a day.

When to Drink Apple Cider Vinegar for Menopause

Most people drink apple cider vinegar before, during, or after meals.  I usually drink it on an empty stomach when I awake.  I also use it after my last meal of the day.  If you have a sensitive gut, then do not take on an empty stomach. 

It takes a while to get relief from hot flashes, so be patient.  Regardless of the severity of your hot flashes, do not consume more than 3 tablespoons a day.

Possible Side Effects of Too Much Apple Cider Vinegar

Remember, apple cider vinegar is a mild acid. So, be careful when using it, and never, drink it undiluted.  Possible side effects of too much apple cider vinegar include:

• Throat burns
• Diarrhea
• Disruption of the stomach pH levels
• Erosion of teeth enamel
• Excretion of potassium
• Lowers blood sugar too much for people with diabetes on medication

Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar Shots Recipes

The biggest thing people hate about apple cider vinegar is the taste.  And, that’s because they probably drink it with water.  Once I figured out how to make apple cider vinegar shots, I started loving it.  Yes, you can buy the premade apple cider vinegar shots from the farmers’ market or grocery stores.  However, I do not want to pay $3 to $5 for a two-ounce shot.   

I buy a 16-ounce bottle of apple cider vinegar and make my own shots.  You can make a fresh shot every time you need it.  Or, you can make up a batch for the week and store it in a glass bottle or mason jar.  There is no need to refrigerate if you plan on using it up in 4 or 5 days. Oh, by the way, apple cider vinegar has zero calories.

Liquids for Apple Cider Vinegar Shots

• Water (filtered), warm or room temperature
• Coconut water
• Apple cider
• Apple juice
• Lemonade
• Orange juice
• Beet juice
• Carrot juice
• Grape juice

Herbs/Spices for Apple Cider Vinegar Shots

• Turmeric
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Lemon, lime, oranges
• Chamomile flowers
• Dandelion flowers
• Nutmeg
• Allspice

Herbs/Spices for Apple Cider Vinegar Shots

• Local honey
• Maple syrup
• Coconut sugar
• Date sugar
• Monk fruit sugar

Now, It’s Your Turn

Well, I hope you feel more educated about using apple cider vinegar for hot flashes.  Please note that this information is not medical advice. Additionally, it is not meant to contradict advice from your healthcare provider.  I think you will also enjoy the blog posts on essential oils for menopause and using natural remedies to relieve vaginal dryness.

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