Can apple vinegar help ovarian cysts?

Advertisements

apple vinegar (acv), a product of fermented cider, is a staple food for cooking and has been used as a medicine for thousands of years. The vinegar is touted for preventing and treating various diseases, including ovarian cysts. Despite these statements and proofs, no published studies have shown the role of ACV in the prevention or treatment of these cysts. Consult your health doctor about how to prevent and manage ovarian cysts.

Sponsored Links

span= "article-image inner caption-class"> apple vinegar is touted as having many health benefits. (Image: yelenayemchuk/istock/getty images)

ovarian cyst

ovarian cyst develops in or on the ovary, usually as part of the menstrual cycle. The most common ovarian cyst occurs in a fluid-filled sac with mature eggs that is larger than normal. Although most ovarian cysts are small and do not cause any symptoms, some cysts may cause abdominal pain or discomfort. Larger cysts may cause severe pain, and some cysts may bleed or rupture, so timely medical intervention is needed. Most ovarian cysts disappear without treatment. Your doctor may take a cautious waiting strategy and in some cases prescribe hormone therapy to prevent more cysts from forming. Large or painful ovarian cysts may require surgical removal. Some women prefer other ways to reduce cysts, such as trying acv, hoping to avoid medication or surgery.

vinegar claims that ACV can contract and dissolve ovarian cysts. These cysts are also reported to be caused by potassium deficiency and claim that ACV provides a sufficient substitute for this mineral to help treat these cysts. However, no studies support these claims. In addition, apple vinegar has a fairly low potassium content of 11 mg per tablespoon. Compared with 422 mg of potassium in medium bananas or 292 mg of potassium in medium tomatoes, this amount is rather insignificant. h3>polycystic ovary syndrome (pcos) is a disease characterized by hormone imbalance. One of its characteristics is the presence of many small ovarian cysts. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with overweight, insulin resistance and increased risk of diabetes, which may be related to acv. According to a review published in May 2014 in the Journal of Food Science, acetic acid, phytochemicals and other health-promoting substances in this fermented beverage are associated with improved blood sugar control and weight loss. A report published in the Northeast Journal of Experimental Medicine in May 2013 shows that women with polycystic ovary syndrome can improve insulin, ovarian function and menstruation by eating 1 tablespoon of apple vinegar 90 to 110 days a day. However, this study was very small and did not study the effect of vinegar on ovarian cysts. More research is needed to understand whether ACV has an effect on ovarian health.

Warning and precautions If you have ovarian cysts, consult your doctor to see if treatment is needed. The use of ACV is not considered harmful and can provide nutritional and health characteristics. If you want to try ACV for small cysts, discuss your plan with your doctor. However, there is no research supporting that vinegar can help reduce or prevent ovarian cysts, and this family therapy should not replace drugs or surgery. If you have any pain that affects your normal activity, tell your doctor. If you have any bleeding, sudden or new abdominal pain, dizziness or fainting or severe vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse, seek medical attention immediately.

Auditor: Kay Peck, MPH, RD

Advertisements