Apple Cider Vinegar for Candida: ACV and Yeast Infections

Last Updated on September 3, 2023

Apple cider vinegar’s journey in every home starts from the pantry shelf, but soon it makes its way into the medicine cabinet. From treating a sore throat to using it as a way to lose weight, ACV is touted for its numerous health benefits.

Today, we examine whether the use of apple cider vinegar for yeast infection makes any difference. We’ll interpret various scientific resources to come to a credible answer.

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Apple Cider Vinegar for Yeast Infection

Apple cider vinegar is a kind of vinegar obtained from the fermentation of apples. The process uses yeast to convert the sugar into acetic acid by bacteria. The acetic acid works with other compounds such as magnesium, calcium, and polyphenols to grant ACV its healing properties.

ACV’s popularity owes not only to its history of use but also to the rising trend of home remedies made famous by internet culture. Today, people claim apple cider vinegar is a reliable supplement for detoxification or weight loss for those who are doing intermittent fasting or the ketogenic diet. Other applications include apple cider vinegar for gout, acid reflux, neuropathy, and even gallstones.

Given this list of benefits, ACV for candida may also prove to be a beneficial practice. Let’s look at candida in more detail.

What is Candida? (Candidiasis)

The human body is home to many different species of microbes, including yeast. Candida is one such pathogenic yeast that lives on the human skin and inside the body. However, excessive accumulation of the yeast or deep penetration in the body can cause candidiasis. This can include infections of the skin, mouth, or vagina.

There are many different types of candida infections, depending upon the area and extent of the damage. Oral, vaginal, and invasive candidiasis to name a few. These conditions usually pose warning signs before worsening and require immediate medical attention as unchecked candidiasis can be fatal.

Causes of Candida

The root causes of Candida can range from past medical history to an existing medical problem. A few of the causes may include the following:

• Weak Immune System: A yeast infection is likely to happen when the body is unresponsive to harmful bacteria accumulating in the body due to compromised immunity.
• Pregnancy: There is a massive hormonal imbalance during pregnancy. This can increase the odds of Candida accumulation in the vagina.
• Antibiotics: Taking antibiotics for any infection can hamper the good bacteria present in the vagina or mouth. This may allow unwanted yeast to penetrate and cause damage.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes often have too much sugar in the urine that may disrupt the yeast present in the body.

Symptoms of Candida

Some types of Candida do not pose any significant symptoms. However, most common Candidiasis presents a similar set of telltale signs that help diagnose and treat the disease effectively.

These symptoms can vary depending upon the type but are universal for the most part.

• Pain or burning during urination, intercourse, or swallowing
• Thick vaginal discharge
• Redness inside the mouth or vagina
• Tiny cuts or cracks on the inside of the mouth or skin of the vulva
• Fever and chills
• Yellow patches in the mouth
• Kidney failure (especially in the case of Candidemia)
• Body pain and fatigue
• Difficulty breathing

Do not confuse Candida, which is a yeast infection, with urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are bacterial. Symptoms may overlap, but they are very different things.

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Does Apple Cider Vinegar Kill Candida?

Research targeting the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of apple cider vinegar has often produced positive results. Laboratory research shows much potential for ACV’s resistance to Candida species in particular. Thus, we have reason to believe it can inhibit and kill Candida overgrowth.

A research trial from 2018 examined ACV’s influence on several microbes, including Candida Albicans. It observed antimicrobial effects and also concluded that its beneficial properties make ACV a useful dietary supplement.

The above research trial limited its working to a petri dish. A similar 2015 study yielded similar results demonstrating the in vitro antifungal influence of apple cider vinegar for yeast infections.

Apple cider vinegar has also shown some benefit as an alternative antifungal supplement in diabetics. A study examined methods of reducing intraoral Candida in Type II Diabetes patients. ACV emerged as a viable natural option, displaying a high reduction in the Candida count after treatment.

ACV Bath for Yeast Infections

As with most ACV health benefits, research studies have not directly examined the effects of an apple cider vinegar bath on humans. However, several cases concerned with the topical use of vinegar have shown positive potential regarding its usage, especially in basic skincare applications.

In 2017, a case report emerged that concerned the use of ACV application for vaginal candidiasis. A 32-year-old woman diagnosed with chronic vaginal infection was unresponsive to all medicinal therapy. Topical application of ACV eventually helped her control the symptoms that included foul odor, discharge, and itching.

Another study surveyed different regions to determine how women manage yeast and fungal infections at home, such as vaginosis. Hot vinegar baths were reported to be the most common home remedy. ACV baths are also commonly used for treating discharges in Africa and other underprivileged areas.

Thus, apple cider vinegar and yeast infections seem to go hand in hand. By soaking in an ACV bath twice a week, you should see some positive benefits—but don’t rely on it exclusively as a cure. Here are a few instructions to help:

• Fill a tub with warm water.
• Add in 2 cups of raw, organic ACV.
• Use an essential oil of your choice to enhance the experience.
• You can further personalize it by adding healthy antifungal ingredients such as turmeric or ginger.
• Stir the water and soak your body for 10-15 minutes.

Always remember to shower and rinse your body of ACV after the bath.

Drinking ACV for Yeast Infections

Drinking apple cider vinegar is one of the most widely used methods to consume ACV. Time and time again, vinegar has been acclaimed for its antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. This makes it ideal for use when treating yeast infections like Candida.

A study by Middlesex University London, as previously cited, is an important piece of evidence in this regard. Results showed that vinegar displayed positive clinical implications against yeast infections caused by Candida Albicans. It concluded that its antifungal characteristics could help prevent numerous infections in the body.

To drink apple cider vinegar for yeast infections, you can make your own ACV honey drink. These “shots” combine honey’s healing properties with ACV’s health benefits, making it a very healthy choice for the body.

• Take 1 tablespoon of raw, organic ACV in a glass.
• Mix it with one cup of warm water.
• Add in honey to sweeten the drink.
• Use any natural supplements such as turmeric or cayenne pepper to personalize the drink as per your taste. The best part of this strategy is you’ll also get to experience the many benefits of turmeric.

How to Get More ACV in Your Diet

We have already discussed two of the most practical ways to utilize ACV for yeast infections. However, you still have more options apart from drinking or bathing.

• Make a vinaigrette salad by combining it with other natural ingredients.
• Make apple cider vinegar gummies or pills/capsules a part of your supplement routine.
• Mix it in while you cook vegetables or meat.
• Add a tablespoon to your morning tea.
• Add some quantity to your seasonal marinade recipes.

Dosage Recommendations

The ideal ACV dosage per day is 15-30 ml. This roughly equals two tablespoons per day, diluted with a cup of warm water. There are many pros and cons to consuming ACV before bed or in the morning. For a powerful start to the day, consider drinking it before breakfast. If you consume it at night, be sure you do so 30 minutes before sleeping.

To reap the full benefits of vinegar, drink ACV regularly. Learn about the best time to drink apple cider vinegar.

Final Thoughts on ACV for Candida

The research surrounding ACV and Candida looks promising. Considering how safe apple cider vinegar is, it may be a viable treatment option for yeast infections. With indirect scientific reports and a history of anecdotal evidence to back it, treating fungal infections seems like a safe and reasonable application for ACV.

• Learn: What is the pH of apple cider vinegar?

Always be mindful of its potential side effects. Be sure to consult with a certified medical professional for proper treatment recommendations. Do not use ACV in place of prescribed medications to treat your condition.