Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help Treat Essential Tremor Symptoms?

Could Apple Cider Vinegar be an Effective Natural Treatment for Essential Tremor?

Essential tremor is a nerve disorder that causes involuntary and rhythmic shaking, especially in the hands. It typically worsens with movement and can make daily tasks like writing, drinking, and eating challenging. Essential tremor is often confused with Parkinson's disease tremors, but while the shaking may appear similar, the conditions differ in their underlying cause.

Around 5% of people 60 and older suffer from essential tremor, and it seems to run in families in at least half of known cases. There is no definitive cure for essential tremor, but certain medications, therapy, and even brain surgery may help reduce shaking. Some people also find relief through complementary approaches like nutritional supplements.

What Causes Essential Tremor?

The exact mechanisms behind essential tremor are still being studied. However, researchers believe that it stems from misfiring between areas of the brain that control and coordinate movement. Certain neurological signals get disrupted, leading to tremor.

While not life-threatening on its own, essential tremor can negatively impact one's quality of life. Simple tasks become exceedingly difficult and some people develop anxiety, depression, and social isolation as a result of embarrassing shaking episodes.

Conventional Essential Tremor Treatments

For mild cases, essential tremor medication may provide adequate relief of symptoms. Commonly prescribed drugs include:

• Propranolol - a beta blocker that blocks adrenaline
• Anti-seizure medicines like primidone and topiramate
• Anti-anxiety benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin)

However, medication side effects can be significant. Propranolol can cause lightheadedness and fatigue for example. The efficacy also decreases over time.

For severe essential tremor, doctors may recommend surgical interventions such as deep brain stimulation. This requires implanting electrodes in the thalamus region of the brain. While often effective, there are risks associated with any invasive procedure.

The Potential Role of Nutrition in Managing Essential Tremor

Some health practitioners recommend making dietary changes and taking certain nutritional supplements as additional ways to minimize essential tremor impact.

One supplement that is gaining attention recently as a natural therapy for reducing shaking is apple cider vinegar.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is made through the fermentation of apple cider. The sugars in apples are converted by yeast and bacteria into acetic acid, a compound that gives vinegar its strong smell, sour taste and many purported health benefits.

Alongside the acetic acid, apple cider vinegar contains enzymes, probiotics and trace minerals that are considered highly bioavailable, meaning our bodies can readily absorb and utilize them.

The use of vinegar as a health tonic dates all the way back to Hippocrates in 400 BC. And in recent years, science has begun to substantiate many of apple cider vinegar's traditional uses, ranging from managing blood sugar and promoting weight loss to boosting immunity and acting as an anti-microbial.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Treating Essential Tremor

There isnt yet direct clinical research linking apple cider vinegar with essential tremor relief specifically. However, some proponents theorize it may be helpful based on the following mechanisms:

Improving GABA activity

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that blocks runaway nerve impulses and calms nervous system excitability. Studies show that low GABA is associated with essential tremor and movement disorders.

While research is limited, some animal studies report increased GABA receptors with acetic acid administration. The theory is that apple cider vinegar raises GABA activity similarly to help ease tremor symptoms.

Binding toxic heavy metals

A few small studies propose heavy metal toxicity may play a role in some essential tremor cases. Lead and other toxic metals are believed to interfere with brain cell communication and damage tremor-regulating areas.

The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar demonstrates chelating properties, meaning it can grab onto heavy metals and help flush them out of the body. This may protect nerve cell health.

Regulating blood sugar

Blood sugar dysregulation and insulin resistance are common in people with movement disorders. When blood sugar gets too high (hyperglycemia) or drops too low (hypoglycemia), it can trigger and worsen tremors.

Apple cider vinegar is proven to increase insulin sensitivity and moderate glycemic response. Keeping blood sugar balanced may prevent sugar-related tremor flare-ups.

Other Potential Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Beyond possible essential tremor relief, regularly consuming diluted apple cider vinegar may promote health in other ways:

Supports weight loss

Acetic acid bumps up fat burning, curbs appetite, and reduces fat storage according to research. This can support easier weight management.

Lowers cholesterol

Animal studies suggest acetic acid can lower cholesterol production in the liver and increase HDL (good) cholesterol. Maintaining healthy cholesterol protects heart health.

Reduces blood pressure

The acetate in apple cider vinegar widens blood vessels, increasing flow and oxygenation. Human trials confirm consuming it leads to meaningful reductions in hypertension risk.

Improves digestion

Apple cider vinegar acts as a prebiotic to nourish probiotics in the gut. A balanced microbiome optimizes digestion and the absorption of minerals and vitamins.

Boosts immunity

Antioxidants like polyphenols found in apple cider vinegar thwart free radical damage that causes disease. Acetic acid also exhibits anti-pathogenic traits against unwanted bacteria and viruses.

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Safe to Use?

For most people, incorporating a couple teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into your routine is safe and unlikely to cause side effects. However it does come with the following cautions:

Erodes tooth enamel over time

Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic, with a pH similar to stomach acid. Frequent exposure can erode tooth enamel and lead to sensitivity. To prevent damage, dilute ACV drinks well and rinse your mouth after.

May interact with certain medications

The acetic acid can interact with specific medications like diuretics, insulin, and laxatives. Check with your doctor before using apple cider vinegar if you take any prescription medicines.

Can trigger throat irritation or nausea if not diluted

Drinking apple cider vinegar straight or not mixed well enough can cause a nasty burning sensation. And too much at once may prompt gagging or vomiting. To avoid negative reactions, sufficiently dilute ACV before drinking.

How to Safely Use Apple Cider Vinegar

If you want to give apple cider vinegar a try for easing essential tremor or improving overall wellness, here are some tips for using it effectively and safely:

Only use raw, organic apple cider vinegar

Make sure to use raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with the mother for maximum nutrition content and probiotics. Organic ensures no GMOs or pesticide residue.

Always dilute before drinking

Mix just 1-2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar into at least 6 ounces water or juice. You can add lemon, herbs or maple syrup to improve the flavor.

Start slowly

Begin with a small dose once a day and gradually work up to 1-2 tablespoons maximum per day, split into multiple servings.

Drink through a straw

Take apple cider vinegar drinks through a straw placed towards the back of your mouth. This minimizes contact with tooth enamel and prevents erosion.

Rinse your mouth

After you finish your drink, swish some plain water around your mouth to wash away any lingering acid.

Try an encapsulated form if taste is unpalatable

The sour vinegar taste is not for everyone! Taking ACV capsules is an option if you cant handle or dont like the flavor. The acetic acid is preserved without having to drink it straight.

The Takeaway on Apple Cider Vinegar for Essential Tremor

While no definitive studies confirm apple cider vinegar alleviates shaking from essential tremor, its potential biological mechanisms look promising.

Given its low risk profile and multitude of additional health upsides, talk to your doctor about incorporating 2 tablespoons of diluted ACV into your wellness routine. Be patient, as natural approaches take some time to build effect.

Apple cider vinegar may or may not provide tremor relief, but supporting overall physical health certainly cant hurt! When combined with conventional therapies, ACV could give your body the boost it needs to gain better control over stubborn essential tremor symptoms over time.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.