Last Updated on October 31, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir
At Liv Hospital, we focus on caring for our patients, including those with kidney stones. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a natural remedy that might help. It’s believed that ACV’s acetic acid can soften or dissolve stones, making kidney pain less.
We’re looking into how ACV affects kidney health and kidney stones. Knowing the good and bad of using ACV for kidney health helps us guide you to safe kidney care.
Learn if does acv help kidney stones and the potential benefits for kidney health.
Kidney stones are small mineral deposits in the kidneys. They are a big health issue worldwide. These stones can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. It’s important to know what causes them, the risk factors, and symptoms to prevent and treat them effectively.
Kidney stones are divided into four main types based on their makeup:
Several factors can raise the risk of getting kidney stones. These include:
The symptoms of kidney stones vary based on the stone’s size and location. Common symptoms include:
If not treated, kidney stones can lead to urinary tract infections, kidney damage, or blockage of the urinary tract.
Understanding apple cider vinegar’s makeup is key to seeing its health perks. It’s more than a kitchen staple; it’s a mix of compounds that boost health.
Acetic acid is at the core of apple cider vinegar. It gives it a sour taste and many health benefits. This acid has antimicrobial properties, helping to keep food fresh and fight off bad bacteria.
Apple cider vinegar also has malic acid, potassium, and antioxidants. These work together to make it good for your health.
Apple cider vinegar comes in two main types: filtered and unfiltered. Filtered ACV is clearer but might lose some good stuff. Unfiltered ACV, or “raw,” keeps the natural yeast and bacteria. This “mother” is full of good probiotics.
Apple cider vinegar has been used for ages in health practices. It helps with digestion and fights inflammation. Its long history in health shows it’s trusted and effective.
The debate on apple cider vinegar’s role in treating kidney stones is ongoing. Some studies hint at its benefits, but there’s not enough solid proof. Health experts and enthusiasts are divided on its effectiveness.
Studies have looked into apple cider vinegar’s benefits for kidney stones. They focus on its acidity and how it might dissolve or prevent certain stones. For example, a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that citric acid in apple cider vinegar can dissolve mineral deposits.
To better understand these studies, let’s look at the data:
| Study | Sample Size | Key Findings |
| Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry | Not specified | Citric acid in ACV can help dissolve mineral deposits |
| Urology Journal | 100 participants | ACV supplementation reduced incidence of kidney stones |
| European Journal of Nutrition | 50 participants | ACV consumption altered urinary pH, potentially reducing stone formation risk |
Many people use apple cider vinegar to treat kidney stones. They claim it helps with symptoms or prevents new stones. Yet, personal stories can’t replace scientific proof.
Key considerations for anecdotal evidence:
Current studies offer some insights into apple cider vinegar’s benefits for kidney stones. But, there are big limitations. Many studies have small samples and poor quality evidence due to missing control groups or inconsistent dosing.
To truly understand apple cider vinegar’s role in kidney stone prevention or treatment, more research is needed. Future studies should tackle these methodological issues to give clearer answers about its effectiveness.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has many ways it might help with kidney stones. It works through different biochemical processes. Let’s look at how ACV could affect stone formation and dissolution.
ACV can change the pH of your urine, which is important for kidney stones. ACV’s acidity can make urine more acidic. This might affect how minerals in urine form stones.
Studies show that acidic urine can stop some types of stones from forming. But, urine can’t be too acidic or it’s bad.
ACV might also help dissolve or prevent stones. The acetic acid in ACV could break down small stones or stop new ones. How it works is not fully known, but it might change mineral levels in urine or affect how minerals crystallize.
Mineral crystallization is key in making kidney stones. ACV might change the urine environment to stop crystals from forming. ACV’s compounds could stop crystals from growing, which might lower stone risk.
The ways ACV affects kidney stones are not fully understood. But, it seems to help with urine pH, stone dissolution, and mineral crystallization. More research is needed to know how to use ACV best for preventing and treating kidney stones.
Understanding why you might feel kidney pain is key to knowing if apple cider vinegar can help. Kidney pain can come from many sources, like stones, infections, or inflammation. We’ll look into how apple cider vinegar might help with this pain.
Kidney pain often feels in the back or side. It can be caused by several things. The main reasons include:
Knowing the cause of your kidney pain is important for the right treatment. Apple cider vinegar might offer some benefits, but it’s important to understand its role in these cases.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) might help with kidney pain in a few ways:
These benefits are promising, but always talk to a healthcare provider before using ACV for kidney pain.
There are other ways to manage kidney pain, aside from apple cider vinegar:
| Pain Management Approach | Description |
| Hydration | Drinking plenty of water to help flush out kidney stones or reduce infection risk. |
| Medical Treatment | Seeking professional medical help for conditions like kidney stones or infections. |
| Dietary Changes | Adjusting diet to reduce the risk of kidney stone formation or manage underlying conditions. |
Working with a healthcare provider is important to find the best way to manage kidney pain. It might involve a mix of these methods.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) might help prevent kidney stones. We’ll look into how ACV affects kidney health. This will help us understand its role in stopping kidney stones.
Studies show ACV could prevent kidney stones. The acetic acid in ACV is key. It changes the urine, making it harder for stones to form.
ACV might also change urine pH levels. This could stop certain stones from forming.
ACV can also change risk factors for kidney stones. For example, citrate in ACV stops calcium oxalate crystals from growing. This is good for preventing stones.
ACV might also help with weight management and insulin sensitivity. Being overweight and insulin resistance can lead to stones. So, ACV could help indirectly.
If you want to use ACV for prevention, start small. Try 1-2 tablespoons in water and watch how your body reacts.
Remember, prevention is more than just ACV. Eat well, drink plenty of water, and see your doctor regularly. Adding ACV to this plan can boost your kidney health and lower stone risk.
Apple cider vinegar is often suggested as a way to shrink or dissolve kidney stones. But does it really work? We’ll look at the research and stories from people to see if ACV is helpful or not.
The size and type of kidney stones might affect how well apple cider vinegar works. Smaller stones might be easier to change with diet, like drinking ACV. But bigger stones might need medical help, no matter the ACV benefits.
Also, different types of stones, like calcium oxalate or uric acid, might react differently to ACV. Some studies say ACV could help prevent uric acid stones by making urine less acidic.
It’s important to know how long it might take for apple cider vinegar to help with kidney stones. Some people say they feel better fast, but there’s no strong proof. Any benefits from ACV are likely to take a while.
When using ACV for kidney stones, don’t expect quick results. It’s a slow process, and ACV should be seen as a long-term solution, not a quick fix.
Apple cider vinegar might help prevent stones or ease symptoms, but it’s not a complete solution for existing stones. The science isn’t strong enough to support ACV as the only treatment for kidney stones.
People with kidney stones should talk to a doctor before trying ACV alone. A good plan might include both medical treatment and diet changes.
Apple cider vinegar is known for its health benefits. But, it’s important to know the risks, like how it affects kidney health. We need to think about how ACV might interact with health conditions or medicines.
Drinking too much apple cider vinegar can cause problems. Its acidity can hurt your stomach and even damage your teeth. For your kidneys, too much ACV might increase the risk of stones or make kidney problems worse.
Let’s look at how too much ACV might affect your kidneys:
| Potential Effect | Description | Risk Level |
| Increased acidity | May irritate the digestive system and potentially affect kidney function. | Moderate |
| Kidney stone risk | Excessive consumption might increase the risk of forming certain types of kidney stones. | High |
| Electrolyte imbalance | ACV’s acidity can potentially lead to an electrolyte imbalance if consumed in large quantities. | Low to Moderate |
Apple cider vinegar can affect some medicines and health conditions. For people with diabetes, it might lower blood sugar too much. This could cause low blood sugar if not watched closely. It can also mess with the balance of electrolytes in the body, which is bad for the kidneys.
Key interactions to be aware of include:
Watch how your body reacts to apple cider vinegar, if you have kidney problems. Signs it might be harming your kidneys include more pain, changes in how you pee, or stones.
If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to a doctor:
For those looking to use apple cider vinegar for kidney health, knowing the right dosage is important. The vinegar’s effectiveness depends on several factors. These include the amount used, how it’s prepared, and your health.
The usual dose is 1 to 2 tablespoons a day, mixed with water. Start with 1 teaspoon to see how your body reacts. Then, you can slowly increase the amount.
How you prepare apple cider vinegar matters too. Most people mix it with water. But, you can also add it to salad dressings or recipes to make it taste better.
Choosing between ACV gummies and liquid depends on what you like better. Gummies are easier to eat, but liquid might be more effective because it’s absorbed better.
| Form | Pros | Cons |
| Liquid ACV | Potentially better absorption, cost-effective | Can be harsh on stomach, unpleasant taste |
| ACV Gummies | Easier to consume, more palatable | May contain added sugars, potentially less effective |
When you take apple cider vinegar can affect how well it works. Some like it in the morning, while others prefer before meals or at night.
Being consistent is important. Try to use it every day at the same time. This helps keep the levels in your body steady.
Nephrologists and healthcare professionals share insights on ACV’s use for kidney issues. Their knowledge helps us understand ACV’s role in kidney care.
Many nephrologists are open to discussing ACV’s benefits. They stress the need for solid scientific evidence. A study in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases shows some doctors see dietary changes as helpful for kidney stones.
Medical Expert, a nephrologist at XYZ Hospital, says, “ACV might help, but always talk to a doctor before using it for kidney problems.”
It’s key to talk to a doctor before trying ACV for kidney health. Using ACV without a doctor’s advice can cause problems, like for those with kidney issues or on certain meds.
| Situation | Recommended Action |
| Pre-existing kidney conditions | Consult a nephrologist before using ACV |
| Taking medications that may interact with ACV | Discuss possible interactions with your healthcare provider |
| Experiencing symptoms of kidney stones or kidney pain | Seek medical evaluation before starting ACV treatment |
ACV might be used with traditional treatments under a doctor’s watch. This can help manage kidney health better.
A study in the Journal of Endourology shows natural remedies like ACV can help prevent kidney stones when used with medical treatments.
Working with their doctors, patients can figure out how to use ACV in their kidney care. This ensures a full approach to managing their kidney health.
Our look into apple cider vinegar and kidney health shows it might help with kidney stones and overall health. But, it’s key to remember it’s not a cure-all. It’s not a substitute for doctor’s advice.
Apple cider vinegar could help by changing how urine pH levels work. It might also stop minerals from forming crystals. But, we need more studies to really know how it works and how to use it safely.
If you’re thinking about using apple cider vinegar for your kidneys, talk to a doctor first. This is very important if you already have kidney problems or other health issues. With a doctor’s help, you can use it safely and get its benefits.
In short, apple cider vinegar could be a good addition to kidney care, but use it carefully and with a doctor’s watch. As we learn more, we’ll understand how it can help with kidney stones and health.
No, there’s no solid proof that apple cider vinegar causes kidney stones. In fact, some studies hint it might even prevent them.
Some people claim apple cider vinegar can dissolve kidney stones. But, the science is not strong enough yet. More research is needed.
Apple cider vinegar might be good for your kidneys. It could help prevent stones and ease pain. But, we need more studies to be sure.
Apple cider vinegar might change your urine’s pH levels. This could help stop kidney stones from forming. But, we don’t know all the details yet.
You can use apple cider vinegar as part of a plan to prevent kidney stones. But, it’s not enough on its own. You also need a healthy diet, plenty of water, and other lifestyle changes.
Drinking too much apple cider vinegar can be bad for your kidneys. This is true for people with kidney problems or those on certain meds. Always talk to a doctor before using it for your kidneys.
The right way to take apple cider vinegar varies. It’s best to mix it with water and drink it in small amounts. The effects of ACV gummies and liquids are different, and we don’t know the best timing yet.
Yes, always talk to a doctor before using apple cider vinegar for your kidneys. This is even more important if you have kidney disease or are on meds. They can guide you and watch your kidney health.
You can use apple cider vinegar along with usual treatments for kidney stones. But, it’s key to talk to a doctor to find the best plan for you.
Some studies suggest apple cider vinegar might help prevent kidney stones or ease pain. But, we need more research to be sure and understand how it works.
ShrEstha, G. (2023). Spigelian hernia: A rare case presentation and review of literature. Journal of Surgical Case Reports. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2210261223002079