Apple cider vinegar is one of those magical natural concoctions that can do a lot of good for your body when used correctly. The natural chemicals in ACV can keep you healthy by fighting various infections and bacteria. It can also improve your digestive system, or balance your skin’s pH levels — and is considered to be one of the most effective remedies for sunburned skin. It can even help you lose weight — there really is no end to its amazing uses!
But today we're focusing on one specific area of ACV’s effectiveness: the benefits it may have for your feet. Our feet may not always get the love that they deserve, since they're usually concealed. As a result, they can become callused and dry, especially in the summer. And, if you aren't careful, they could even catch a fungal infection that makes them itchy and uncomfortable.
Keep scrolling to find out just a few reasons why an apple cider vinegar foot soak can help you and your feet. If yours have become dry, rough or infected, the answer to your worries is likely down below.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
As briefly mentioned above, apple cider vinegar is a mixture of fermented apples. Boots WebMD explains that any vinegar is a result of fermentation. When fruits and veggies begin fermenting, the natural sugars are turned into alcohol by yeast and bacteria. If you stop the fermentation there, you pretty much get apple cider. However, if you leave the fermentation to progress further, soon the alcohol turns into vinegar, leaving you with apple cider vinegar.
Initially, apple cider vinegar was created as a condiment, a little something to put into food for extra flavor — but nowadays it’s as popular for its health benefits as it is for its taste.
Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar For Feet
When it comes to feet, there are a lot of natural options to try out before having to turn to medication. And with the natural anti-fungal and acidic properties found in apple cider vinegar, it should be one of the first things you try for any of the problems listed below.
Benefit #1: Soothes Dry Feet
According to newhealthguide.org, apple cider vinegar’s natural acidic properties can do wonders for dry feet and cracked heels. A good soak in an apple cider vinegar mixture can moisten the parched skin on your feet, and a follow-up with a pumice stone can help you get rid of the dead skin cells. When the treatment is finished, lather your feet with a moisturizer and put on socks.
Benefit #2: Fights Foot Fungus
There are two main types of fungal infections for feet: athlete's foot and fungal nail infection. Both of these conditions can be fought off with an apple cider vinegar soak, especially if the funguses are still in the early stages.
Athlete’s Foot: As Healthline explains, athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that mainly affects the toes. This infection is characterized by red, peeling skin, and the itchy, burning sensation of the affected area. If the Athlete’s Foot is not yet advanced, soaking your feet daily in apple cider vinegar mixture can help you fight the fungi that has infected the skin. However, if the condition has already advanced, it is essential to see a doctor immediately.
Fungal Nail Infection: According to Mayo Clinic, fungal nail infections affect toenails, and only very rarely nails on hands. It can be recognized by certain changes seen in the nail itself, such as thickening, distorting, yellowing and having an unpleasant smell. If detected early, the naturally anti-fungal properties of apple cider vinegar can help fight the fungus off. However, if the infection begins spreading from one toenail to another, or becomes very painful, it is important to see a doctor as soon as you can.
Benefit #3: Combats Foot Odor
ACV is a natural and effective odor neutralizer. When applied on smelly feet, it balances the skin’s pH levels and kills off the bacteria that causes the unpleasant odors, leaving your feet feeling and smelling fresh.
An apple cider vinegar soak is a good place to start, in addition to other subtle changes in your lifestyle. However, if your feet still do not lose the strong, unpleasant odors, seeing a doctor should be your next step. As Boots WebMD warns, you could potentially have a condition called hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), which may require further treatments.
How To Make An Apple Cider Vinegar Foot Soak Ingredients
According to Healthline, making an apple cider vinegar foot soak is an extremely simple process. All you need is:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Warm water
- A tub that fits your feet
How To Assemble A Foot Bath
Step 1: Fill around two thirds of the tub with clean warm water. The temperature can vary depending on your preference.
Step 2: Measure the apple cider vinegar (aim for the ratio of one part vinegar to two parts water), and pour it into the tub with warm water.
Step 3: Place the tub with the mixture on the floor in front of a comfortable seat, sit down and submerge your feet into the apple cider vinegar soak completely.
Step 4: Soak your feet for 15-30 minutes, depending on the severity of your problem. Repeat this process daily for around 2-3 weeks. If the problems persist, see your doctor.
Apple Cider Vinegar Warnings
Just like with anything in life, too much of a good thing can be bad for you. The same goes for apple cider vinegar: although it is a natural and healthy substance, there are still risks to using it.
As Healthline explains, because of apple cider vinegar’s strong acidic nature, skin burns are a possibility.
Always judge the state of your skin prior to using the apple cider vinegar foot soak. If your skin is only slightly damaged with no visible deep cracks or other openings, using apple cider vinegar should be safe. However, if your skin is in worse condition, it is safer to avoid apple cider vinegar and go straight to the pharmacy or doctor.
If you do begin feeling unpleasant side effects while soaking your feet in the apple cider vinegar mixture, it is very important to wash your feet immediately with water and soap.
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