Can apple cider vinegar relieve muscle soreness?

Generally, apple cider vinegar can play an auxiliary role in relieving muscle soreness, but it cannot directly eliminate the pain. Proper methods and dosage should be noted when consuming or applying it. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, potassium, and small amounts of organic acids. Acetic acid helps promote metabolism and aids in the removal of lactic acid accumulated after exercise, which is a common cause of muscle soreness. Potassium assists in maintaining normal muscle function and reduces the feeling of muscle fatigue. Drinking diluted apple cider vinegar in moderation or applying it externally after dilution may help relieve mild muscle soreness after exercise. However, it does not contain direct analgesic or muscle-repairing components and therefore cannot address muscle pain caused by injury.

Excessive consumption of undiluted apple cider vinegar may irritate the gastric mucosa, causing discomfort such as stomach pain and acid reflux. Similarly, applying it externally at high concentrations may damage the skin. In daily life, to relieve muscle soreness effectively, it's important to combine adequate rest, moderate stretching, proper hydration, and protein intake to better support muscle recovery.