Apple Cider Vinegar for Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is a relatively common toenail disorder that can be caused by one of the many types of fungi. The fungi will usually grow and develop in moist, damp and warm areas, making the nails a perfect place to breed, if you have extremely sweaty feet or wear tight shoes or closed footwear. During the growth process of the fungi, it feeds on the protein that makes up the surface of the toenail, keratin. Due to the nature of the buildup to the condition, it is more commonly noticed in adults rather than in children. Studies have shown that almost 48% of the population of the United States has at least one toenail affected by fungi by the time they reach the age of 70. One must also note that the constant application of nail polish to the toenails can greatly increase the chances of the nail becoming infected. The fungus will also lead to a noticeable disfiguration and discoloration of the nails. It isn’t really all that hard to identify if you are a victim of this condition as all symptoms are plainly visible. The nail may turn yellow or brown in color and become thick and overgrown while it may also start to emit a rather foul smell because of the accumulated debris lodged under the nails.

A number of people will highly recommend the use of any kind of vinegar as a remedy for toenail fungal infection. This remedy is borne out of the simple principle that the fungi that affects the nails does not do very well in an acidic environment. As a result, a daily application of some vinegar on your nails will go a long way in protecting your nails from these types of infections. While almost any kind of vinegar will do, apple cider vinegar is a highly touted home remedy for toenail fungus as it helps to speed up the recovery process tremendously. However, apple cider vinegar helps tremendously when taken internally rather than applied topically to the toenails like other vinegars. Since the taste of apple cider vinegar leaves a lot to be desired, a number of people choose to take it along with some kind of fruit juice or carbonated beverage, though it is important to keep in mind that any acidic drink has the ability to cause tooth decay and you should rinse or brush your teeth thoroughly when you are done.