ACV is generally safe when consumed in moderation — no more than 1 to 2 tablespoons (tbsp) daily. But drinking excessive amounts of ACV can decrease potassium to hazardous levels. ACV may interact with some medications (including diuretics, laxatives, and certain medications for diabetes and heart disease).
But also know that diluted apple cider vinegar — one or two tablespoons mixed into a glass of water — should be consumed in moderation. Dr. Kalakota says it's a good idea to limit yourself to a glass of it per day, though this amount isn't known to bring any health benefit.
You can consume apple cider vinegar in small amounts in food and dressings or to dilute it with water before drinking. As a guide, take 1-2 teaspoons or 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per day mixed in a glass of water.
Drinking apple cider vinegar in the morning may also help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates. Several studies show that ACV can improve sensitivity in insulin resistant individuals and has physiological effects quite similar to metformin or acarbose.
Ingesting ACV before you go to sleep might help you wake up with stable blood sugar. A study published in the Diabetes Care journal found that taking vinegar at bedtime moderates glucose concentration when you wake up. Low potassium levels in the body can lead to muscle cramps.
Brushing your teeth right after consuming apple cider vinegar can wear away the tooth enamel. This can lead to cavities and tooth decay.
Which is better? Both apple cider vinegar and lemon water can be of some benefit your gut, though neither is likely to perform miracles – so it really comes down to personal preference. However, if you're just starting out, lemon water may be the way to go.
It's safe and tasty to use ACV to add some excitement to your meals. Use it to liven up sauces and stews, as well as traditional salad dressings and marinades. You can also drink it, diluted in hot or cold water as you prefer. Some people drink it before or after meals or before going to bed.
Because of the acidity, drinking undiluted apple cider vinegar can also worsen symptoms in people with digestive problems, such as stomach ulcers or acid reflux.
Some studies also suggest that ACV could provide modest results if someone wishes to manage their weight. Most research recommends a daily dosage of approximately 1–2 tablespoons of ACV, mixed in water. However, exact dosages vary according to the condition.
Advocates claim that conducting a cleanse with apple cider vinegar helps to flush toxins from the body, regulate blood sugar levels, and encourage healthy weight loss, all of which can improve liver health. However, there's little scientific support for these claims.
Apple cider vinegar isn't likely to be effective for weight loss. Proponents of apple cider vinegar claim that it has numerous health benefits and that drinking a small amount or taking a supplement before meals helps curb appetite and burn fat. However, there's little scientific support for these claims.
Bedtime isn't an ideal time to take apple cider vinegar
People who are prone to heartburn, acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) would want to avoid consuming anything acidic at least 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime to minimize the chances of experiencing burning and discomfort.
Can You Drink Apple Cider Vinegar on an Empty Stomach? Yes, you can drink diluted apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach. In fact, it's the recommended way to take ACV. Just wait about 20 minutes or so after drinking apple cider vinegar to eat.
According to a study published in the Journal of Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry, Apple Cider Vinegar can result in effective weight loss after three months (or 12 weeks). People in this study dropped an average of 4 pounds by consuming 1 to 2 tablespoons of diluted apple cider vinegar every day.
Drinking this vinegar and lemon juice concoction helps support healthy digestion while boosting immunity due to its high acidic content and vast amounts of Vitamin C from the lemons.
Some studies show that 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar daily, especially when consumed with lemon juice, can trigger fat burning. The drink also supports a feeling of fullness that leads to less consumption. Significant weight loss is best accomplished in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.
'The mother' is the culture of beneficial bacteria that transforms apple cider into vinegar. Organic – or unfiltered – strains of apple cider vinegar containing the mother look murkier, and have been linked with improved health benefits.
ALWAYS drink it through a straw. This greatly minimizes how much of the acid fluid actually touches your teeth. DO NOT brush your teeth afterwards. Ideally you should leave four hours between drinking it and brushing your teeth so you'll have to work your oral hygiene routine and meal times around that.
Dr. Lederman recommends if you do ingest apple cider vinegar, follow it with lots of water (rinse your mouth and drink it) and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing.
The shelf life of apple cider vinegar is two years unopened, and one year once you've broken the seal on the bottle. You don't have to refrigerate apple cider vinegar once it's opened. Instead, store it in a pantry or cabinet, away from direct sunlight.