“Always, always dilute it.” The safest method if you're drinking it, according to Batayneh, is mixing 10 parts water or tea to every one part ACV.
Generally, taking 4 teaspoons (tsp.), or 20 mL, of apple cider vinegar before meals has been shown to significantly reduce blood sugar levels after eating ( 2 , 3 ). It should be mixed with a few ounces (oz.) of water and consumed right before a high carb meal ( 1 ).
Drinking apple cider vinegar before meals or right before bedtime may benefit your blood sugar levels the most. For example, one study in people with type 2 diabetes found that taking 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of apple cider vinegar at bedtime for 2 days reduced fasting blood sugar levels by up to 6% ( 7 ).
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).
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.
Taking a shot of apple cider vinegar in the morning on an empty stomach is one practice that many wellness gurus claim helps you lose weight, reduce hunger, and remove toxins from your system.
People who take insulin or insulin-stimulating medications and consume vinegar may experience dangerously low blood sugar or potassium levels. Digoxin (Lanoxin). This medication lowers your blood potassium levels. Taking it in combination with apple cider vinegar could lower your potassium too much.
A low calorie drink
About 100 grams of apple cider vinegar has about 22 calories, which means it makes for a low-calorie drink that can help boost weight loss. Adding a tablespoon of ACV into a glassful of water and drinking first thing in the morning may help burn belly fat.
As a guide, take 1-2 teaspoons or 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per day mixed in a glass of water. How often? It is recommended to take it no more than twice a day to prevent side effects such as nausea and erosion of tooth enamel.
Science supports the use of apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse. It could help strengthen hair and improve luster by lowering hair and scalp pH. It may also keep pesky scalp infections and itchiness at bay.
Most people can safely consume reasonable amounts of apple cider vinegar by following these general guidelines: Limit your intake. Start with a small amount and gradually work up to a maximum of 2 tablespoons (30 mL) per day, diluted in water, depending on your personal tolerance.
Apple cider vinegar contains a variety of B complex vitamins and potassium that are essential to combating insomnia and promoting better sleep. Vitamin B are natural relaxants that help you sleep better and faster, therefore apple cider vinegar may greatly benefit those suffering from sleepless nights.
While there is no scientific evidence to suggest that taking ACV in the morning is more beneficial than doing so at any other time of the day, it can boost your digestion. As soon as you wake up in the morning, have ACV that is diluted in lukewarm or room temperature water on an empty stomach.
Drinking ACV right after a meal can delay digestion. Thus, it's best to have it before a meal or empty stomach to maximise its health benefits.
According to Amy Shapiro, MS, RD, and member of our Medical Expert Board, there are two best times of day to drink apple cider vinegar: in the morning and before a meal.
'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.
The most widely quoted study of humans is a 2009 trial of 175 people who consumed a drink containing 0, 1, or 2 tablespoons of vinegar each day. After three months, those who consumed vinegar had modest weight loss (2 to 4 pounds) and lower triglyceride levels than those who drank no vinegar.
A prominent health website has stated that drinking just two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar - either with water or even in a salad dressing every day - can help you lose up to 5kg in a week.
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.
It has powerful antimicrobial properties that may help ease skin infections and soothe irritation. As a mild acid, ACV may also help restore the natural pH balance of your skin. This helps your skin keep moisture in and irritants out.
Can you drink apple cider vinegar straight? Due to its high acidity, you shouldn't drink apple cider vinegar straight. Drinking apple cider vinegar straight could damage your teeth and your throat. So, it's always best to dilute your apple cider vinegar with water or mix it into a drink or dressing.
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. Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic.
Apple cider vinegar can cause side effects. For example, applying undiluted vinegar to the skin for long periods can lead to burns and irritation. Regularly consuming large quantities of the vinegar, especially in an undiluted form, may cause digestive issues, damage the teeth, and affect potassium levels.
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.
“Apple cider vinegar hasn't been shown to aid with weight loss in humans, despite the things you may have read on social media, and it may be harmful if people ingest it the wrong way or at the wrong time of day,” says Elliot Rudnitzky, M.D., cardiologist at JFK University Medical Center.