Should You Be Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar has become a staple in any DIY beauty and health regime, alongside coconut oil and baking soda. Climbing in popularity, you will find a myriad of supplements and beauty products that incorporate this fantastic ingredient.

In fact, apple cider vinegar has become so mainstream that there is even a diet plan, dedicated to it. With many individuals praising the supposed weight-loss benefits that come with this eating plan.

However, before you run to the store and gulp down a cup of apple cider vinegar, there are a few things you should know.

High acidity levels, interference with medication and indigestion could all be caused by this condiment. This is why it is crucial to seek the advice of your healthcare provider, to find out how best to include apple cider vinegar into your daily routine.

Here is a list of factors you should consider before drinking this vinegar.

Type Matters

As with any food product or ingredient, there are many different types available. Not every apple cider vinegar has the same potency and all brands are not the same.

If you want to yield the health benefits of apple cider vinegar, it is best to invest in a brand that is raw and organic. This is due to the advantageous enzymes and protein strands that can be found in this variety, known as ‘mother’.

In most stores, you will notice that this vinegar is clear but organic apple cider vinegar is generally more cloudy in appearance.

High Acidity Levels

Boasting a long list of positive properties, such as its antiseptic qualities, apple cider vinegar is also highly acidic.

If not consumed in the right quantities or concentration, this vinegar can lead to the erosion of tooth enamel and esophagus damage.

For this reason, it is always recommended that you should dilute the apple cider vinegar with water before drinking it – never consume pure apple cider vinegar.

Indigestion Concerns

Due to its acidity levels, apple cider vinegar could also cause indigestion. This side effect is usually coupled with heartburn and nausea.

This is why it is suggested that you should decrease the frequency at which you use apple cider vinegar if you start to experience any of these symptoms.

Diabetics Beware

While apple cider vinegar has been shown to decrease blood sugar levels, individuals with diabetes should practice caution when incorporating it into their diets. If consumed in excess, this vinegar could increase gastroparesis symptoms in diabetics (type one).

If you are a diabetic, it is important to consult your doctor before taking it on a regular basis.

Medication Interference

Apple cider vinegar is known to affect the way some medications work, counteracting their potency.

If you are currently on any prescription meds, you need to find out how apple cider vinegar will affect it. Consult your doctor for more information, before starting usage.

Topical Benefits

If you choose to use apple cider vinegar as a topical solution, its antimicrobial and antifungal properties can give your skin a boost, clearing up spots, toning, and fighting infections.

No Probiotic Benefits

While apple cider vinegar is often thrown into the ‘probiotic food’ group, due to its fermentation process –  it has very little probiotic benefits.

If you would like to increase your probiotic intake, rather opt for fermented foods like yogurt and tempeh which can help you to improve digestive health.

Weight-Loss

Unfortunately, research suggests that there is no proof that apple cider vinegar actually assists with weight-loss. This means that including this condiment into your diet plan won’t actually help you shed any pounds.