Most people who recommend taking apple cider vinegar for health benefits suggest you have 1-2 tablespoons each day. If you drink it, you should dilute this amount in a glass of water.
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).
ACV is good for women as it alleviates bloating, cramping, and irritability associated with PMS or periods.
Drinking apple cider vinegar may support weight loss goals, lower your blood sugar and insulin, and fight bacterial and fungal infections.
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 ).
The health benefits of apple cider vinegar are aplenty. The acetic acid present in it is known to reduce belly fat and further suppress body fat build up.
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.
Controls Blood Sugar
Consuming ACV on empty stomach can help prevent sugar spikes in the blood after eating by improving the body's insulin sensitivity. This can help in the prevention of serious ailments.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The amount of apple cider vinegar used for weight loss is 1–2 tbsp (15-30 mL) per day, mixed with water. It is best to spread this out into 2–3 doses throughout the day, and it may be best to drink it before meals.
'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.
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.
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.
You can also drink apple cider vinegar, diluted in hot or cold water as you prefer. Some people drink it before or after meals, or before going to bed.
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.
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.
Brushing your teeth right after consuming apple cider vinegar can wear away the tooth enamel. This can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Thus, make sure to wait for at least 30 minutes before you brush your teeth after consuming apple cider vinegar.
Apple Cider vinegar should not cause any damage to the kidneys.
Since apple cider vinegar in large doses is connected to a reduction of potassium in the body, care must be taken with other medications that lower potassium. These include insulin, diuretics like furosemide (Lasix) or chlorothiazide (Diuril), some blood pressure medications like digoxin (Lanoxin), and even laxatives.
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.