How much apple cider vinegar should you drink everyday

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01/7Health benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar or ACV is touted as a powerful weight loss tool and that's what has made it extremely popular too. Not only that, the fermented juice has been used in the culinary world and for medicinal purposes for ages. It helps in curing all kinds of diseases like type 2 diabetes, eczema and even high cholesterol. Mostly, people drink ACV in the morning but having the acidic juice in a particular way at night before going to bed can be beneficial for your health in several ways.

This right way to drink ACV

There are different ways to have ACV, you can mix it in honey or with lemon. But when drinking it at night, keep it simple. Just add a teaspoon of ACV in a glass of water, preferably warm water, mix it well and have it before going to bed. You can swap your normal water at night with this concoction and see the benefits of doing so within a few days. It can help you in five different ways.

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02/7Rich in antibacterial properties

Apple cider vinegar is known for its anti-bacterial properties. It helps kill pathogens, including bacteria, that can often lead to various infections. In the ancient times, it was used as a form of disinfectant and for cleaning purposes. Apart from that, apple cider vinegar also helps preserve foods for a longer period of time.

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03/7Helps you lose weight

Several studies suggest that ACV may help to burn belly fat when you are on a mission to lose weight. The acetic acid in vinegar may reduce fat storage, suppress appetite, slow digestion and increase the fat-burning process. You should never have ACV in concentrated form as it can lead to nausea, worsen acid reflux and cause tooth enamel erosion.

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04/7Lowers blood sugar level

For those suffering from the problem of diabetes, regular intake of ACV can be quite helpful. The fermented juice may slow down the emptying of your stomach and prevent spikes in the blood sugar level. ACV consumption has also been proven beneficial in increasing insulin sensitivity. Drinking that concoction particularly at night can be more beneficial than having it any other time of the day.

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05/7Prevents bad breath in the morning

Having bad breath can be embarrassing, but it is hard to evade it. Even if you brush your teeth properly before going to bed at night the chances are that your breath might stink in the morning. An easy solution to this everyday problem can be ACV. Apple cider vinegar kills bacteria and ensures healthy oral hygiene.

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06/7Can ease digestive problems

Many people complain about digestion-related issues in the morning like difficulty in the bowel movement or heartburn. Drinking ACV before going to bed can ease digestion related issues and you may enjoy your morning to the fullest. It is an excellent home remedy for digestive problems.

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07/7You might have a sound sleep

Sound sleep is necessary for people of all age groups, but it cannot be denied that most people have disrupted sleep at night. Lack of sleep can lead to obesity and irritation. Drinking ACV at night can help you get a sound sleep of seven to eight hours at night.

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You’ve probably heard some of the wonderful things about apple cider vinegar, the ancient wellness drink created by fermenting apples.

These may include how apple cider vinegar can lower blood sugar, aid weight loss, soothe acne, help digestion and even boost your immune system.1 Perhaps you’ve decided you’d like to reap some of these health benefits for yourself and would like to start taking apple cider vinegar daily.

However, you’d be forgiven for having no idea how to take the stuff!

We’re used to a splash or two of vinegar on our chips, or a drizzle over a salad as part of a vinaigrette. But it seems strange at first to knock it back as a drink.

You may be thinking:

  • how much apple cider vinegar is safe to drink each day?
  • can you drink apple cider vinegar straight?
  • are there any side effects of drinking apple cider vinegar every day?
  • what are the dangers of drinking apple cider vinegar in large quantities?

But, don’t panic! We’re here to answer your FAQs about drinking apple cider vinegar.

Can I drink apple cider vinegar every day?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, many of the clinical studies which have been conducted into the efficacy of apple cider vinegar involved the study participants taking it every day.

There are some considerations to be aware of, such as the time of day you drink it. For example, drinking apple cider vinegar last thing at night is not advisable if you experience heartburn, acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).2

For more information on what time of day to drink apple cider vinegar check out [link] How to drink apple cider vinegar – and when

How much apple cider vinegar should you drink a day?

Most studies are based on a small dose of up to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per day. For this reason, adults should not exceed 2 tablespoons per day as the effects haven’t been properly studied.

If you find that starting on 2 daily tablespoons makes you nauseous, you can start small with ½ tablespoon per day, then work your way up to 2 tablespoons.

Should I drink apple cider vinegar straight?

No. You shouldn’t drink apple cider vinegar straight.

This is one of the most important things to consider when taking apple cider vinegar for health. Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic substance containing around 5% - 6% acetic acid.3 Drinking it neat (undiluted) can cause damage to the enamel of your teeth. That’s the hard, protective coating our teeth have which, once worn away, doesn’t grow back.

It can also burn the oesophagus if regularly consumed undiluted, as the delicate skin here is not designed for strongly acidic substances (unlike the tougher stomach lining). This is why, when we vomit, the strong stomach acids leave a burning sensation on our throat tissues.

Always dilute your apple cider vinegar in water, around 250ml for two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. You can also add it to herbal teas and smoothies to further disguise the taste. Remember, you can add apple cider vinegar to salad dressings, sauces, vinaigrettes and marinades.

Some people drink drinks containing apple cider vinegar through a straw to minimise the liquid’s contact with teeth.

Always rinse your mouth with water after drinking apple cider vinegar to ensure there isn’t any reside lingering in your mouth, which could pose a threat to your tooth enamel.

What will happen when I drink apple cider vinegar every day?

You can expect more stable blood sugar after meals. Drinking apple cider vinegar before a high-carbohydrate meal has been shown to reduce the blood sugar spikes which would usually occur as your body converts the food into glucose to be used as energy.4 You might also find yourself eating less when drinking apple cider vinegar every day, as the acetate in acetic acid (the key ingredient in apple cider vinegar) might help regulate appetite.5 You might also find yourself with better digestion while taking a daily drink of apple cider vinegar. The acetic acid it contains is thought to help digest proteins, while the supposed probiotic qualities found in the enzymes and bacteria of apple cider vinegar could encourage the growth of friendly bacteria in your gut.6 Your risk of cardiovascular diseases (such as heart disease and stroke) could be reduced over time if you regularly consume apple cider vinegar. One study found a significantly lower risk for heart disease among people who consumed oil-and-vinegar salad dressings frequently (5-6 times or more per week) compared with those who rarely consumed them.7

Are there any unwanted side effects or dangers of drinking apple cider vinegar?

When drinking apple cider vinegar, side effects might be the last thing on your mind. After all, it’s just vinegar!

However, aside from the aforementioned tooth enamel damage you could experience if you regularly drink it undiluted, large amounts of apple cider vinegar could cause nausea and indigestion in some people.8 It’s also been linked with low potassium levels when taken for a long time in large quantities.9

Due to apple cider vinegar’s potential blood sugar-lowering properties, it’s advisable to check with your GP if you’re thinking of taking it as a diabetic, as it may interfere with some diabetic medications.

Apple cider vinegar is safe for the body in small doses (up to 2 tablespoons per day for adults), but taking large amounts is not recommended.

Last updated: 24 July 2020

Sources

  1. https://www.webmd.com/diet/apple-cider-vinegar-and-your-health#1
  2. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/apple-cider-vinegar-benefits-and-how-to-take-it
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/
  4. https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/1/281.long
  5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23979220/
  6. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/apple-cider-vinegar-dosage#side-effects
  7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1785201/
  8. https://www.nature.com/articles/ijo2013157
  9. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324184#low-potassium

What happens if I drink apple cider vinegar every day?

While drinking apple cider vinegar is associated with health benefits, consuming large amounts (8 ounces or 237 ml) every day for many years can be dangerous and has been linked to low blood potassium levels and osteoporosis ( 20 ).

Is it better to drink apple cider vinegar in the morning or at night?

Ingesting undiluted vinegar of any kind can damage your throat and esophagus. Consume it earlier in the day. Drinking apple cider vinegar at least 30 minutes before bed may lower your risk of indigestion or acid reflux after laying down.

What is the best time to drink apple cider vinegar?

Sip your apple cider vinegar drink first thing in the morning or right before a meal. Taken before a meal, the vinegar drink can help you feel full faster, which can aid in weight loss.