Drinking apple cider vinegar is a healthy habit and I don't think many people are aware of how much benefit it can give their bodies. I buy this one. A few months ago, a reader asked how I drink my apple cider vinegar (ACV) so I thought I'd tell you more about it and how it's helped me in my own health journey.
First I'll tell you why I started drinking ACV. After acupuncture a few months ago, I changed my diet significantly to eat less grains & dairy. More of a paleo-ish diet. Don't get me wrong. I still like my grains. I also started taking a digestive enzyme to help digest my meals. For as long as I can remember, I've suffered severe stomach problems - i.e. extreme bloating, slow digestion, IBS, constipation. You name it. I've probably had it.
When I injured my foot, it wrecked havoc on my already sensitive digestive system. I assume this is because the inflammation in my body became much worse from the injury. It felt like anything I ate I wasn't digesting or it was digesting very slowly.
Something I learned from my holistic doctor is that all healing in the body starts with the gut. If the gut is out of whack, then bacteria and disease can easily filtrate into the body causing inflammation and prevent the body from healing. Long story short, you need a good gut for good health and adding apple cider vinegar to my daily routine has been greatly improved my digestion.
In addition to promoting digestion and a healthy gut, apple cider vinegar has many other amazing health benefits.
Health Benefits of Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar
- Improves Digestion - Drinking ACV increases enzyme production in the gut stimulating digestion and improving digestion. This can reduce bloating, gas and alleviate an upset stomach.
- Balances pH Levels - Aids the body in maintaining alkaline state & keeping you regular. Think constipation & heartburn which can be from drinking too much coffee.
- Maintains Blood Sugar Levels - ACV slows the digestion of starches which helps regulate blood sugar thus avoiding sugar highs & lows. This is important for people with diabetes as well as those trying to lose weight.
- Detoxification - ACV is said to cleanse the liver & flush impurities from the body.
- Weight Loss - Although studies do not support this theory definitively, it's believed that drinking ACV can assist with weight loss by slightly reducing the bodies ability to accumulate fat.
How to Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
- Purchase raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. Ugliest is best. Vinegar comes in many grades meaning fewer of its properties have been removed which is better for your health. Many supermarkets contain crystal clear ACV. Buy yours at a health food store and look for raw, organic, unfiltered whenever possible. This is the one I use.
- Drink during each meal. If you're limited to how often you can drink it, be sure to always drink first thing in the morning before breakfast. If you workout in the morning, wait to drink ACV until after your workout. It will cause too much acid in your stomach & may affect your workout.
- Add a few tbsp of ACV to water, tea or club soda to drink. You may consider adding .5-1 tbsp at first until you build up a tolerance for drinking it. Don't worry, you will and that will be a sign that your pH levels are coming into balance as well.
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I've been drinking apple cider vinegar for 6 months with each meal per my doctor's direction. I drink 2-3 8 ounce bottles of ACV diluted in water daily. I usually drink an 1/8 of a water bottle and fill the rest with ACV. Some people can drink ACV straight. I still can't. It's something you need to build a tolerance for. If you've never tried it, I will warn you it will taste awful at first. Over time that awful taste does go away as your body begins to build a tolerance for it.
Since I began drinking ACV, I've experienced so much improvement with my stomach issues. My bloating has reduced significantly, I'm more regular and my digestion feels almost normal. It's been so long that I've had normal digestion that it feels almost surreal. Let's just say I won't be stopping this healthy habit anytime soon.
Want To See More Health Supplements I Recommend & Use? Check out this post!
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Stephanie says
I have a lot of problems with digestion and blowding... I've been trying to lose weight also I'm 18 and started having problems with my weight and it's out of hand and I've tried working out and dieting but I just never got the results I wanted... So my question is "Do you have to excerise while taking ACV? I also have a 1 year old so I don't have much to work out
Megan says
Drinking apple cider vinegar has nothing to do with exercising. It's like eating an apple. You can eat an apple whether or not you exercise. The same with apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is just a way to strengthen your gut health. The key is removing sugar, flour and all processed foods to really get the benefits and improving gut health.
Allison says
I've been drinking ACV on and off for a few years, but I do two tablespoons in an eight ounce glass of water at meals. Can I just clarify for my information? Are you saying that you drink almost eight bottles where they are 7/8ths full of straight ACV and the rest is water? So I'm ounces you're drinking almost seven full cups of straight ACV???
Megan says
No, I say in the post that "I usually drink an 1/8 of a water bottle and fill the rest with ACV." 1/8 of a water bottle is like 2 sips of water. I then replace those 2 sips with 1 or 2 tablespoons of ACV. I'm only drinking 6 tablespoons of it a day max.
Lezlie says
I've just started drinking a concoction that includes ACV every morning. I put strawberries, lemon juice, 1 tbsp ACV, honey, cinnamon, a little ice and water in my blend tec and use the whole juice setting. It's delicious! I'm actually drinking right now. I think it's time to up my ACV though because I don't really taste it anymore.
Mary says
I stumbled across your blog in reading it we have some similar issuses. In my early 20's was become constipated and nothing was working to relieve this problem. At 25 i went to a Gi doc and found out i had adenoma polyps. Not long after this GI visit I too become magically iron deficit. Back to the doc i went only to find out I now had POS. Ive gain 50 lbs after I was diagnosed with POS and struggle to get this weight off has been challenging. I continue to have bloating, constipation and later dignosed with IBS. I hate pills so i neglect to control IBS. After reading your blog on ACV mix im hopeful this will help. I workout often, so i was hesitant to drink this because i was not sure if i should drink this before or after a workout. Wish me luck.
Megan says
ACV is helpful for the IBS issues you're experiencing and will definitely make your gut stronger which will build your immune system. I'm not sure why you would think you can't drink it before a workout though. You drink water before a workout, you can also drink ACV before a workout. You can drink it anytime of day. It's best to drink it first thing when you wake up. I drink mine when I get up in the morning 30 minutes before my workout. Again, it has no impact on working out.
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says
Interesting! I've heard a lot of good things about Apple Cider Vinegar. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it! Definitely something I'll keep in mind. Oh and good to point out that you shouldn't have it before your morning workout, thanks for that! 🙂
Megan says
Hope you give it a try sometime. I really enjoy it.
Jill says
I often make a mixture of apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, italian herbs, garlic, and a little sea salt that I add to salads or veggies such as beets, broccoli slaw, or cucumbers and it is delish! Do you know what the minimum amount you need per day is to notice any effects? I've been struggling with my gut a fair bit over the last year and a half!
Megan says
I don not, but I do think your tolerance level can be used as an indicator. If you can stand to put more in your water (i.e. it doesn't have an acidy taste), then you probably need more to see results. That's been my experience.
Sarah says
I didn't know! I will be adding this to my daily routine and will STRONGLY SUGGEST my son and husband do the same! Will let you know how it goes. Much thanks for the info
Megan says
Let me know how you like it Sarah. Good luck with the boys. 🙂
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
Do you take calcium supplements? There are many micronutrients that compete for absorption and calcium and iron utilize the same receptors. Just an idea. I am one of those extreme people that chug my apple cider vinegar every morning. Not all the time though, I also mix it with water, honey, and a bit of cayenne but I am a huge advocate for it and loved this post!
Megan says
I do take calcium supplements 3x daily, but it's in question whether or not I'm absorbing anything. I am careful about spreading the calcium out from the iron so they absorb properly.
Jill @ Champagne for Everyday says
I have heard lots about this too and I think I will give it a shot. Have you tried following the FODMAP diet for tummy issues? It's basically the only scientifically proven IBS diet, and they actually identified the foods that break down into hydrogen (vs. methane) and swell/irritate your digestive tract. You can figure out what FODMAP foods are your worst culprits since it varies person to person....Works wonders for me!!
Megan says
I have read about FODMAP, but have not tried following the diet. Funny you mention it. I had cauliflower & brussels sprouts this week for dinner almost every night. I had major bloating. The other night I looked them up on FODMAP & they're high. No wonder I'm bloated! I will definitely be looking more into FODMAP. Thanks for reminding me!
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
I was doing this for a while but fell off, I should definitely bring it back since it's so great for gut health. And while I've had it in hot water, I also took ACV "shots" back when I sang since it's supposed to be great for the throat and vocal chords. It's also a go-to when I get laryngitis, which used to be far more often.
Megan says
I wondered if it was good for sore throats. I had one a few weeks ago for a day or two and it cleared up quicker than usual for me.
bridget says
I just recently started drinking unfiltered ACV in the mornings. I've just been taking it straight. I actually don't mind the taste! I have noticed some improvements in my bloating, which is awesome!
Megan says
That's awesome! You're incredibly lucky to be able to drink it straight.
Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment says
I used to drink ACV drinks in the mornings and I haven't in a while. Like you, I eat a more Paleoish style diet. The ACV did have a lot of benefits and I really should have it daily. I now only add it to salads and even that is not an every day thing. Thanks for the reminder and the info!
Megan says
Do you add ACV alone to salads or mix it with something? That sounds like something I would love.
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
I've been thinking about giving this a try! Thanks for the great recap on why I should.
Megan says
Hope you give it a try sometime.
Erin@BeetsPerMinute says
I remember the first time I tried it I just put it in an actual shot glass and downed it. I literally dropped to my knees in agony. I can laugh about it now, but it was traumatizing at the time! I used to drink it diluted and I definitely need to get back into it! Thanks for the beneficial reminder of how great it is for a number of reasons!
Megan says
Haha your dropping to the floor story reminds me of my first time too. It was tough to keep down.
Cat says
I drink ACV every morning - with a little lemon - and I love the taste! I haven't had a break from it in over a year though, so I'd like to try a week or two without it just to see if I notice the difference. But... I know I'll miss it! Awesome stuff. I also use it as a face toner and a hair conditioner!
Megan says
I've wondered if it would do well on skin and hair. I've noticed my complexion has improved with drinking it.