What is the right way to take the apple cider vinegar?

Vinegar

Vinegar



Question:


What is the right way to take apple cider vinegar? How long before meals should it be taken, and should it be mixed with something or taken as it is?




Quick Answer


Apple cider vinegar should not be taken undiluted. If your doctor says it is safe for you, it should be diluted in water and used with or before a meal.


A cautious approach is to mix 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a large glass of water and take it with food or shortly before a meal. Do not drink it straight because it may irritate the throat, stomach, and damage tooth enamel.


Apple cider vinegar may have a modest effect on blood sugar in some people, but it does not cure diabetes and should not replace diabetes medicine, insulin, diet, exercise, or medical care.



Answer by Dr. Albana Greca, MD, MMedSc


Hello,


Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural remedy, but it needs to be used carefully. Some studies suggest it may modestly improve blood glucose measures in some people with type 2 diabetes, but evidence is mixed and it is not a diabetes treatment by itself.


How to Take Apple Cider Vinegar More Safely


If your healthcare provider says it is safe for you, use it diluted:



  • Start with 1 teaspoon in a large glass of water.

  • If tolerated, some people use up to 1 tablespoon diluted in water.

  • Take it with food or shortly before a meal, not on an empty stomach if it causes burning.

  • Do not drink it straight.

  • Rinse your mouth with plain water afterward to help protect your teeth.


What Not to Mix It With


Do not mix apple cider vinegar with orange juice or other sweet drinks if your goal is blood sugar control. Juice can raise blood sugar because it contains natural sugar.


If you dislike the taste, mix it only with water, or use vinegar safely in food, such as salad dressing, without adding sugar.


Who Should Be Careful or Avoid It?


Apple cider vinegar is not suitable for everyone. Be especially careful if you:



  • Take insulin or diabetes pills that can cause low blood sugar

  • Have frequent hypoglycemia

  • Have gastroparesis, reflux, ulcers, or swallowing problems

  • Have kidney disease or low potassium

  • Take diuretics, digoxin, or medicines affected by potassium levels

  • Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or medically fragile


You may find this helpful: diabetes and supplements.


Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lower Blood Sugar?


It may slightly reduce fasting or after-meal glucose in some people, but results are not consistent enough to rely on it as treatment. The effect, when present, is usually modest.


If you try it, check your blood sugar before and after meals for a few days and record the pattern. Stop using it and contact your doctor if you develop stomach burning, nausea, throat irritation, low blood sugar, or unusual symptoms.


Read more here: natural remedies for diabetes.



Important Safety Note


Do not stop metformin, insulin, or prescribed diabetes medicine because of apple cider vinegar. Do not take it undiluted. It can irritate the throat and stomach, damage tooth enamel, interact with medicines, and may contribute to low potassium or low blood sugar in some people.




Doctor’s Note


Apple cider vinegar may be used as a food ingredient, but it should not be treated as diabetes medicine. If you want to try it, dilute it, use a small amount, monitor your glucose, and discuss it with your doctor if you take diabetes medication.




Educational safety note: This answer is for general diabetes education only. It does not replace personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not start, stop, or combine diabetes medicine, insulin, vinegar, herbs, or supplements without speaking with your healthcare provider.



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