Why Should You Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Diabetes?

Apple cider vinegar has gained significant attention in recent years for its potential health benefits, particularly for individuals managing diabetes.

This article explores the reasons Why Should You Use Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) For Diabetes and should consider incorporating apple cider vinegar into their daily routine. We’ll discuss its impact on blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity,

and how it can be a valuable addition to diabetes management strategies. Whether you’re dealing with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, or insulin resistance, understanding the potential benefits of apple cider vinegar could be a game-changer in your health journey.

Why Should You Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Diabetes

So in this topic, I want to talk about why diabetics should always use apple cider vinegar, especially diabetics, okay? Or anyone with blood sugar issues or insulin resistance.

This text focuses on the benefits of apple cider vinegar (ACV) for:
- Diabetics
- People with blood sugar issues
- People with insulin resistance

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

So what is apple cider vinegar? Basically, you’re taking apple juice, you’re fermenting it with a certain yeast to alcohol or ethanol. Then, bacteria called acetic acid bacteria take it one step further and make vinegar or acetic acid.

ACV is made through a two-step fermentation process:
- Yeast convert apple juice to alcohol (ethanol)
- Acetic acid bacteria convert the alcohol into vinegar (acetic acid)

How ACV Benefits Diabetics Type (1 – 2)

And it’s the acetic acid that inhibits insulin, it makes insulin more sensitive. Now, some of you watching are diabetic type one, okay? And you don’t make enough insulin.

This is still good for you because it’ll make insulin more sensitive. If you’re type one, chances are you also have insulin resistance. So really, acetic acid improves insulin resistance.

Type two diabetes is a situation where you have high amounts of blood sugar because the insulin is not working – you have insulin resistance – but the body compensates by making more insulin.

So, if you have a situation where we have too much insulin, but it’s ineffective, that’s why they call it insulin resistance. Acetic acid from the vinegar will basically help this situation and help lower your blood sugars.

Acetic acid in ACV improves insulin sensitivity.
Benefits both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetics:
- Type 1: Don’t produce enough insulin, may also have insulin resistance.
- Type 2: Produce insulin, but the body doesn’t use it effectively (insulin resistance).
ACV can help lower blood sugar levels.

How to Consume Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)?

So, I would recommend two tablespoons in at least eight ounces of water, maybe twelve ounces would be even better, before bed. Use a straw because you don’t want that acid on your teeth. I would also recommend consuming it with meals.

Recommended dosage: 2 tablespoons ACV diluted in 8-12 ounces of water.
Drink before bed or with meals.
Use a straw to protect teeth from the acid.

Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels

What you’re going to find is your blood sugars are going to come down. Now, when you do this simple remedy to help your blood sugars, you want to test your blood sugars, okay?

It’s gonna happen – your blood sugars are going to come down to normal, and sometimes below normal into a hypoglycemic state, in which case you need to adjust your medication because you never want to take blood pressure medication if your blood sugars are normal or too low, because it’s gonna make it even lower – check with your doctor on that point, but it’ll probably happen gradually, and you can make the adjustments.

Monitor blood sugar levels closely when taking ACV.
ACV can lower blood sugar, potentially causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
If you take blood pressure medication:
- Consult your doctor for medication adjustments.
- Low blood sugar can be dangerous when taking this type of medication.

ACV: A Simple Remedy for Blood Sugar Control

The point is that this is such a simple remedy, it’s a no-brainer for anyone that is either pre-diabetic or diabetic. It’s just something that you should do to see some great improvement. You can add lemon to it, or ginger to spice it up, or even take apple cider vinegar pills.

ACV is a simple, accessible remedy for blood sugar control.
Recommended for both pre-diabetics and diabetics.
Tips for consuming ACV:
- Add lemon or ginger for flavor.
- ACV pills are available as an alternative.

Choose Organic, Unfiltered, Raw ACV

Now, one last point. I highly recommend you get organic apple cider vinegar, unfiltered and raw. Why? Because you’re going to get just more microbes when you consume apple cider vinegar that’s an organic state, the microbes are more diverse – 92 microbes versus conventional apple cider vinegar, which is only 72. So, you’re going to get some additional benefit for your digestion.

Choose organic, unfiltered, raw ACV for greater health benefits.
Contains a more diverse range of beneficial microbes (92 vs. 72 in conventional ACV).
Offers additional digestive benefits.

FAQ

Can apple cider vinegar reverse insulin resistance?

While some studies have suggested that apple cider vinegar may help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels, the evidence is still limited. More research is needed to determine if apple cider vinegar can truly reverse insulin resistance, which is a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may help slow the digestion of carbohydrates, leading to a more gradual rise in blood sugar.

However, apple cider vinegar should not be seen as a replacement for diabetes medications or a healthy lifestyle. It may be most beneficial when used as part of an overall diabetes management plan, but its ability to reverse insulin resistance requires further investigation.[1][2][3]

What are the benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar once a day?

Drinking a small amount of apple cider vinegar (typically 1-2 tablespoons) diluted in water once a day may provide some potential health benefits:

Blood sugar control: The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may help slow the digestion of carbohydrates, leading to more gradual increases in blood sugar levels after meals.[1][2]
Weight management: Some research suggests apple cider vinegar may promote feelings of fullness, which could lead to reduced calorie intake and modest weight loss over time. However, the long-term effects on weight are still unclear.[1][3]
Gut health: The “mother” in unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains beneficial probiotics that may support a healthy gut microbiome.[4]
Cholesterol improvement: A few studies have linked apple cider vinegar to small reductions in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but more research is needed.[1][3]

Does apple cider vinegar affect blood test results?

There is limited research on how apple cider vinegar may impact blood test results. However, a few potential effects have been observed:

Blood sugar: The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may lower blood sugar levels, which could affect the results of glucose or hemoglobin A1C tests. This is most relevant for those with diabetes or prediabetes.[1][2]
Electrolytes: Large amounts of apple cider vinegar may alter electrolyte levels, such as potassium, in the body. This could potentially impact the results of electrolyte blood tests.[6]
Kidney function: There is some concern that excessive apple cider vinegar consumption could negatively impact kidney function, which could be reflected in blood tests like creatinine.[6]

To avoid any interference with blood test results, it’s generally recommended to avoid consuming apple cider vinegar for at least 24-48 hours before getting bloodwork done. Informing your healthcare provider about your apple cider vinegar intake is also advised.[5][6]

Is apple cider vinegar good for your kidneys and liver?

The evidence on whether apple cider vinegar is beneficial for the kidneys and liver is mixed:

Kidneys:

Some animal studies have suggested apple cider vinegar may have protective effects on the kidneys, but human research is limited.[6]
There are also concerns that large amounts of apple cider vinegar could potentially harm kidney function in some individuals, especially those with pre-existing kidney disease.[6]

Liver:

A few studies in animals have indicated apple cider vinegar may help improve markers of liver health, but the evidence in humans is scarce.[5]
The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar could theoretically help the liver by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation, but more research is needed.

Overall, while apple cider vinegar may have some potential benefits for the kidneys and liver, the current scientific evidence is inconclusive. Moderation is key, and those with kidney or liver conditions should consult their healthcare provider before incorporating apple cider vinegar into their routine.[5][6]

7 reasons you need to drink apple cider vinegar every night before bed

While there is no definitive evidence that drinking apple cider vinegar every night before bed provides specific health benefits, some potential reasons it may be helpful include:

Blood sugar control: The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may help slow the digestion of carbohydrates, leading to more gradual increases in blood sugar levels overnight.[1][2]
Weight management: Some research suggests apple cider vinegar may promote feelings of fullness, which could aid in weight loss if consumed before bed.[1][3]
Gut health: The probiotics in the “mother” of unfiltered apple cider vinegar may support a healthy gut microbiome.[4]
Detoxification: Apple cider vinegar is sometimes claimed to have detoxifying effects, but the evidence for this is limited.[5]
Improved sleep: Anecdotal reports suggest apple cider vinegar may help promote relaxation and better sleep, but this has not been well-studied.
Reduced acid reflux: The acidity in apple cider vinegar may help neutralize stomach acid and alleviate acid reflux symptoms for some people.[6]
Antimicrobial properties: Apple cider vinegar has been shown to have some antimicrobial effects, which could potentially help fight infections.[1]

However, it’s important to note that the research on many of these potential benefits is still limited. Drinking apple cider vinegar every night before bed is generally safe for most people in moderation, but excessive consumption could lead to side effects like tooth enamel erosion or digestive issues.[5][6]

20 benefits of apple cider vinegar

Here are 20 potential benefits of apple cider vinegar:

Blood sugar control: May help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.[1][2]
Weight management: May promote feelings of fullness and modest weight loss.[1][3]
Cholesterol improvement: May help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.[1][3]
Gut health: Contains probiotics that may support a healthy gut microbiome.[4]
Detoxification: May have some detoxifying effects, though evidence is limited.[5]
Skin health: May help balance skin pH and improve conditions like acne and eczema.[1]
Hair health: May help strengthen and condition hair.[1]
Nail fungus treatment: May have antifungal properties that could help treat nail fungus.[1]
Sore throat relief: May help soothe a sore throat when gargled.[1]
Heartburn/acid reflux relief: May help neutralize stomach acid.[6]
Antimicrobial properties: May help fight certain types of bacteria, yeast, and viruses.[1]
Improved insulin sensitivity: May enhance the body’s response to insulin.[1][2]
Reduced inflammation: May have anti-inflammatory effects.[1]
Improved energy levels: Anecdotal reports suggest it may boost energy.[1]
Better sleep: Anecdotal reports suggest it may promote relaxation and better sleep.[1]
Reduced leg cramps: Anecdotal reports suggest it may help alleviate leg cramps.[1]
Improved digestion: May help stimulate digestive function.[1]
Reduced blood pressure: May help lower high blood pressure in some individuals.[1]
Improved immune function: May have immune-boosting properties.[1]
Cancer prevention: Some research suggests it may have anti-cancer effects, but more study is needed.[5]

It’s important to note that the strength of the evidence varies for these potential benefits, and more research is still needed to confirm many of them. Moderation is key when consuming apple cider vinegar, as excessive intake could lead to side effects.[5][6]

Apple cider vinegar side effects

While apple cider vinegar is generally considered safe in moderation, there are some potential side effects to be aware of:

Digestive issues: Consuming large amounts of apple cider vinegar can cause nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea in some people.[5][6]
Tooth enamel erosion: The acidity of apple cider vinegar can potentially erode tooth enamel, especially if consumed undiluted.[6]
Throat irritation: Drinking straight apple cider vinegar can irritate the throat and esophagus.[6]
Potassium depletion: Excessive consumption may lead to low potassium levels, especially in those with kidney disease.[6]
Interactions with medications: Apple cider vinegar may interact with certain medications, such as diuretics, laxatives, and diabetes drugs.[6]
Skin irritation: Applying undiluted apple cider vinegar to the skin can cause burns or irritation, especially on sensitive skin.[1]
Bone loss: Some research suggests that large amounts of apple cider vinegar over a long period may contribute to osteoporosis by reducing bone mineral density.[6]

To minimize these potential side effects, it’s recommended to:

Dilute apple cider vinegar in water or other liquids
Limit consumption to 1-2 tablespoons per day
Avoid applying undiluted vinegar directly to the skin
Consult a healthcare provider before using if you have any medical conditions or take medications

Moderation and caution are key when incorporating apple cider vinegar into your routine.[5][6]

Apple cider vinegar benefits

Here are some of the potential health benefits of apple cider vinegar:

Blood sugar control: The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels, which could be beneficial for those with diabetes or prediabetes.[1][2]

Weight management: Some research suggests apple cider vinegar may promote feelings of fullness, leading to reduced calorie intake and modest weight loss over time.[1][3]

Cholesterol improvement: A few studies have linked apple cider vinegar to small reductions in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, though more research is needed.[1][3]

Gut health: Unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains probiotics in the “mother” that may support a healthy gut microbiome.[4]

Skin and hair health: Apple cider vinegar may help balance skin pH and improve conditions like acne, eczema, and hair strength.[1]

Antimicrobial properties: Apple cider vinegar has been shown to have some antimicrobial effects that could help fight certain types of bacteria, yeast, and viruses.[1]

Detoxification: While the evidence is limited, apple cider vinegar is sometimes claimed to have detoxifying effects.[5]

Improved digestion: The acidity in apple cider vinegar may help stimulate digestive function.[1]

Apple cider vinegar benefits for women

While the health benefits of apple cider vinegar are generally applicable to both men and women, there are a few areas where it may be particularly beneficial for women:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Some research suggests apple cider vinegar may help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce androgen levels in women with PCOS, which could help manage symptoms.[1]
Urinary tract infections (UTIs): The antimicrobial properties of apple cider vinegar may help fight bacterial infections in the urinary tract, which are more common in women.[1]
Yeast infections: The acidity of apple cider vinegar may help create an unfavorable environment for the growth of Candida, the fungus that causes yeast infections.[1]
Menstrual cramps: Anecdotal reports suggest apple cider vinegar may help alleviate menstrual cramps, though more research is needed.[1]
Skin and hair health: Women may benefit from the potential skin and hair benefits of apple cider vinegar, such as improved acne, eczema, and hair strength.[1]
Weight management: The appetite-suppressing effects of apple cider vinegar may be particularly helpful for women struggling with weight management.[1][3]

As with any potential health benefits, it’s important to note that the research on these specific applications for women is still limited. Moderation and caution are advised, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Consulting a healthcare provider is recommended before incorporating apple cider vinegar into a treatment plan.[5][6]

Can apple cider vinegar lower blood sugar immediately?

While apple cider vinegar has been shown to have a modest effect on blood sugar levels, it is unlikely to lower blood sugar immediately. Here’s a closer look at the research:

Short-term effects: Several studies have found that consuming apple cider vinegar, typically 1-2 tablespoons, with a meal can modestly reduce the rise in blood sugar levels after that meal. This effect is thought to be due to the acetic acid in the vinegar, which may slow the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates.[1][2]
Longer-term effects: Some research suggests that regular consumption of apple cider vinegar over several weeks or months may improve insulin sensitivity and lead to lower fasting blood sugar levels in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. However, the effects are generally modest.[1][2]
Immediate effects: There is limited evidence that apple cider vinegar can lower blood sugar levels immediately. The effects seem to be more gradual, occurring over the course of a meal or with regular consumption over time.[1][2]