ACV – Why Apple Cider Vinegar matters
Apple cider vinegar has been used in cooking and natural medicine for thousands of years. Many claim it has health benefits, including weight loss, improved blood sugar levels, relief from indigestion and a decreased risk of heart disease and cancer.
It sounds like a miracle cure for almost anything, but there is a catch due to the high level of acidity as well.
We will not cover all the ‘can help’, ‘might be’, ‘could’, ect. Statements, but mainly focus what it does to your stomach in order to help your digestion system
The Indicator of the Body’s pH and why you should manage it.
The first thing to understand is every part of your body has different pH levels. So when a person says you are too acidic, you should ask, “What pH are you talking about – is it urine or saliva?” The real true indicator of pH for the body is in the blood, but this is very difficult to test. As soon as you take the blood out of the body, it oxidizes and the pH can change right away.
You have to go by the symptoms to determine the pH. Most people who are stressed and have the adrenal body type have a blood pH that is excessively alkaline(2). Yes, it’s true; your blood should be slightly alkaline. But, when the blood is overly alkaline, you can use organic apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar detox works so well because it corrects your pH.
So if there is a way that you can manage your pH even marginal, there can be some positive effects. We will list a few here.
- Transporting minerals
The pH is relevant for transporting minerals and allowing enzymes to work to stimulate the thyroid and with that increase metabolism.
- Acetic Acid Level
Acetic acid makes up about 5–6% of apple cider vinegar. It is classified as a “weak acid,” but still has fairly strong acidic properties when it is concentrated. In addition to acetic acid, vinegar contains water and trace amounts of other acids, vitamins and minerals (1Trusted Source).
The pH of acetic acid is very acidic – it’s 2.5, which is almost the same as stomach acid. Apple cider vinegar is good for the stomach or digestive tract, and some people take it for heartburn..
Heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion are conditions where your stomach is too alkaline, and the stomach valve on top does not close. If you have acid reflux or heartburn, just take some apple cider vinegar and see how better you feel.
You will feel wonderful because the stomach valve starts closing if the stomach acid is strong.
Benefits
There is so much more to say/claim about ACV, but we mainly stick to the digestive benefits.
When you hear stories of apple cider vinegar’s ability to manage many symptoms, it is because of the beneficial acid and potassium retention. People who consume a lot of protein drinks or eat too much protein have a waste chemical from the protein called guanidine. This is extremely alkaline. We explain how much protein you actually need in a different article.
If you are doing (ketosis) diet where you are eating more protein in your total daily calories, you may feel stiff or more arthritic. Do an apple cider vinegar detox. It flushes the protein waste and toxins out.
Apple cider vinegar is the anecdote of the residue from high protein – it’s a good and effective cleanser. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar helps to Absorb minerals, mobilize calcium, digest protein better without the waste and even boost the immune system.
Be careful consuming large amounts of (undiluted) ACV
Before you now start guzzling apple cider vinegar – consuming too much of it can cause unwanted effects. This is definitely not something we want and should watch out for. Main reason is the acidity, which could cause tooth decay or some gastrointestinal issues, mainly when drinking it undiluted.
So, if you have stomach pain or acid reflux after using ACV, stop using it and seek medical advice.
When to drink ACV
Before meals – We recommend having a glass of water with a splash of ACV right before each meal you take. Drinking apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach maximises health benefits and boosts ability to process food you are about to have. But please note, drinking ACV just after your meal is not recommended, so if you have forgotten to take it before your meal, don’t ‘catch up’, but just have it before your next dinner.
With Fasting – When you’re looking to pair ACV with Intermittent Fasting, using it prior to your break-fast makes the most sense. When you are in a fasted state, your blood glucose levels should be stable as your body uses fat as fuel instead. By having the vinegar before your first meal, you’re helping to ease your transition from a fasted to a fed state and therefore stabilize the blood glucose level after your first meal.
While fasting – you can use ACV in a fasting state, but as it doesn’t have to do with food intake, it’s mainly because you like it, or it helps you suppress hunger or having some benefits on the electrolytes, even if minimal. But also here, don’t overdo it.
Key Takeaways
As part of a healthy lifestyle, an apple cider vinegar detox can be a great and healthy tool to help you lose weight effectively. Aside from its weight loss abilities, apple cider vinegar also provides other health benefits for your overall health and wellness.
