How long should you wait to eat after drinking apple cider vinegar?

In this brief article, we are going to answer the question “How long should you wait to eat after drinking apple cider vinegar?”

How long should you wait to eat after drinking apple cider vinegar?

The ideal waiting period for consuming food after drinking apple cider vinegar is not explicitly defined. 

Studies have examined the impact of apple cider vinegar on digestion and nutrient absorption, yet no specific time limit has been officially recommended for the interval between consuming apple cider vinegar and eating.

The benefits of apple vinegar were observed in fasting subjects who were assigned to consume the vinegar and, after a 2-min delay, the test meal, on subjects that used vinegar as a salad dressing ingredient or in subjects that drank a glass of water with two teaspoons of cider vinegar three times a day. (1-3)

How to drink apple cider vinegar?

To incorporate apple cider vinegar into your routine, it is suggested to mix two teaspoons or two tablespoons of cider vinegar with a glass of water. 

This mixture can be consumed three times a day, preferably before meals. Additionally, taking apple cider vinegar before bedtime may help lower the morning fasting blood sugar level. (3)

What is the nutritional profile of apple cider vinegar?

The nutritional profile of apple cider vinegar is similar to that of apples since it is derived from them. 

It encompasses essential vitamins like Vitamin B1, B2, C, and B6, along with folic acid and polyphenolic compounds, which are beneficial antioxidant compounds found in plants. 

These nutritious components make apple cider vinegar a healthy choice to incorporate into your diet. (3)

What are the health benefits of Apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar provides a wide array of benefits due to its powerful compounds, including acetic acid, potassium, magnesium, probiotics, and enzymes. 

These natural elements contribute to its positive impact on skin health, digestion, and immunity. 

Additionally, apple cider vinegar is a valuable source of polyphenols, which play a crucial role in preventing cardiovascular diseases, cancers, neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, and diabetes. 

Incorporating apple cider vinegar into your diet can also support weight loss efforts. Moreover, apple cider vinegar exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-hypertensive, and anti-hyperlipidemic properties (3-5)

Are there side effects to drinking apple cider vinegar? 

Apple cider vinegar, despite its potential benefits, can have adverse effects on certain individuals. 

Its acidic nature can cause digestive problems, as the presence of acetic acid and other organic acids may irritate the esophagus, stomach, and bowels. This irritation can result in discomfort, pain, swelling, and even diarrhea. 

People with ulcers may find that apple cider vinegar exacerbates their condition and causes nausea. Furthermore, excessive consumption of acetic acid can erode tooth enamel, leading to tooth decay and potential complications if left untreated.

When applied topically, apple cider vinegar can cause burns on the skin and other tissues due to the caustic effects of acetic acid on cell membranes. Care should be taken when using it externally to avoid such burns. (6-8)

How can I safely drink apple cider vinegar? 

To safely drink apple cider vinegar, it is advised to dilute it in water, juice, or other liquids. 

Alternatively, you can incorporate it into your diet by adding a small amount, around 1 to 2 teaspoons, to various dishes or even water.

To protect the tooth enamel, it is recommended to drink diluted apple cider vinegar with a straw and avoid direct contact with the teeth. This precautionary measure can help minimize the potential negative effects on tooth enamel.  (5, 7, 9)

Conclusion

In this brief article, we answered the question “How long should you wait to eat after drinking apple cider vinegar?”

References

  1. Johnston, C. S., Kim, C. M., & Buller, A. J. Vinegar Improves Insulin Sensitivity to a High-Carbohydrate Meal in Subjects With Insulin Resistance or Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care, 27(1), 281–282. 2003
  2. Johnston CS, Gaas CA. Vinegar: medicinal uses and antiglycemic effect. MedGenMed. 30;8(2):61 2006.
  3. Akanksha, Singh & Mishra, Sunita. Study About The Nutritional And Medicinal Properties Of Apple Cider Vinegar. 8. 2017.
  4. Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, Clark CCT, Esmaillzadeh A. The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021 Jun 29;21(1):179.
  5. Chin Wai Ho, et al, Varieties, production, composition and health benefits of vinegars: A review, Food Chemistry, 221, 2017
  6. Kathy W. Warwick, Franziska Spritzler, 7 Side Effects of Too Much Apple Cider Vinegar, Healthline Media LLC. 2023.
  7. Pravasi, S. D.  Acetic Acid. Encyclopedia of Toxicology, 33–35. 2014.
  8. Alexandra Benisek, Brunilda Nazario, Apple Cider Vinegar. WebMD LLC, 2022
  9. M. Plessi, VINEGAR, Encyclopedia of Food Sciences and Nutrition (Second Edition), Academic Press, 5996-6004, 2003.

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