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Apple Cider Vinegar (also known as “ACV”) is a popular ingredient these days. Personally, I love pouring a big splash of it into a fruit-flavored seltzer in an ice-cold glass!
However, recently, apple cider vinegar has also been touted as a home remedy for people living with diabetes, suggesting it can help manage blood sugar levels and lower A1C levels.
This article discusses the general benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar, examines research on its effects on blood sugar levels, highlights important precautions to add to your diet, and discusses who need to use it regularly.
First, buy the right apple cider vinegar
Choosing the right apple cider vinegar is important for its health benefits. Choose varieties made through traditional methods of grinding, fermenting, and distilled apples that hold “mother”. This is a beneficial bacterial colony that is essential for the fermentation process.
“Mother refers to a combination of yeast and bacteria that form during fermentation,” explains the University of Chicago School of Medicine. “When I look at the apple cider vinegar bottle, I see the “mother” chains floating around. ”
“Many people attribute the effects of Apple Cider Vinegar to their “mother.” There are some truths to this, as mothers are counted as probiotics. ”
When shopping for ACV, look for raw, unfiltered, and mother-retaining products. These properties should be clearly shown in the packaging. If possible, it is a glass container to avoid potential leaching from the plastic.
High-quality ACVs are easily found in most grocery stores baking sections and in reputable online retailers such as Trader Joe and Amazon.
Common health benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar
Before discussing how ACV affects blood glucose levels and A1C (a measure of glucose control over the past two to three months), it is important to explore the broader claims surrounding general health benefits.
ACV has been around for a long time
ACV has applications ranging from food preservation to traditional remedies and has a long history of use.
There are potential health benefits associated with moderate ACV consumption, and are supported by preliminary studies. These include the potential for improved digestive health, moderate effects on weight management, and blood glucose control.
Nevertheless, it is essential to approach these claims from a balanced perspective, recognizing that ACV is not all solutions and that their effectiveness may vary from person to person.
Like other supplements and dietary changes, it is important to consider ACV as part of your overall approach to health. This complements a balanced diet and regular healthcare, not as an independent remedy.
Let’s take a look at some of the claims:
Understanding the antibacterial properties of ACV
ACV, like other natural antibiotics, is known for its antibacterial properties that allow it to inhibit the growth of a variety of microorganisms, including certain bacteria and fungi.
Although ACV exhibits antibacterial activity as part of its broader antibacterial effects, it is important to understand that this does not correspond to a medical grade antibacterial or alternative to infectious disease treatments.
Research has shown that ACV can act against certain bacteria, such as: E. coli, Staphylococcus aureusand Candida albicans A controlled laboratory environment.
However, these findings do not imply that ACV is an effective or safe treatment for infectious diseases caused by these organisms in humans. Always consult a healthcare professional before considering ACV for medicinal purposes.
Aside from health-related applications, the antibacterial properties of ACV have become a popular choice for environmentally friendly home cleaning solutions. Diluting ACV with water creates natural cleaners suitable for floors, counters, bathrooms and other surfaces, providing mild disinfectant options for those considering reducing harsh chemical use in their homes.
Investigating the role of ACV in supporting digestive health
ACV includes mothers as mentioned above, especially when raw and not filtered. Mixture of yeast and bacteria involved in the fermentation process.
While these microbial elements contribute to the unique composition of ACV, it is important to note that they differ from the probiotics found in products such as yogurt and kombucha.
The notion that gut health is central to overall well-being is widely recognized, and gut microbiota imbalances are associated with a variety of health issues.
A healthy gut microbiota is important for affecting a variety of metabolic diseases, including digestion, immune function, and even mental health, including depression, anxiety, obesity, and diabetes.
However, the direct effects of ACV on gut health and these related conditions are less clear. Fermented bacteria of ACV contribute to acidic properties and may offer several health benefits, but the range of these benefits, especially compared to those provided by recognized probiotics, remains an area of further research.
Therefore, incorporating raw, unfiltered ACV into your diet may be beneficial for a variety of reasons, but it should not only depend on it as a treatment for probiotic benefits or gut health-related conditions.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Diabetes: Can ACV lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients?
Let’s chase after it. ACV has raised attention regarding the possibility of slightly lowering blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. However, while some studies suggest slight benefits, particularly in the management of postmeal glucose levels, it is important to manage expectations regarding their ability to influence A1C levels.
Research focuses primarily on type 2 diabetes, indicating that ACV may complement other diabetes management strategies by providing moderate improvements in blood glucose levels when combined with healthy diet, regular exercise, and prescribed medications.
However, evidence for the efficacy of ACV in type 1 diabetes is less clear and further investigation is needed.
In addition to the potential glycemic benefits, ACV may offer other health benefits, but these should be considered supplementary to its potential role in diabetes management.
Let’s take a look at some of the most important studies.
In a well-controlled type 2 diabetes, taking ACV before bedtime can help manage your morning blood sugar levels
A 2021 review and meta-analysis examined the effects of ACV on blood glucose and lipid (blood fat) levels.
This study, covering data from nine clinical trials, found that ACV intake could significantly reduce fasting glucose and A1C levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, a significant reduction in total cholesterol was found. This suggests the possibility of ACV controlling both blood glucose and cholesterol levels. This is an important factor in cardiovascular health.
ACV can have a slight effect on blood sugar levels
According to a 2018 assessment of 11 studies, including 278 adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, ACV can have a small effect on lowering blood glucose levels in the short term, especially lowering post-grain glucose levels.
In this study, people who consumed apple cider vinegar had a lower mean difference in glucose levels at 30 minutes compared to controls who did not consume vinegar. However, at later times, mean glucose levels were low in the vinegar group, but not very large.
This suggests that although there may be immediate effects on blood glucose levels, its effects are minimal and requires further investigation.
12-week drinking ACV showed a relatively insignificant decrease at A1C levels
The same 2018 meta-analysis (analysis of data from several studies) revealed slight improvements in late glucose levels, but the decrease in A1C levels was minimal.
These slight improvements suggest that ACV may play a supportive role in managing blood glucose levels, but should not be considered a substitute for prescribed diabetes medications or overall lifestyle.
ACV may improve insulin sensitivity
In a 2019 survey, 70 participants with type 2 diabetes and hyperablative blood lipids consumed 20 ml of ACV daily for 8 weeks.
The results showed a significant improvement in fasting blood glucose.
Measurements containing insulin and insulin resistance markers were significantly improved in the ACV group compared to controls, suggesting a beneficial effect on insulin sensitivity.
ACV can slow the stomach from becoming empty and lower late blood sugar levels
ACV can affect the stomach cavity and can affect later blood glucose levels. Another 2019 study reviewed multiple clinical trials to understand the impact of ACV on type 2 diabetes patients focusing on glycemic control, lipid levels, and weight management.
It highlights the potential of ACV in reducing late glucose spikes by slowing the stomach emptying. This includes the slow release of glucose into the blood stream.
This effect, in theory, could reduce blood glucose spikes after eating in people who are not gastroparesis (a condition in which gastroparesis is delayed), but there is concern for people with gastroparesis. This can complicate the timing and administration of insulin.
Therefore, ACV may offer several benefits in managing late glucose levels in people without gastrointestinal failure, but its use should be carefully considered, especially in people with digestive issues.
(Given the small scale of many highlighted studies, further research is needed to fully understand the meaning of ACV in diabetes and general health.)
If you decide to add ACV to your diet (and who shouldn’t)
Although several preliminary studies, such as those mentioned above, suggest that ACV has a slight chance of slightly improving blood glucose levels, it is important to maintain realistic expectations about its effectiveness.
There are some important guidelines to keep in mind, as a potential complement to a standard diabetes management strategy or because it is tasty.
Remember these three important details when consuming ACV.
- Always dilute it with another drink (water, seltzer, tea) or mix it with your food.
- Consumption only about 1-2 cups (15-30 ml) per day (due to individual tolerance, some people should start with less).
- Keep in mind that using ACV too much can cause havoc in your teeth, throat and stomach due to its high acidity.
How to lower your blood sugar by taking Apple Cider Vinegar:
If you are planning to try ACV to lower your blood sugar levels, experts recommend diluting 1 tablespoon in a large amount of water and taking it before meals or bedtime.
Also, remember that ACV should not be used as an alternative to regular diabetes medications.
Using ACV is…
Even if the apple cider vinegar is diluted with another liquid (as it should always be), some may be advised to drink it all.
If you have the following health concerns, consult your doctor before consuming ACV.
ACVs may have small potential health benefits to offer and can be a delicious addition to your salad. Manage your expectations regarding possible benefits for diabetes management and discuss your use with your healthcare provider before adding them to your routine.
Drug interactions
It is also important to note that ACV can interact with a variety of drugs, including:
- Insulin and drugs that stimulate the release of insulin (insulin such as insulin of the sulfonylurea and meglitinide drug class). This combination can cause hypoglycemia or hypopotassium levels.
- Ranoxin (generic name digoxin). This potassium-lowering drug combined with ACV can lead to lower potassium levels.
- Specific diuretics (water pills). Some diuretics cause potassium excretion, and when potassium levels are combined with large amounts of ACV, they can cause low potassium levels.
To ensure that ACV is safe, consult your doctor or pharmacist about the medication you are taking.
Final Thoughts
While Apple Cider Vinegar has become a common natural treatment for a variety of health conditions, its effectiveness in managing diabetes remains a topic of interest rather than a proven solution.
This study suggests that ACV may have slight benefits in lowering blood glucose levels and improving insulin sensitivity, particularly when consumed in a high carbohydrate diet. However, these effects are relatively small and should not be considered an alternative to traditional diabetes management approaches or medication.
If used at all, it is important to approach ACV as a supplementary aid rather than as a first-line treatment. Potential health benefits, including antibiotic properties and probiotic content, make ACV a suitable addition to a balanced diet, but are always properly diluted within the recommended safe amount.
Before integrating your Apple Cider Vinegar into your diabetes management plan, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual health needs.
Also, whether you are managing diabetes or simply trying to stay healthy, it is essential to focus on evidence-based treatment and practice, with the in mind that while natural approaches like ACV can potentially complement one another, it is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment planning.
