Apple Cider Vinegar: What It Is Used For, Why You Should Take It On An Empty Stomach And Its Contraindications

Also known as cider vinegar, it is a fermented juice of crushed apples that contains acetic acid and is enriched with vitamins B and C, iron, calcium, and magnesium, says María José Ovalle, a natural medicine therapist and holistic health coach.

This vinegar is made by fermenting apples in a mixture of sugar and water. Yeasts transform the sugar into alcohol and then acetic acid bacteria transform the alcohol into acetic acid.

This vinegar is less acidic than the others and is characterized by having a mild flavor, due to its slightly higher pH.

It also contains flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to its medicinal properties. “It also serves to preserve and maintain the pH of some foods, preventing their decomposition. It also has a great contribution to conventional and traditional medicine,” adds the professional.

What is apple cider vinegar used for?

Apple cider vinegar is low in calories and contains malic and nicotinic acids, B vitamins and beta-carotene, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, copper, and iron. These contribute to its diuretic, digestive, and purifying properties.

The minerals and trace elements it contains help the immune system and the health of the skin, hair, and nails, and also reduce headaches.

Other benefits, according to nutritionist María José Aguilar, are that it significantly reduces postprandial glycemia in people with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance, reduces insulin spikes, and could slow down the speed at which food leaves the stomach, leading to greater satiety.

Below is a list of the uses of apple cider vinegar:

• Reduces gastroesophageal reflux
• Improves digestion
• Helps reduce high glycemic indexes
• It is anti-inflammatory
• Improves cholesterol levels and helps eliminate fat in the circulatory system
• Helps reduce kidney stones
• It soothes the symptoms of arthritis, as it works as an anti-inflammatory.
• It improves brain degeneration, which is why it helps in cases of senile dementia.
• Prevents cancer
• Eliminates dandruff, lice and fleas
• Regulates blood pressure
• Eliminates nail and skin fungus
• Helps reduce acne and improves the condition of sunburned skin
• It is an adjuvant in varicose vein treatments.

Apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach

Apple cider vinegar is said to be beneficial for the body. However, taking it on an empty stomach could enhance some of its properties. For example, four teaspoons before a high glycemic index meal reduces postprandial glycemia in people with type 2 diabetes or insulin resistance.

It may also help with digestive problems such as flatulence, heartburn, and bloating, and cleanse the urinary tract of toxins or bacteria. For the properties to act to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, it is important to consume it on an empty stomach.

Apple cider vinegar may slow down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, leading to greater satiety, which is said to help with weight loss.

Dosage and contraindications of apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, people with gastritis, patients with kidney disease, and some types of cancer.

Experts say that this type of vinegar should never be taken straight or pure, but should be mixed with water. In addition, it cannot be mixed with lemon juice.

Ideally, take one tablespoon in half a cup of hot water. Dilute it after heating the water on an empty stomach and drink it preferably with a straw, to avoid wearing down the tooth enamel. When it is for consumption, it is recommended that a specialist indicate the appropriate doses and frequency,  since this will depend on each person.

For topical use, dilute two parts water and one part vinegar. You can use warm water and add it to clothes to apply directly to the injured area.