Can you drink apple cider vinegar while intermittent fasting

Do you want to know when to drink apple cider vinegar and why you should make it a part of every day? Read on for the full scoop on this beneficial drink!

It’s pretty common that you’ll see on the internet that drinking apple cider vinegar is good for you as there are tons of health benefits. 

I can vouch for that – drinking apple cider vinegar mixed with water has been part of my routine for quite some time now. Apple cider vinegar keeps me on track with my intermittent fasting because it helps me to feel full. Drinking it in the morning and even sometimes throughout the day makes me feel healthy and in control of my eating regimen.

If you are new to intermittent fasting and looking for ways to keep on track, you can read my post about it for tips on making managing your food intake a success. Apple cider vinegar doesn’t interfere with a fast, so you can drink it whenever you want. And it helps to curb your appetite.

Apple cider vinegar is a remedy for things like sunburn and dandruff (diluted in both cases) and does so much more, as I’ll list below. 

Let’s take a peek at this invigorating beverage to learn more about how amazing it is! 

HOW IS APPLE CIDER VINEGAR MADE?

Apple cider vinegar is made by crushing apples and then combining them with yeast as a way to convert sugar into alcohol. The addition of bacteria then changes the alcohol to acetic acid via fermentation. The acetic acid gives the apple cider vinegar the odor and taste. And, the acetic acid is the property that provides a lot of the benefits!

This process of making apple cider vinegar is nothing new. Apple cider vinegar has been around a long time and has been used as a home remedy for years. It could be because of the fermentation that takes place as it is made. Fermented foods, in general, are super good for you and offer benefits like creating a healthy gut. A good mix of microbes, leading to a strengthening of intestinal walls, is one result of eating fermented foods. 

When you eat fermented vegetables, like sauerkraut, you up your daily intake of vitamins and minerals. You’ll also reap the benefits of extra antioxidants.

So, like sauerkraut, apple cider vinegar, as a fermented food, is beneficial. 

BENEFITS OF APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

If you want the full detailed scoop of the awesome benefits of apple cider vinegar, take a look at my post here. I’ve covered a lot of stuff, and have explained the goodness pretty extensively. Apple cider vinegar kills bacteria, aids in weight loss and satiety, and has lots of antioxidants. Other benefits are: 

• Lowers cholesterol
• Improves heart health
• Reduces cancer risk
• Blood sugar levels are lowered
• Digestion is improved
• Benefits hair health
• Insulin sensitivity is improved
• Improves acne
• Reduces bloating
• Blood pressure is lowered
• Aids heartburn
• Reduces belly fat

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND WEIGHT LOSS 

Apple cider vinegar has no carbs and only 3 calories per tablespoon. When apple cider vinegar is combined with a healthy diet, it can really work wonders. I am thrilled what it has done for me on my weight loss journey.  

Don’t forget exercise, though. Add movement to your day through walking, running, and swimming. If you aren’t a fan of cardio, watch my video on How I Lost Weight WITHOUT CARDIO (50+lbs!).

It’s been proven that apple cider vinegar gives you a boost when trying to eliminate fat, but it does a whole lot more when it comes to losing weight:

• Metabolism: Apple cider vinegar increases fat burning
• Blood sugar: Blood sugar levels are lowered, especially when taken at night
• Fat storage: Belly fat is reduced
• Fat burning: The genes that burn fat may be increased

And if you combine apple cider vinegar consumption every day with intermittent fasting, you’ve got a surefire way to reduce fat and feel so much better!

Remember – don’t drink apple cider vinegar straight. It’s hard on the enamel of the teeth if you do that, and you could also cause irritation to the throat and esophagus with repeated drinking of undiluted apple cider vinegar. Get the benefits this way:

• Make a tonic
• Add it to a delicious homemade salad dressing
• Make a savory marinade
• Add a tablespoon to a smoothie
• Include it in a cup of hot tea, along with a drizzle of raw honey

WHEN SHOULD I DRINK APPLE CIDER VINEGAR FOR WEIGHT LOSS?

To drink apple cider vinegar for weight loss, it’s best to drink it throughout the day. Drink the apple cider mixture in 2 to 3 doses and before meals. This is thought to suppress the appetite overall. 

Studies have shown that some people had a suppressed appetite because of nausea after consuming apple cider vinegar. With some participants, indigestion was another factor adding to the lack of appetite.

That’s why I recommend making a tonic with additions like cinnamon to increase the palatability. Take a look at my video on apple cider vinegar and its awesomeness, and I’ll give you a yummy recipe.

IS IT BETTER TO DRINK APPLE CIDER VINEGAR IN THE MORNING OR AT NIGHT?

It’s really your preference, as the effects and benefits will be the same. However, take note that apple cider vinegar is on the acidic end of the pH scale and may cause issues related to indigestion and acid reflux. 

If you are prone to either one, it may be a good idea to take the dose of apple cider vinegar in the morning, when you are apt to be up and about, and more active.

There is some proof that nighttime consumption can level out the blood sugar for diabetics. This does not replace medication prescribed by a doctor, though. 

CAN I DRINK APPLE CIDER VINEGAR EVERY DAY?

Yes, you can drink apple cider vinegar every day, but like everything, drink it in moderation. Start with one tablespoon and mix it into your salad dressing, or add it to a cup of water as a drink. I have a great recipe for an apple cider vinegar tonic, and I explain it in a video, along with 2 other tasty and good for you anti-inflammatory drinks!

SHOULD YOU TAKE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR ON AN EMPTY STOMACH?

Some health and wellness experts say that a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar first thing in the morning is the ideal way to remove toxins, lessen hunger, and aid in weight loss. Some say to take it as a shot, but in fact, this is not the best way to take it at all.

You may feel nauseous, and repeatedly drinking pure apple cider vinegar undiluted can damage your esophagus and the enamel of your teeth because of the acidic composition. 

As for specifically in the morning? Well, studies show apple cider vinegar may suppress the appetite, and if that is your main goal, give it a try!

It will also help you to break your fast if you’re following an intermittent fasting lifestyle.  Drinking apple cider vinegar approximately 30 minutes before breaking your fast will help to reduce your overall blood sugar levels upon breaking your fast.

THINGS TO REMEMBER WITH APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

So, it’s pretty obvious that drinking apple cider vinegar any time of day will give your body a boost. Drinking it in the morning may suppress the appetite, and drinking it at night can positively affect your blood sugar levels.

But it’s good for so much more, and if you are like me, drinking this tart mixture throughout the day is great as a pick me up. My all-time favorite kind is Braggs, but as long as the brand you buy is organic and unfiltered, you are good to go.

Remember, though, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Drink through a straw to prevent effects on the teeth like decay and enamel erosion
• Don’t apply directly to the skin; always dilute it first
• Despite the amazing digestive benefits, if you have acid reflux or ulcers, apple cider vinegar may exacerbate the symptoms
• Take apple cider vinegar in moderation, or you could have indigestion
• If your potassium levels are low, be careful not to take too much apple cider vinegar; you can check with your doctor first to make sure it’s okay for you.

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