What is the Best Time To Take Apple Cider Vinegar?

Talk about a classic! There are few things as constantly buzzed about in the wellness industry as apple cider vinegar. If we were to list out the reasons why apple cider vinegar is a winning product, we’d be here for hours. That’s why we broke down everything you need to know into this easily digestible guide. 

One popular question people have about apple cider vinegar is when they should take it to maximize its full effects. Luckily, we have the answer to that question and beyond. (You can thank us later.) 

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar, also known as simply cider vinegar, has been used for centuries in both medicine and home cooking. It’s one of those products with a reputation. And guess what? It lives up to it. 

The reason that apple cider vinegar is so popular is because it has a lot of healthful properties. These include antimicrobial and antioxidant effects, to name a few. In addition, there are supposedly several ways that this product can work to support your body with a variety of functions -- but we’ll get to that later. For now, let’s talk about the vinegar itself.

Apple cider vinegar itself is actually made out of mainly apple juice. There’s a twist, though. There is also yeast added into the liquid, which turns the sugar contained in the juice into alcohol. This process itself is known as fermentation. From there, the bacteria turns this alcohol into acetic acid. If you’ve ever wondered what gives the product its sour taste and potent smell, that’s your answer. 

For years, there wasn’t a whole lot of research conducted regarding the actual scientific value to this product. That being said, there has been more in recent years and scientists are continuing to learn more about the product. 

It’s important to note that it’s not a great idea to just use the vinegar without diluting it at least a little first. Sometimes people opt to add a couple of tablespoons to some water or even tea. This is because it’s really acidic on its own, and could potentially even wear down the enamel of your teeth, or hurt your stomach and teeth. 

Vinegar also contains chemicals that are known as polyphenols, and that’s another reason why it has gained momentum. These chemicals can help stop cell damage that can ultimately cause other diseases. Apple cider vinegar is also noted for the fact that it is calorie-free. That means if you’re being conscious of what you’re consuming, this product doesn’t have any calories to note. 

What Are the Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?

The main reason that apple cider vinegar is so popular is thanks to the assumed health benefits, and with good reason! 

Apple cider vinegar can support your body in a bunch of ways. Some of these include: 

• Can potentially help kill harmful bacteria
• Can help manage blood glucose levels 
• Can support healthy skin
• Can potentially make an impact on insulin levels 

Can support gut and immune health - Apple cider vinegar works wonders in your gut, and your gut health is a huge determiner of your immune health. On top of that, it also works to reduce appetite to help combat cravings when you’re not actually hungry.

Can help maintain healthy blood glucose levels - If you’re someone who has difficulty managing their blood glucose levels, looking into apple cider vinegar might be considered worthwhile. That being said, it’s not a “miracle cure,” so if you’re on medication to manage these levels, you should definitely continue to take them. If you are on medications, ask your doctor before you decide to take apple cider vinegar so they can advise on what type of supplements are safe to take with your prescription. 

Can support skin health - Because of the fermentation process completed to create the apple cider vinegar, the product is known for the antifungal and antibacterial properties. These can ultimately prove helpful when you’re looking to take care of your skin.

When’s the Best Time To Take Apple Cider Vinegar?

Like most things, the best time to take apple cider vinegar is based on the individual. That being said, depending on why you’re taking the product might seem like it can impact the “right” time to take it, but in reality, that’s not quite the truth.

If you’re looking to reduce the risk of having adverse side effects, you can dilute the apple cider vinegar and have it at least 30 minutes before you go to sleep. That being said, it doesn’t need to be a nighttime ritual, unless you so desire -- you can also put it on salads for a tasty dressing of sorts instead of consuming it as a beverage. 

You might have heard that it’s particularly helpful to consume apple cider vinegar in the morning to get the full benefit of taking it. That being said, there’s no solid scientific evidence to confirm this, so don’t stress yourself out too much if you don’t have your apple cider vinegar in the morning. 

To simplify all of this, try an apple cider vinegar gummy instead. Our Gutsy vegan apple cider vinegar gummy is an easy addition to any part of your day, morning or night, with or without food! You can still aim to take it with breakfast or before bed if you’d like -- the most important thing is being consistent.

What Are Some Potential Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar?

While it’s obvious that apple cider vinegar can have some very positive impacts on your body and can be supportive of a healthy lifestyle, there are some potential side effects to look out for. That being said, taking raw apple cider vinegar correctly- - and as directed -- can help reduce the potential that you will experience these side effects.

Some of the things you might experience with apple cider vinegar intake include: 

• Tooth decay
• Gastrointestinal difficulties 
• Skin burns 
• Low potassium 

Tooth decay - Because apple cider vinegar is acidic, like all vinegars are, it’s important to ensure that you’re not causing your teeth to decay when you’re taking it. One way that you can combat this potential complication is by diluting the apple cider vinegar when you’re taking it, having it as part of a meal instead of on its own, or taking it as a gummy supplement instead of in its raw liquid form. 

Gastrointestinal difficulties - Specifically if you’re drinking this product as part of your breakfast, you might experience slight nausea or even indigestion. Once again, diluting the product or taking it in gummy form can help combat this. Additionally, due to the acidic nature of apple cider vinegar, if you have stomach ulcers or acid reflux, talk to your doctor before you decide to include this into your wellness routine, as it could potentially have adverse effects. 

Skin burns - As mentioned earlier, using this product can help support healthier skin -- when used correctly, that is. Since the skin is so sensitive, it’s especially important to make sure that you’re not misusing apple cider vinegar when you’re applying it. You can dilute the substance to make it easier to apply to the skin, and if you notice that your skin isn’t responding well to it, discontinue immediately. 

Low potassium levels - There have been some reports that this product can lower potassium levels, which can cause other medical issues. If you notice that you’re experiencing any kind of muscle issue after you take the substance -- including those relating to either your breathing or heart -- you should discontinue and get medical attention. Again, taking ACV in gummy form can help avoid this since you’ll always have the ideal dose every time!

Ultimately, as long as you’re careful that you are using apple cider vinegar correctly and discontinue use if an adverse reaction occurs, there is little cause for concern. And as always, if you have any questions, consult your physician. 

In Summary

Apple cider vinegar has been around for centuries and is the talk of the town in both the beauty and wellness industry. This is with good reason! Many people believe that apple cider vinegar can support a whole host of different bodily functions. 

Apple cider vinegar is the result of a fermentation process. It can be taken orally as a beverage or drizzled on foods for a tasty “dressing” of sorts. It’s also able to be applied to the skin. 

There has been a lot of speculation regarding the best time to take apple cider vinegar, and we’re happy to report that there’s no right or wrong time to take it, especially when you take the gummy ACV route with Cosmos Vitas’ Gutsy supplement! 

 

SOURCES: 

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-proven-health-benefits-of-apple-cider-vinegar 

https://www.webmd.com/diet/apple-cider-vinegar-and-your-health#1 

https://www.healthline.com/health/apple-cider-vinegar-for-face#acv-recipes 

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/apple-cider-vinegar-before-bed#bottom-line 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/apple-cider-vinegar-in-the-morning#other-benefits