Many people have turned to apple cider vinegar for a variety of ailments, including digestive problems. Though, questions have recently been raised about whether consuming apple cider vinegar can harm the good bacteria in our gut.
Continuing on, let’s learn more about how apple cider vinegar affects gut health and whether it really kills off good bacteria here. If you’re a fan of this popular tonic, you won’t want to miss this informative read.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar Kill Good Gut Bacteria?
Despite what many people have heard, apple cider vinegar (ACV) doesn’t kill good bacteria. It, in fact, provides good gut bacteria and kills bad gut bacteria.
You can also use it to clear up some gut invaders with its amazing benefits against fungal and bacterial infections.
One study demonstrated promising antimicrobial effects of raw apple cider vinegar against E. coli, S aureus, and Candida albicans. However, when taking ACV for gut health, make sure to take it with mother, which contains the beneficial bacteria.
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Kill Probiotics?
Apple cider vinegar does not kill probiotics but rather is a prebiotic. Prebiotics are essentially gut-bacteria food that has the ability to help good gut bacteria to thrive.
In addition, diluting apple cider vinegar with water or other ingredients is important since the acid can erode tooth enamel and cause indigestion.
What Bacteria Does Apple Cider Vinegar Kill?
As we mentioned earlier, according to a test tube study, apple cider vinegar was effective at killing Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which are the bacteria responsible for staph infections.
Apple cider vinegar is not a perfect disinfectant, however, and more research is required to determine its effectiveness.
Apple Cider Vinegar And Probiotics: Can I Take Them Together?
Taking apple cider vinegar and probiotics together is totally safe. Because of the natural probiotics in apple cider vinegar, you can help boost your immune system and gut health.
And if you add probiotics to the mix, you can help improve your digestion even further. Just be aware that if you’re using apple cider vinegar with the mother, then you won’t need an extra probiotic.
But if you’re using pills or regular cider vinegar without the mother, you might want to consider taking a probiotic with it for maximum benefits.
How To Take Apple Cider Vinegar For Gut Health?
Did you know that to take apple cider vinegar for gut health, you must dilute it in plenty of water to avoid tooth enamel erosion? Then, you should rinse your mouth out with plain water.
Also, do not drink it on an empty stomach, and stop using it if it makes you feel sick. But the benefits are worth it because consuming apple cider vinegar daily, at a dosage of about 2 to 3 tablespoons per day, can improve the glycemic response to carbohydrate-rich meals and reduce post-meal blood sugar levels in healthy participants.
And don’t forget about pectin, a key ingredient found in fermented apple cider vinegar that encourages the growth of good bacteria and can help outcompete those “bad” bacteria, promoting gut health.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help Constipation And Bloating?
It’s not scientifically proven to support the theory that apple cider vinegar helps relieve constipation.
Still, some people believe that apple cider vinegar has this effect because it stimulates digestion and helps food move more quickly through the body. In reality, there is not enough evidence to confirm this theory. However, it may have other health benefits.
Regarding bloating, apple cider vinegar has become a common home remedy for digestion problems in general. Bloating is believed to be treated quickly and effectively with ACV.
There is very little direct evidence to support this theory, but some studies have shown that apple cider vinegar can improve digestion and reduce bloating caused by indigestion or gas. Nevertheless, more research is needed to verify this.
When To Drink Apple Cider Vinegar For Bloating?
To use ACV for bloating, add one tablespoon of ACV to hot water and drink it before or after a meal or when feeling bloated. The best time to drink ACV for bloating may vary depending on the individual.
However, drinking ACV in the morning may help promote a balanced and nourished microbiome. You should avoid taking ACV right before bedtime to prevent nausea.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help Digestion After Meals?
As reported by Body Unburdened, apple cider vinegar improves digestion by increasing stomach acid production, which functions to break down and digest food.
Apart from that, the acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar slows the digestion of starches and controls the level of glucose, helping us better absorb nutrients.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar Cause Gas And Bloating?
While apple cider vinegar is sometimes used as a home remedy for digestive issues, there is some evidence to suggest that it may actually cause gas and bloating in some individuals.
Slow stomach emptying can lead to bloating, nausea, and constipation, and while there is no cure for these issues, there are treatments that can help control them.
Because of this, apple cider vinegar may not be the best choice for those looking to alleviate their gas and bloating symptoms.
Who Should Not Drink Apple Cider Vinegar?
People with stomach ulcers, gastritis, and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome should avoid consuming apple cider vinegar.
Also, people with digestive issues, low potassium levels, or diabetes should consult a doctor before consuming apple cider vinegar, and anyone who experiences severe side effects should stop using it and seek medical advice.
The key is to limit the intake and work up to a maximum safe amount gradually. And always check with a doctor before consuming apple cider vinegar, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions.
Conclusion
After conducting thorough research on the effects of apple cider vinegar on gut bacteria, it can be concluded that while apple cider vinegar may have some antimicrobial properties, it is unlikely to kill the good gut bacteria in our digestive system.
In fact, some studies suggest that consuming apple cider vinegar may even promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Yet, it is a fact that excessive consumption of apple cider vinegar may negatively affect overall gut health. As with any dietary supplement, be sure to seek medical advice before taking apple cider vinegar.
