Apple cider vinegar fasting is new to me. After researching for this post, I have to say I am surprised by what I learned. I am excited to share with you how apple cider vinegar fasting can help you reach your health goals.
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is apple juice that has been fermented twice.
Some people make it at home using scraps like apple cores and peels. You put your scraps, water, and sugar in a bowl and let it ferment. I think I may try it in the future. Read How to Make Apple Cider Vinegar to learn more.
How to Pick the Right Brand of Apple Cider Vinegar?
Buy a brand that is raw and unfiltered. It looks cloudy and the bottle says that it contains “the mother.” It means that all the good bacteria from the fermenting process are still present. You do not want to use a brand that has been filtered and processed to remove the culture of bacteria.
Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits
Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits:
- Improves digestion: Heartburn is often caused by too little stomach acid. Moreover, its antimicrobial properties will help kill harmful bacteria in the stomach or the intestines. Excess bacteria may release gas and cause bloating.
- Reduces inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of apple cider vinegar are pretty well recognized. It can even help alleviate the pain and the swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
- Aids with weight loss: Apple cider vinegar may aid with weight loss by increasing your metabolism and reducing fat storage. It also suppresses appetite.
- Improves insulin sensitivity: It helps your cells respond faster to insulin and lowers blood sugar.
Just be aware that if you struggle with keeping adequate potassium levels, apple cider vinegar may make it harder.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar Break a Fast?
No, apple cider vinegar does not break a fast. It has very few calories and doesn’t cause an insulin response. In fact, processing the calories in your apple cider vinegar (3 calories) will require more energy than it provides. It activates autophagy further (like coffee does).
Read What Breaks a Fast and What Doesn’t: A Comprehensive Guide for more info on what does and doesn’t break your fast.
Apple Cider Vinegar Fasting?
There are two ways to use apple cider vinegar for fasting purposes. You can use it during your fast or right before you break your fast. Either way, you will add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to your glass of water.
Before Breaking Your Fast
Drinking a glass of water with apple cider vinegar before breaking your fast helps avoid insulin spikes. As I mentioned already, apple cider vinegar is an excellent tool to improve your insulin sensitivity. It even helps diabetics when taken before a high carbohydrate meal.
While Fasting
Apple cider vinegar fasting is beneficial because it helps reduce your hunger. Moreover it contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin B1, B2, B6, biotin, folic acid, niacin, vitamin C, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium.
How Much Apple Cider Vinegar
If you are apple cider vinegar fasting, how much should you consume? We talked about drinking about a tablespoon before a high carbohydrate meal to prevent insulin spikes. What if you are using it during your fast? You still don’t need much. Stick to one or two tablespoons a day. Furthermore, rinse your mouth after drinking it.
Side Effects From Too Much Apple Cider Vinegar
It’s important to note that drinking too much apple cider vinegar could cause some side effects:
- Tooth enamel erosion
- Throat burn
- Low potassium levels
You also need to be cautious about drug interactions. As usual, understand that I am a certified health coach, not a physician. It’s your job to research your health. All I can do is share what I learn from my own experience and research.
Apple Cider Vinegar Fasting Video
In Summary
Apple cider vinegar, when used in conjunction with fasting, can help you achieve your health and weight loss goals faster. It will help improve your insulin sensitivity, decrease cravings and inflammation. Sounds like a simple and affordable tool.
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