Can apple cider vinegar lower blood sugar immediately

Can apple cider vinegar lower blood sugar immediately

By pH health care professionals

Vinegar comes from the French word vinaigre meaning sour wine. It can be made from almost any fermented carbohydrate - wine, molasses, dates, pears, berries and apples have all been used to make vinegar, with apple cider vinegar being one of the most popular kinds.

The benefits to apple cider vinegar are abundant. Proponents use it for everything from curing hiccups to alleviating cold symptoms, and claim it can help them fight diabetes, cancer, heart problems, high cholesterol and weight issues. Studies are beginning to affirm some of the benefits, and no doubt apple cider vinegar will be the subject of numerous studies in the future.

There is evidence that fermented foods such as apple cider vinegar containing lactic acid or acetic acid can lower blood sugar (glucose) by helping store excess glucose in the liver. This reduces the body’s rate of glucose production and absorption.

A 2004 study that appeared in Diabetes Care measured the effects of vinegar on blood glucose after a meal. Blood glucose levels were taken one to two hours after a meal. The participants were insulin sensitive (normal response), insulin resistant (pre-diabetic), or Type 2 diabetics. They were required to either drink apple cider vinegar or water with a sugar substitute before eating a buttered bagel and drinking orange juice. The insulin-resistant group that drank the vinegar before their meal had increased insulin sensitivity for an hour after eating. The Type 2 diabetes group also saw a slight improvement, but the biggest effect was seen in people whose insulin response was normal and those who were insulin resistant.

This study demonstrated that vinegar does seem to significantly improve post-meal insulin sensitivity in people who are insulin resistant, which suggests apple cider vinegar may work in a similar way to anti-diabetic medication.

Additionally, vinegar may make food healthier and aid the body in digestion, according to the American Diabetes Association. This may be because vinegar affects the rate of gastric emptying (food leaving the stomach), which affects blood sugar and insulin.

In fact, a recent Medscape “Ask the Pharmacists” column explained that vinegar’s effect on gastric emptying may be the mechanism behind its positive effects on insulin response and glycemic response. The column explained:

  • Vinegar contains 5 percent acetic acid and reduced insulin response in a small group of healthy volunteers.
  • A small group of healthy study participants who ate salad with 5 percent acetic acid vinegar and white bread showed a reduced glycemic response.
  • A small group of patients with Type 1 diabetes drank vinegar (diluted in water) five minutes before a meal, which reduced their blood glucose by 20 percent.

However, many of the studies seem to be quite small in size, and the results overall have been mixed. Vinegar can also be irritating to the stomach and cause nausea. The Medscape article warns that vinegar intake should be limited to a maximum of 1-2 tablespoons diluted in water, taken twice daily. Using a straw may help protect your teeth enamel from potential damage.

While vinegar may be beneficial, do not substitute vinegar for your medication. Be proactive and speak to your doctor before trying any new health product, natural or otherwise. Your doctor may need to adjust your treatment and monitor your blood sugar more closely if you take apple cider vinegar on a daily basis.

Talk to your doctor about whether vinegar is safe for you.

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Overview

Type 2 diabetes is a preventable chronic disease that affects how your body controls sugar (glucose) in your blood.

Medications, diet, and exercise are the standard treatments. But recent studies vouch for something you can find in most kitchen cabinets too: apple cider vinegar.

Around 1 in 10 Americans have type 2 diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If apple cider vinegar has the potential as a natural treatment, that would be good news indeed.

While a number of studies have looked at the link between apple cider vinegar and blood sugar management, they’re usually small — with varying results.

“There have been several small studies evaluating the effects of apple cider vinegar, and the results are mixed,” said Dr. Maria Peña, an endocrinologist in New York.

“For example, there was one small study done in rats showing that apple cider vinegar helped lower LDL and A1C levels. But the limitation to this study is that it was only done in rats, not humans,” she said.

Research from 2004 found that taking 20 grams (equivalent to 20 mL) of apple cider vinegar diluted in 40 mL of water, with 1 teaspoon of saccharine, could lower blood sugar after meals.

Another study, this one from 2007, found that taking apple cider vinegar before bed helped moderate blood sugar upon waking up.

But both studies were small, looking only at 29 and 11 participants, respectively.

Although there’s not much research on apple cider vinegar’s impact on type 1 diabetes, one small study in 2010 concluded it could help reduce high blood sugar.

A meta-analysis of six studies and 317 patients with type 2 diabetes concludes apple cider vinegar yields beneficial effects on fasting blood sugar and HbA1c.

“The take-home message is that until a large randomized control trial is done, it is difficult to ascertain the true benefits of taking apple cider vinegar,” she said.

Apple cider vinegar that’s organic, unfiltered, and raw is usually the best choice. It may be cloudy and will be higher in beneficial bacteria.

This cloudy cobwebbed chain of acids is called the mother of vinegar culture. It’s added to cider or other fluids to start the fermentation of vinegar and is found in high-quality vinegars.

Apple cider vinegar is considered safe, so if you have diabetes, it may be worth trying.

Peña suggests diluting 1 teaspoon of the vinegar in a glass of water to decrease irritation to the stomach and damage to the teeth, and cautioned people who are seeking a cure-all.

“People should be wary of any ‘quick fix’ or ‘miracle solution’ to their healthcare needs, as these suggestions are not usually backed by strong evidence and can lead to more harm than good,” Peña says.

Interested? Shop for apple cider vinegar here.

At the end of the day, the most effective way to prevent and manage diabetes is eating a balanced diet that includes healthy carbohydrates and enough healthy proteins and fats.

It’s important to understand the impact of carbohydrates on your blood sugar, and limit intake of refined and processed carbohydrates, such as foods with added sugar.

Instead, opt for healthy nutrient-dense, fibrous carbohydrates, such as fruit and vegetables. Contrary to past recommendations, whole grains may also be included in those with kidney disease, as the phosphorus content is now known to be poorly absorbed.

Increasing physical activity can also have a positive impact on blood sugar management.

Peña recommends the research-backed solution of a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Get helpful fitness tips for people with diabetes.

Can apple cider vinegar bring your sugar down?

Research from 2004 found that taking 20 grams (equivalent to 20 mL) of apple cider vinegar diluted in 40 mL of water, with 1 teaspoon of saccharine, could lower blood sugar after meals. Another study, this one from 2007, found that taking apple cider vinegar before bed helped moderate blood sugar upon waking up.

How much apple cider vinegar should a diabetic take a day?

Always dilute it with another beverage (water, seltzer, tea) or by mixing it into your food. Only consume approximately 2 tablespoons per day.

Does vinegar lower blood sugar quickly?

The results of the study demonstrated several key findings: 1) Just 10 grams of vinegar significantly reduced blood sugar after meals by about 20%, whereas sodium acetate had no effects; 2) Vinegar was most effective at lowering blood sugar when it was taken with the meal; and 3) The effects seemed to be greatest when ...

How can I bring my blood sugar down ASAP?

When your blood sugar level gets too high — known as hyperglycemia or high blood glucose — the quickest way to reduce it is to take fast-acting insulin. Exercising is another fast, effective way to lower blood sugar. In some cases, you should go to the hospital instead of handling it at home.