When should i take apple cider vinegar for weight loss

Have you been looking for creative ways to lose weight? Some people have read online that taking apple cider vinegar may help with weight loss, and they may commit to taking a shot of the sour stuff every day, sometimes at bedtime. But experts recommend against this practice for several reasons.

“Apple cider vinegar hasn’t been shown to aid with weight loss in humans, despite the things you may have read on social media, and it may be harmful if people ingest it the wrong way or at the wrong time of day,” says Elliot Rudnitzky, M.D., cardiologist at JFK University Medical Center.

Here’s what you should know about apple cider vinegar:

Apple cider hasn’t been proven to help with weight loss

Some research has shown that obese rats who consumed apple cider vinegar consumed less food and lost weight, but similar results have not been proven in humans. Little research has been done to study the effects of apple cider vinegar on appetite and weight loss in humans, and the handful of studies have been inconclusive. In studies where people did curb their appetite or lose weight with the help of apple cider vinegar, the weight loss was modest, not dramatic. People shouldn’t expect life-altering, shocking-before-and-after-pictures weight loss from apple cider vinegar consumption.

You may know someone who swears that apple cider vinegar has helped them curb their appetite or lose weight, but that information is anecdotal, not research-proven. Just because a weight-loss tactic has worked for your friend doesn’t mean that it will work for you.

Bedtime isn’t an ideal time to take apple cider vinegar

“Because apple cider vinegar is highly acidic, some people experience acid reflux after consuming the liquid (or foods containing the vinegar),” says Carla Rodriguez, M.D., internal medicine specialist at Palisades Medical Center.

People who are prone to heartburn, acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) would want to avoid consuming anything acidic at least 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime to minimize the chances of experiencing burning and discomfort.

If you’re prone to reflux, the sphincter between your stomach and esophagus may relax when you lie down in bed at night, allowing anything that’s still in your stomach to flow upward into your esophagus. Apple cider vinegar rising into your esophagus may lead to uncomfortable burning in your chest.

Taking apple cider vinegar earlier in the day may be a better option.

Apple cider vinegar may hurt you more than it helps

People who are hoping to glean the possible benefits of apple cider vinegar may assume that taking it straight – swallowing a shot of vinegar – may be the best way to get the substance into their system. However, apple cider vinegar is very acidic. Swallowing it undiluted may irritate the esophagus, leading to heartburn-like symptoms. It may also gradually wear down the enamel coating on your teeth, if you consistently drink the vinegar plain, which may cause permanent dental problems. In some people, too much vinegar may alter potassium levels, and certain people with diabetes may unknowingly alter their insulin levels by consuming apple cider vinegar.

Better ways to consume apple cider vinegar

If you choose to ingest apple cider vinegar regularly for the possible health benefits, dilute it to minimize its potential harm. Safer ways to consume apple cider vinegar include:

• Combined with equal parts apple cider vinegar and cold-pressed olive or avocado oil to make a nice salad dressing (a little bit of honey can keep it emulsified)
• Mixing 1 or 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar into a tall glass of water, which dilutes the acidity
• Within an apple cider tonic or beverage containing other ingredients, preferably with little to no added sugar
• Apple cider vinegar supplements, although some of these products (including gummies) contain sugar, which may counteract any possible advantage of taking them

Consuming apple cider vinegar alone won’t help with weight loss. You’ll have a greater chance of succeeding if you eat healthy and exercise more while you take the vinegar.

“There is no ‘magic bullet’ that will promote sustainable weight loss,” says Marissa Winters, integrative nutritionist. “It really is about taking care of yourself with lifestyle choices that contribute to health overall.”

Next Steps & Resources:

• To make an appointment with a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.

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01/9Here's why you should drink apple cider vinegar regularly

Apple cider vinegar is one of the healthiest drinks to have.

The naturally fermented drink, which contains acetic acid has been used for centuries and has proven benefits which not only benefit healthy living but also promotes weight loss.

It's also the reason a lot of weight watchers have it on a regular basis.

02/9The best time to have apple cider vinegar

Given that it carries so many benefits, have you wondered, when is it the best time to have apple cider vinegar in a day for weight loss?

While most people prefer drinking it first thing in the morning, does it also accelerate fat-burning at night?

We tell you the best way to have it for weight loss

03/9How does apple cider vinegar help you lose weight ?

Apple cider vinegar has very few calories and makes for an excellent detoxifying drink to have. Plus, the additional health benefits, apart from weight loss make it wholesome.

From helping stabilize blood sugar levels, improving metabolism and accelerating fat burning, regular consumption of apple cider vinegar can also improve your heart health, stamina, quash good bacteria.

Some animal studies have also shown that apple cider vinegar cuts down the level of oxidative stress in the body and free radicals. It's also rich in the goodness of antioxidants, which support growth and vitality.

Thus, the benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar go beyond just fat-burning but may also help control factors that are crucial to good weight management.

04/9What other health benefits does it guarantee?

Apart from the above benefits, apple cider vinegar is also said to promote satiety or helps you feel fuller for longer, which is key to cutting down on calorie intake.

But, does it really help if you chug down ACV at a particular time of the day?

05/9Is it better to drink apple cider vinegar in the morning or night?

We are sure that you must have come across information which backs a particular time to drink apple cider vinegar in a day.

While there are some people who hail the detoxifying and weight loss benefits of the drink when had regularly first thing in the morning, some prefer having the drink before meals.

Truthfully speaking, there is no scientific evidence yet to support one particular time of the day for having apple cider vinegar. That being said, apple cider vinegar can work differently, garner benefits, depending on what your goals are.

We explain how.

06/9Drinking it first thing in the morning may help fat-burning

There's some evidence that supports the fact that apple cider vinegar, had first thing in the morning may promote faster weight loss and accelerate fat burning.

Since it works primarily as a detoxifying agent, a shot of apple cider vinegar in the morning can clear out toxins from the body and aid a fresh start.

The idea has also been popularized by many wellness experts of late.

Similarly, those who work out in the mornings also believe that a shot of apple cider vinegar (or diluted quantity) can balance pH levels, boost energy, minimize fatigue, pain and improve stamina needed to oxygenate the body during the workout.

However, the pungent taste of apple cider vinegar can make some nauseous first thing in the morning, which may not benefit them.

07/9Does it help if you drink it at night?

Drinking apple cider vinegar at night time is again, a choice many make.

While apple cider vinegar had before sleep may not directly aid weight loss, it can help manage or control factors that affect weight gain.

According to some, apple cider vinegar before bedtime can taper blood sugar levels down and might even be easier to digest. However, drinking it right after meals can delay digestion, which can be bad.

Secondly, when had before meals, apple cider vinegar may also help a person achieve satiety, which can help cut down the number of calories you take significantly.

08/9What should you do?

While there's no research to support the best time of the day to have it, drinking it empty stomach remains to be the most recommended way to have ACV.

Doing so may maximize health benefits, boost digestion and may even help promote fat loss if followed regularly.

Therefore, drinking in during the morning may be your best bet. Wait for 20-30 minutes after drinking it before you eat something.

09/9The bottomline

Just remember to follow some precautions before having ACV. Apple Cider Vinegar shouldn't be inhaled, is always better when diluted.

If you want additional weight loss-aiding benefits, you can also consider adding helpful additives like honey, ginger or lemon.

What time is best to drink apple cider vinegar for weight loss?

Is it better to take apple cider vinegar in the morning or at night for weight loss?

Is it better to take apple cider vinegar at night or day?

How should I use apple cider vinegar for weight loss?

How often do I drink apple cider vinegar for weight loss?

What time of day is the best to take apple cider vinegar?