The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has some very specific, very important benefits for your hormones. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, naturally reducing systemic and localized inflammation of the body. It helps you body break down and convert the proteins you eat into usable amino acids (amino acids are the building blocks for many different bodily processes, including the creation of your hormones).

Apple Cider Vinegar Has…

been shown to increase insulin sensitivity in several studies, including a trial in women with PCOS. In this trial, seven women with PCOS took one tablespoon of ACV per day. After 40 days, 4 of the women resumed ovulating, 6 experienced a measurable reduction in insulin resistance, and 5 had a decrease in their LH/FSH ratio (this indicates less androgen production).

How Does It Work?

The apple cider vinegar fermenting process turns the natural sugar from the apples into acetic acid. Acetic acid is astringent and astringents shrink organic tissues, such as skin. Fun fact about acetic acid…it helps the body draw nutrients out of food for usage all while simultaneously helping to block the absorption of carb-dense foods. Lastly, and as mentioned above, claims have been made that apple cider vinegar suppresses inflammation.

Health Benefits

Antibacterial

Apple cider vinegar has been shown to have antibacterial properties, which can help with certain skin conditions, small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and vaginal bacterial overgrowth. It balances your pH (ie: the acid/alkaline levels) in the body, allowing good bacteria to flourish in your microbiome. Your microbiome houses the estrobolome where excess estrogen is processed and eliminated from your body, thus preventing estrogen dominance.

Apple Cider Vinegar has also shown to help alleviate symptoms of yeast infections as the acidity manages bad bacterial overgrowth in the vagina.

Combats Hemorrhoids

If so, you know how painful and frustrating they can be. Recent literature shows ACV acts a hemorrhoid symptom reducing agent for a couple different reasons. The apple cider vinegar fermenting process turns the natural sugar from the apples into acetic acid. Acetic acid is astringent and astringents shrink organic tissues, such as skin. Fun fact about acetic acid…it helps the body draw nutrients out of food for usage all while simultaneously helping to block the absorption of carb-dense foods. Lastly, and as mentioned above, claims have been made that apple cider vinegar suppresses inflammation. So, theoretically, ACV may relieve the swelling and irritation of hemorrhoids.

Strengthens Stomach Acid

Stomach acid break down proteins and aids in mineral absorption in the gut. They act as defense mechanism, protecting the body from bad bacteria and preventing them from taking over the gut. But as we age, the stomach acid production slows down. By the time we turn 50, we have half the stomach acid we had when you were 20.

Additionally, stomach acids assist in the release of pancreatic enzymes – which are used to break down carbohydrates. Without enough stomach acid, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms like distention, bloating, and gas.

So how can ACV help?! Weak acids like ACV stimulate your stomach to produce a healthy amount of stomach acid, which helps to improve digestion. Having enough stomach acid also helps the pancreas to release alkalizing enzymes, which encourage a more alkaline body chemistry. This is a crucial component when preventing chronic disease.

Insulin Resistance and Blood Sugar

A study published in the Journal of Diabetes Research in 2015 looked to identify the mechanisms behind a reduction in blood sugar levels with the additional of 50ml of ACV before meals. The research revealed that, compared to the placebo, apple cider vinegar improved the way the body absorbs blood sugar and increased insulin sensitivity in the skeletal muscle. For women struggling with PCOS or hormone imbalances, this means apple cider vinegar could potentially help balance your blood sugar and supports consistent ovulation.

Best Brands

Whether you prefer to drink your AVC or chew them in gummy form, it is safe to say the market can caters to everyone. Here are some brands and styles I enjoy:

In conclusion, the consumption of apple cider vinegar may give your body what it needs to make and manage your hormones.

There is a huge difference between the ACV supermarkets stock and the ACV you can find at your local health food store.

When choosing an ACV, it needs to be organic and say either ‘with mother’ or ‘from mother’, which indicates that it has been fermented. It should have some ‘floaters’ or fibres in the bottom of the bottle but make sure you shake it up before you use it!

Avoid distilled ACV, as it doesn’t contain the health benefits.

Try adding 1-2 tablespoons per day and see how you feel after 6 weeks. The best way to consume ACV is with water. Drinking it straight can irritate your throat and may cause gastric discomfort.

References:

a. Y. Gopal, Vimala Anthonydhason, Manikandan Muthu, Enkhtaivan Gansukh, Somang Jung, Sechul Chul & Sivanesan Iyyakkannu. “Authenticating apple cider vinegar’s home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect”. Pages 906-910 | Received 26 Oct 2017, Accepted 29 Nov 2017, Published online: 11 Dec 2017