We frequently hear from readers who are battling constipation. One healthy elderly reader has shared her secret to overcoming this problem. It is a simple home remedy, apple cider vinegar in V8 juice.
Apple Cider Vinegar in V8:
Q. I am an 88-year-old lady who takes no medication except Vasotec for high blood pressure. My annual medical examination this week shows that my cholesterol is perfect and there are no other signs of any problem anywhere, so my doctor says. He says I am 88 going on 16.
I was especially interested in a recent comment in your column about apple cider vinegar. My diet for many years has been lots of vegetables and fruits, nothing fried and red meat only a couple of times a month. I take a daily vinegar co*cktail that consists of a 6 ounce glass of tomato or V8 juice with 2 teaspoons of natural apple cider vinegar. Then I eat an apple between breakfast and lunch.
I do not use ordinary vinegar. I believe that the raw natural vinegar from the health food store is better.
I used to take milk of magnesia a few times a week for constipation. Since starting my V8/vinegar co*cktails nine months ago, I have not had to take MOM a single time.
A. Thanks for sharing your story. You are a role model for healthy eating.
Other Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar:
We’ve not heard before that V8 juice with apple cider vinegar could combat constipation, but it certainly won’t be harmful. In addition to helping you stay regular, it may ward off leg cramps. Many readers have testified that either low-sodium V8 or apple cider vinegar in water can prevent nighttime leg cramps. Combining them seems to make sense.
Anyone who needs to keep blood sugar under control might want to take apple cider vinegar in V8 with meals. A meta-analysis of several trials found that vinegar can prevent a steep rise in blood sugar and insulin after a meal (Shishehbor et al, Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, May 2017). Feeding rats apple cider vinegar with an otherwise terrible high-fat diet helps keep them from gaining weight (Halima et al, Journal of Medicinal Food, Jan. 2018). In another study, overfed mice that were given a tomato vinegar beverage did not develop insulin resistance (Seo et al, Food & Function, July 25, 2014). That sounds rather similar to apple cider vinegar in V8 juice.
Overcoming Constipation:
Others interested in overcoming constipation may be interested in our Guide to the topic. Another great source of information is our recent interview with Dr. Robynne Chutkan, Show 1115: How You Can Conquer Constipation.
Revised 4/5/18
FAQs
Apple cider vinegar is thought to help control blood pressure. However, research on humans is scarce. Because weight, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels can affect cardiovascular health in different ways, apple cider vinegar's benefits in each of these factors can support healthy blood pressure.
Is apple cider vinegar good for your kidneys and your liver? ›
ACV may even help reduce pain and inflammation from kidney stones. It helps rid the body of toxins and excess minerals that can lead to kidney stones. According to some, ACV has a cleansing effect on the kidney and liver.
How long does it take for apple cider vinegar to reduce blood sugar? ›
On a short-term basis, groups taking apple cider vinegar saw significant improvement in blood glucose levels 30 minutes after consuming the vinegar. However, the differences between the vinegar and control groups reduced after this time frame.
What happens to your gut when you drink apple cider vinegar? ›
Even though prebiotics and probiotics are good for your microbiome, consuming a lot of ACV can disrupt the balance of your gut bacteria. This could lead to digestive issues, such as acid reflux, bloating, or diarrhea.
How much apple cider vinegar should I drink daily to lower cholesterol? ›
With its many potential uses, it can be difficult to know how much apple cider vinegar to take each day. Dosage recommendations can vary, but taking 1–2 tablespoons (tbsp.), or 15–30 milliliters (mL), of apple cider vinegar with water before or after meals may be beneficial.
What medications cannot be taken with apple cider vinegar? ›
A few medications may interact with apple cider vinegar:
- Diabetes medication. People who take insulin or insulin-stimulating medications and consume vinegar may experience dangerously low blood sugar or potassium levels.
- Digoxin (Lanoxin). This medication lowers your blood potassium levels. ...
- Certain diuretic drugs.
When it comes to home remedies, apple cider vinegar is a preferred choice since it has amazing detoxification properties. Apple Cider Vinegar works by helping the liver flush out the toxins that can interfere with the body's normal functioning.
Is it better to drink apple cider vinegar at night or morning? ›
While apple cider vinegar may offer some health benefits, there is a lack of research on consuming it before bedtime versus at other times like the morning. That said, to avoid side effects like indigestion or acid reflux at night, consume it at least 2-3 hours before bed.
How long does it take for apple cider vinegar to help kidneys? ›
2. How long does apple cider vinegar take to work on kidney stones? On average, this takes 45 days. Larger stones can take to a year for them to do so.
What can I drink before bed to lower my blood sugar? ›
Green tea, cow's milk, and fermented milk (kefir) could also help you manage your blood sugar responses. Coffee also contains compounds that may help regulate blood sugar, but confirming this requires more research.
“ACV removes buildup and closes the hairs cuticles, which makes hair more light reflective and shiny,” Haygood explains. “The cleansing capabilities of apple cider vinegar not only get our hair and scalp super squeaky-clean,” Bennett says. “They help restore luster and shine to dull locks too.”
Will apple cider vinegar affect a blood test? ›
No significant effect of ACV consumption was found on serum LDL-C, HDL-C, fasting insulin concentrations, or HOMA-IR.
What should you never do while taking apple cider vinegar? ›
DRINKING IT RIGHT BEFORE BED: Taking it before sleeping is definitely not a good idea. Health experts say that drinking apple cider vinegar right before bed can harm esophagus. You must keep a gap of 30 minutes, between drinking ACD and sleeping.
What are the negatives of apple cider vinegar? ›
Negative Side Effects:
Consuming large amounts of undiluted ACV can cause digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhea or heartburn. Interference with medications: People taking certain medications like diuretics or insulin should avoid consuming large amounts of ACV due to potential drug interactions.
Does apple cider vinegar affect urine? ›
No evidence supports the claim that apple cider vinegar can help someone pass a drug test. Drug tests, like urine tests, work by determining whether someone has consumed a specific drug or one of its metabolites. These tests are quite precise and are not impacted by substances like apple cider vinegar.
How fast does apple cider vinegar work for high blood pressure? ›
In other words, chugging a shot glass of ACV won't lower your blood pressure immediately nor will it lower it much. The little evidence of ACV's blood-pressure-lowering effect comes from consuming a certain amount daily, over the course of several days and weeks, though this has primarily only been seen in rat studies.
What is the best vinegar to drink for high blood pressure? ›
Apple cider vinegar for blood pressure is a popular home remedy, and it's also thought to help lower blood sugar, curb hunger, and promote weight loss.
How can I bring down my blood pressure? ›
Try these lifestyle canges as natrual ways to lower blood pressure.
- Balance nutrients. Go for less sodium (under 1,500 mg per day) and more potassium. ...
- Put probiotics on your side. ...
- Lose even a little weight. ...
- Move more. ...
- Relieve stress.
