A few weeks ago when I was recapping my experience with the Eat Clean Challenge, I mentioned apple cider vinegar and how I was hooked on drinking it daily. Several people seemed interested in the apple cider vinegar (ACV) drink I’ve been drinking so I figured I would do a post on it.
I first learned about the benefits of ACV through Tosca Reno’s Eat Clean Diet and the Tone It Up nutrition plan. Both plans recommend adding ACV into your daily diet. Tosca recommends mixing 2 Tablespoons of raw, unfiltered ACV into a glass of water and the Tone It Up gals recommend a drink recipe called the Meta-D which has ACV, water and a few other ingredients. <;-- The full recipe is in their plan.
I will warn you that ACV is pretty potent and it does take a little getting used to. Many people recommend adding a splash of fruit juice, honey or stevia to the ACV + water mixture to help make it more palatable.
Here are a few common questions around ACV…
What type of Apple Cider Vinegar should I use?
Only use raw organic ACV has the ‘mother’ of the vinegar. The ‘mother’ is made up of strand-like enzymes of connected protein molecules with living nutrients and bacteria, similar to the ‘mother’ that’s in Kombucha. Clear vinegar is processed and doesn’t have any of the benefits that raw ACV has. There are different brands out there but I use Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar, which I find at my local organic market or Whole Foods.
Be sure to dilute ACV before applying it to your skin or drinking. It is very acidic and can damage the tooth enamel and the tissues of your throat, mouth or skin.
What are the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar?
- Rich in potassium, a mineral that is often times lacking in adult diets. This mineral is key for growth, building muscles, transmission of nerve impulses, heart activity etc. It also helps to prevent brittle teeth, hair loss and runny noses.
- Rich in acetic acid. This acid is said to slow the digestion of starch which can help to lower the rise in glucose that commonly occurs after meals. <;-- This is why ACV is often used by people with diabetes.
- Rich in ash which gives ACV its alkaline property. This aids your body in maintaining proper pH levels for a healthy alkaline state. (It is particularly important if you drink a lot of coffee or wine.)
- It can help regulate blood pressure and reduce bad cholesterol.
- Rich in malic acid which gives ACV its anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
- May help improve bowel irregularity and helps to remove toxins from the body at a faster rate. <;-- Great for detoxing!
- It can help clear up skin conditions and blemishes.
- ACV helps with weight loss by breaking down fats so that your body can use them rather than store them. <;-- This is the main reason it's recommended as part of The Eat Clean Diet.
- A few lab studies have found that ACV may be able to kill cancer cells or slow their growth.
Have you noticed any changes in your body since drinking Apple Cider Vinegar daily?
It’s hard for me to tell if the ACV drink is working wonders on my body and helping in ALL the ways I mentioned above, however I do know that my complexion has been really clear since I’ve started taking it and I crave the ACV drink every day now. In the morning I make my drink in a blender/shaker bottle and take it to work with me. I’ll have it in mid-morning or after lunch with my afternoon snack. It definitely helps to keep me feeling full and less hungry.
If you’re interested in learning more about ACV here are a few links that are worth checking out:
- Raw Apple Cider Vinegar and Ab Definition – Tosca Reno
- ACV Uses, Benefits and Risks – Web MD
- 10 Tips for Using Apple Cider Vinegar – Care2.com
- 5 Things – Uses for Apple Cider Vinegar – FitSugar.com
Disclaimer – Due to the lack of supporting research, apple cider vinegar cannot be recommended for treatment or prevention of any health problems. Also, please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements. I’m just sharing my experience and what works for one person doesn’t always work for another. 
Brittany Mullins, HHC
{ 57 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve been doing the AVC cocktail (AVC and lemon water) for almost a month and I really do crave it now. I use to despise the taste but I actually love it. It kind of reminds me of a poor man’s Koombucha! I was taking it every single morning but then I just heard that its actually better to take after a meal? Not sure if that holds any truth but I may switch it up to see if it helps better with digestion.
This is definitely a trend I’ve heard a lot about but never tried myself. It can’t hurt!
Great post! I have been using acv for a few years on and off. This past weekend I came down with an awful sinus infection. I really don’t like using medicines or antibiotics to “get rid” of this sort of sickness. I did some research on how get rid of the mucus and inflammation in my body. Acv was the number one recommendation I found. Two days ago I started with a big shot of it in the morning and man did it get things out fast!!!! I would recommend to anyone with allergy or sinus issues!!!!
I noticed a difference in my skin too when I started to drink it. It is something that you have to get used to, but it goes down easier as you get used to it. It seriously helped my throat when it was getting sore too! Some days I don’t really want to drink it, so I’ll use it as a dressing on my salads.
I just started taking AVC last week and was thinking about blogging about it myself! It’s pretty okay once you get used to it, but if you accidentally put a little too much in than normal, it’s CRAZY! I do feel like my stomach is a bit flatter though!
I was drinking it every day for awhile, and then I guess I just started forgetting to do it! Now that I think about it, my skin was clearer when I was drinking it. I’m not sure if it was the time of the month, my face wash, or the vinegar, but I think I’m going to try to remember to drink ACV again. It also helped me to stop snacking at night!
I feel the same way about it helping with snacking. Not sure why it helps, but it does.
Do you follow the TIU recipe or do you just combine ACV and water? Just curious as I tried it when I first bought their plan and I would love to know if that is the recipe you follow daily!
i would love a different recipe then just adding it to water……
any suggestions?
I do like the Tone it Up recipe better than just putting it in water but it’s part of their paid nutrition plan so I can’t post it. But, I’m curious to hear what Brittany thinks since she seems to have a lot more experience with ACV drinks than I do!!
I was interested in what was in the TIU version too! I did a little bit of google searching and found the recipe on pinterest and on google, so I’m sure you can too.
Hi Erin. I use the TIU recipe for Meta-D.
Awesome – thanks!! I did it for a bit when I first got the nutrition plan but didn’t stick with it. But, the promise of clearer skin and better digestion is definitely making me want to start again in the morning. Thanks for re-motivating that habit!
This post came at the perfect time! I bought ACV a few weeks ago and drank it once or twice because I remembered hearing something about it years ago. Obviously, I didn’t recall a lot of the information and stopped drinking it due to lack of knowledge. Your post has made me want to incorporate it in my diet again! Thanks for sharing and I’m really glad you shared Tosca’s article! It’s all helpful even if it’s not 100% supported by research.
I’m confused as to how it can be both acidic AND alkaline. Could you clarify?
It’s confusing, but foods are classified as acid-forming or alkalizing depending on the effect they have on the body after digestion, not on their own intrinsic acidity or alkalinity (or how they taste to us). A common misconception is that if a food tastes acidic, it has an acid-forming effect on the body. This is not always true. Very often, an acidic-tasting food is alkalizing. Citric fruits are a good example. Oranges, tomatoes and lemons, for example seem acidic, however, they are actually alkalizing because the minerals they leave behind after digestion help remove hydrogen ions, decreasing the acidity of the body. The same is true of ACV.
I hope this helps!
Thanks for the reply! It does help a bit. But just to clarify further…in your post it says that ACV is acidic enough to damage tooth enamel, etc. Does that mean that your body’s digestive processes change the chemical compounds, turning it from acidic to alkaline? Or does it mean that ACV damages tooth enamel, not because its chemistry is acidic, but because of other reasons?
ACV can damage tooth enamel because it’s very acidic on its own – the main ingredient is acetic acid. It should always be diluted with water or juice before swallowed. Pure apple cider vinegar could damage the tooth enamel and the tissues in your throat and mouth. (This info is from Web MD)
It’s the digestion that makes it alkalizing in the body.
Awesome! Thanks for the replies. Very interesting about the possible health benefits of ACV…I just might try it myself.
I start each day off with a shot of ACV on an empty stomach. I find it really gets things moving and helps my digestion throughout the day!
Informative post–I keep reading about the benefits of ACV! I’ll take those and clear skin thank you!
When I first got into food blogs I had read somewhere that apple cider vinegar had health benefits and thought I should give it a try. I proceeded to drink it undiluted for about a month straight before both I and the lining of my throat couldn’t take it anymore. Your ideas sound much more palatable.
Thanks for the great information!
I am a big believer that acv is a cure for most anything. Can’t wait to try this. Thanks for sharing.
My digestion is so much better when I have ACV before a meal. Either that or rejuvelac. I have ACV before dinner every night. It makes a big difference!
I certainly intrigued to tree ACV for skin and detox reasons… what ‘solution’ do you drink and how often?
I use the Tone It Up recipe and drink it daily. It includes 2 tablespoons of ACV, water and a few other ingredients that boost your metabolism. The full recipe is in the TIU diet plan, but if you’re looking for a good recipe to start with, I’d do 2 tablespoons of ACV in 8 ounces of water and drink it once daily. You can add a splash of unsweetened juice, honey or stevia to make it taste better.
Thanks for the info. I had no idea!
if it is unfiltered but not raw, does it still have the same affect?? thanks!
I think it needs to be both raw and unfiltered because the pasteurization destroys/removes some of the most important components. Although I found things online suggesting that some users of pasteurized apple cider vinegar report the same beneficial effects.
Great post..thanks for sharing..great info! Have a great day!
Wow! Such an interesting post! I will start taking this now
This is so great…I swear, you read my mind with this post. I drink my Meta-D almost daily ever since I bought the Tone It Up plan, and was randomly thinking about Googling ACV last night for a little more research and just didn’t do it….then I wake up and see this in my Reader!! I am almost out of the bottle I have been using now, so I just bought a gallon online of the Bragg’s since I have been using ACV everyday…I didn’t know about “the mother” or have any knowledge about the type I should be ingesting, but now I know! Thanks
Oh, and in the reviews for the ACV I bought on Amazon, it is apparently a natural anti-inflammatory, too. I have bad hip problems from years of dancing and any little bit can help! I try to limit taking my arthritis meds as much as I can. Interested to try to notice a difference in that area.
Yay- good minds think alike.
Hi Brittany,
Great article! I’ve been taking Bragg’s ACV for a while now.
I either mix some in with my water bottle and sip on that throughout the day, or I put it in my superfood cocktail. A little green superfood, some raw organic honey, a tablespoon or so of ACV, and some water to dilute it down.
Like you, I can’t tell for sure if it’s working wonders, but I have always felt good taking it.
Hope all is well!
Love this post. Obvi I am a ACV fan and always have it at my house. I didn’t notice the skin clearing effects, but it def gets things moving in the morning
If I were to reintroduce ACV into my routine, I’d have to be very aware of my motives…it used to be an obsession for my to ensure that my intake included ACV so I had to cut it out cold turkey a while back…
Great post, thanks for sharing! I’ve only ever used it in salad dressings or on my hair, but ACV may show up in one of my drinks soon
love ACV we have it all the time. we also use it on our face which we love which we have discussed before on our blog. can’t get enough of it!!
don’t judge me for knowing this, buuuuut word on the street is apple cider vinegar is a nice little cure for hickies. I learned that tidbit in college.
I said no judging.
I love it with seltzer water for a fizzy drink and sometimes I’ll add a splash of pomegranate juice for an extra kick!
Apple Cider Vinegar + Flax Seed Oil + Dijon Mustard = THE BEST SALAD DRESSING EVER!! WOO WOO!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UHQQ2KX3Ys
whats your smoothie/ACV drink?
just 2 TB of raw apple cider and water??
THANKS!
Hey Maria! I use the Tone It Up recipe and drink it daily. It includes 2 tablespoons of ACV, water and a few other ingredients that boost your metabolism. The full recipe is in the TIU diet plan, but if you’re looking for a good recipe to start with, I’d do 2 tablespoons of ACV in 8 ounces of water and drink it once daily. You can add a splash of unsweetened juice, honey or stevia to make it taste better.
I have been reading more and more about this simple inexpensive remedy, and just recently made a purchase to try it for myself. I am new to the blog world, and just stumbled upon yours. I like blog…very informative! Thanks!
ACV is awesome! I recently posted about the benefits on my blog as well!
So many benefits! I have been taking it in the morning with water and lemon prior to meals.
Some experts state that it is also beneficial for pets! It controls fleas and helps promote a shiny coat!
http://www.flawlessfoodie.com/2011/10/apple-cider-vinegar.html
I’ve never heard of the benefits of ACV before! I have bad digestion and have tried sooo many things out– just not regularly enough! Right now I am trying to drink aloe vera juice– but again not regularly enough to tell if it is helping. My achilles tendon! Also, the credible peer reviewed evidence on its benefits is lacking. This seems like it may help me more in the long run.
I’ve heard some good things about aloe vera juice but I’ve only tried it once or twice. One great thing about ACV is that it’s not definitely not as expensive as aloe vera juice.
Nice to be reminded of the health benefits of ACV again! My mom drinks either ACV or lemon juice diluted in water each morning before she has anything else; she has a really nice figure and is very healthy. I’ve tried following her and it increases my metabolism. It’s great, especially after having huge meals the night before!
This is interesting, but I do have one question. On the WebMD site it says: “Long-term use of apple cider vinegar could cause low potassium levels and lower bone density. If you already have low potassium or osteoporosis, talk to your doctor before using apple cider vinegar.”
However, your first point of “good” for this vinegar is that it is rich in potassium. How can that be when another sources is saying it will cause low potassium levels?
Just curious. This is definitely something I am going to try.
Hi Kelly. I read that as well and was confused but with a litte research I found that ACV was proven to cause Hypokalemia (low potassium levels) in a study with one patient ingesting large amounts of apple cider vinegar. This makes sense because ACV is a natural diuretic. I’m quite certain 2 Tablespoons a day isn’t a large amount so I wouldn’t worry about it, but if you are concerned you should ask your doctor before adding it to your diet. Hope that helps.
Where can I buy the ACV from in Indianapolis, IN?
I’d check your local health food stores because they should carry it.
Started ACV one week ago…Urinary tract infection gone…also lots of problems with yeast infections and odor…GONE!!
Hello..found this via Pinterest and I read through some of the comments but not all of them so forgive me if this question has been answered! I’m interested in adding ACV to my daily diet but I have a 4 month old baby who is exclusively breastfed. You mentioned that ACV is great for detox but I know it can be dangerous to do a detox while breastfeeding. Do you know if the detox effect is strong enough to affect breast milk?
HI Elizabeth. To be honest I’m not sure about taking ACV while breastfeeding. I would ask your doctor about it to be sure.
Definitely bought myself some the other day… tried having a TBS before dinner but it really did NOTHING to help my digestion
Although, your post inspires me to re continue what I started. LOL
We shall see… I am now off to the kitchen to give myself another dose!