acv before bed - #17953
I am really curious about taking ACV before bed. Like, I've seen so many videos and posts claiming it works wonders for digestion and helps with overnight weight loss? I’m all in for anything to help me sleep better. I'm a 32-year-old who has struggled with insomnia for years. It's rough. A few nights ago, I tried having some apple cider vinegar (ACV) mixed with water before I hit the sack, and I felt like I might’ve slept a bit deeper, but hard to say! I also have this weird habit of snacking at night, which I've heard ACV can curb. Is that true? Does taking ACV before bed really help with cravings? Plus, I read somewhere that too much ACV can mess with tooth enamel—like do I really need to rinse my mouth afterward? I’m worried I’m gonna wake up in the middle of the night feeling nauseous or something. One time I took ACV on an empty stomach when I was out shopping, and I thought I might throw up! LOL! So, I’m thinking if I take it before bed, what’s the best way to do it safely? Do I need to be concerned about the acidity? Should I even consider it regularly? Hope to hear opinions soon, thanks a ton!
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Doctors' responses
Taking apple cider vinegar (ACV) before bed is something people turn to for potential digestive benefits, but it’s important to cover the whole picture. ACV has acetic acid, which may support weight loss and reduce blood sugar spikes post-meal, potentially curbing those nighttime cravings. However, these effects aren’t guaranteed, and results can vary. For your snacking habit, there’s limited evidence that ACV can significantly reduce appetite or cravings long term. If you find it helpful, it’s okay to use it cautiously, but remember it’s not a cure-all.
Concerning your insomnia, while some individuals report better sleep quality, there’s no strong scientific evidence directly linking ACV to improved sleep. The relief you experienced might be more about the placebo effect. If insomnia remains a persistent issue, evaluating lifestyle factors or discussing sleep strategies with a medical professional could be more fruitful.
Regarding acidity, you’re correct that ACV can be hard on enamel. To mitigate this, diluting 1-2 teaspoons of ACV in a large glass of water is recommended to lessen tooth exposure. It’s sensible to rinse your mouth with plain water after drinking ACV, but you don’t need to brush immediately, as acid and brushing can further harm enamel.
Consider starting with a small amount to see how your body reacts, especially if ACV might upset your stomach. If you’ve had nausea before, keep an eye on when and how you consume it. And consuming ACV on a regular basis should be safe if you’re mindful of the dilution and the timing with meals. However, if you have any gastro-related issues like ulcers or GERD, consult a doctor before integrating ACV into your routine. If ACV doesn’t align with your goals or comfort, focusing on dietary adjustments and sleep hygiene might be equally or more affective without unwanted side effects.
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