Advice from Jessie Inchauspé, biochemist behind the Glucose Goddess method.
Long considered a grandmother’s remedy, apple cider vinegar has made a comeback, notably thanks to its benefits on digestion, immunity, blood sugar and weight management. But it’s still vinegar so we can be concerned about its effect on the stomach. “Vinegar is not as acidic as it seems. Its taste is very strong so we have the impression that it is very acidic, but it is much less acidic than gastric juices or lemon or Coke for example. It is not particularly aggressive for the stomach if consumed in moderate doses (around 2-3 tablespoons per day)” tells us Jessie Inchauspé, biochemist at the origin of the famous Glucose Goddess method. These are not big studies but they show that in people who have reflux, apple cider vinegar can help them digest better.“. In case of more severe problems such as ulcer or gastritis, in case of chronic inflammatory pathology (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc.) or very serious fatigue due to a weakened immune system, it is better to avoid it.
Also pay attention to the quantity. “At very high doses (for example 250 ml of vinegar per day), studies have reported cases of cramps and kidney problems, as well as stomach problems. signals on his side Marina Cretenet, microbiologist and lecturer in the Food, Bioprocesses, Toxicology, Environments Research Unit at the University of Caen Normandy. Generally, people who do not tolerate salad dressing, for example, know this and will naturally avoid taking apple cider vinegar.“. The best thing is always to ask your doctor if apple cider vinegar is good for you or not. Here are the recommendations of our specialists if you have no contraindication to apple cider vinegar:
→ Take a tablespoon 0 to 10 minutes before the meal or at the same time as the first bite so that it is in the stomach “everything happens at the same time so the acetic acid is there to interact with the enzymes before the food arrives“. You can also eat it as a vinaigrette in a salad that you eat at the beginning of your meal.
→ In total, no more than 3 tablespoons per day (maximum) and no more than 3 months continuously.
→ Always dilute it in a glass of water (cold or lukewarm) and never pure, “in shot” (too abrasive for tooth enamel, risk of decay)
→ For people who have gastric or digestive sensitivity, “better to take it after a meal because it will be even better supported by the stomach“.
The best cider vinegars are those which have an acetic acid level of at least 5%, organic, unpasteurized and unfiltered (with the “mother” in it, it is the sign that the product is alive and pure) to benefit from of the probiotic effect.