Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits For Stomach

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar

Updated on 12/24/2024
Martin AlvarezBy Martin Alvarez
Nutritionist/Dietitian Professional Guide
Learn More about Martin Alvarez

Proponents make many claims regarding this product's health advantages of apple cider vinegar. One of these claims is that you may alleviate bloating and other digestive difficulties by mixing one spoonful of raw apple cider vinegar with one glass of warm water and drinking the mixture.

In recent years, apple cider vinegar (ACV) has gained widespread popularity in the context of at-home treatments for gastrointestinal issues. Anecdotal evidence explains that apple cider vinegar (ACV) helps treat bloating, despite the fact that there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Research has demonstrated that apple cider vinegar (ACV) has numerous other advantages, many of which are due to its natural qualities.

Continue reading to learn more about the possible advantages and dangers of using ACV to treat bloating and alternative treatments that could alleviate the symptoms.

What Exactly Is This Bloating?

bloating

bloating

Bloating is a common symptom that can occur when a person consumes meals that are difficult for their body to digest.

The accumulation of gas in the abdomen or the intestines is the cause of bloating. Gas production is a natural byproduct of digestion and eating, but it can be uncomfortable in some situations, primarily when it occurs because of the following:

  • There is an excessive amount of something in the body.
  • There is an excessive amount of incorrect sort.
  • Instead of happening in the colon, it takes place in the upper intestines.

It is possible for a person to have the sensation that they are harboring an inflated balloon in their stomach or that they are experiencing pressure in their intestines and lower abdomen.

There are a few potential causes of bloating:

  • Eating an excessive amount.
  • consuming food too quickly
  • Consuming meals that cause the body to have difficulty digesting them

bacteria moving into the small intestine, for example, in the condition known as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

It's possible that gas is a symptom of anything more serious, such as constipation or a long-term disease like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), in certain instances (IBS).

Two primary gases are produced when bacteria in the gut digest carbohydrates in the food we eat. Methane and hydrogen are the names of these gases. Several digestive disorders, such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and obesity, have been related by research to greater levels of the gas methane.

There is currently no direct treatment available for bloating. Instead, as time passes, the body tends to give the gas, which helps to alleviate the discomfort.

People may experience bloating again if the underlying cause is not addressed, despite the fact that specific treatments may help control the symptoms or make it easier for gas to pass more quickly.

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help Relieve Bloating?

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar

The ideal ACV type is raw, unfiltered, and organic.

The great use of apple cider vinegar as a home treatment for digestive problems, in general, has gained popularity in recent years. The use of apple cider vinegar (ACV) as a rapid and reliable treatment for bloating is a common misconception. However, very little data can be considered direct to support this specific assertion.

In certain circumstances, using ACV might be beneficial. Because apple cider vinegar is inherently acidic, consuming it may benefit individuals with low stomach acidity because it may help elevate stomach acid levels and improve digestion. In theory, this might avoid gas and bloating, both symptoms that a delayed digestive process can cause.

ACV is also an antibacterial agent, which means that it has the potential to assist in the killing of germs that may be present in the stomach or the intestines. Bloating can be caused by an excess of bacteria or germs in the upper intestines, and apple cider vinegar can potentially alleviate some of the associated symptoms.

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar To Treat Bloating?

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar

People may wish to try apple cider vinegar (ACV) to see whether it eases their symptoms, despite the fact that there is minimal scientific evidence that ACV helps with bloating.

It is easy to treat bloating using apple cider vinegar. A person must only mix one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into one cup of warm water, drink the mixture, and repeat the process before or after a meal or whenever they feel bloated.

There are a variety of beverages, salad dressings, and other foods that include apple cider vinegar, which is known to help ease the symptoms of bloating.

A capsule form of apple cider vinegar (ACV) is an option for those who prefer not to swallow the liquid. It is critical to follow the ingestion of these capsules with a sizable glass of water in order to guarantee that they reach the stomach.

You should use raw, unfiltered, organic apple cider vinegar. The natural version of apple cider vinegar has a little hazy appearance because it includes strands of yeast and bacteria, which gives it its name. There is a possibility that unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains trace minerals, proteins, and enzymes that are not present in filtered apple cider vinegar.

Before measuring the vinegar, give it a good shake to help sure that you get all of the bacteria and yeasts. Even after shaking, filtered apple cider vinegar will have an almost translucent appearance in contrast.

Possible Risks

risk

risk

If used appropriately, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is generally harmless, and the substance's being acidic is the only danger it poses.

Before swallowing apple cider vinegar, a person needs to dilute it significantly because of the high level of acidity it contains. If allowed to remain at its maximum concentration, it has the potential to erode the tooth enamel and potentially cause harm to the tissue of the tongue, mouth, and esophagus. If a person dilutes the apple cider vinegar before drinking it, the risk of experiencing injury from it is reduced even further.

Alternative Treatments At Home For The Discomfort Of Bloating

  • Peppermint

If you're experiencing discomfort in your digestive tract, perhaps drinking peppermint tea or taking peppermint supplements might assist.

According to a recent article published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

According to a reliable source, the oil found in peppermint can be an effective natural treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and the symptoms associated with it in adults. It has a natural antispasmodic effect on the body, which aids in reducing bloating and gas symptoms.

  • Simethicone

Simethicone is a drug that can be purchased without a prescription. That is used to treat gas pain and may also relieve bloating. It is a molecule that links the smaller gas bubbles, making it easier for the body to expel them.

Several brands, including Gas-X and Mylanta, in addition to the generic versions of these products, employ simethicone as their active component.

  • Going out for a walk

Some people find out that going for a walk after a meal or when they feel bloated helps alleviate trapped gas and bloating, mainly if the bloating is caused by constipation.

Walking, along with other forms of exercise, can assist in flexing the muscles of the gastrointestinal system, and all forms boost blood flow and circulation. These items have the potential to aid in the release of gas.

  • Probiotics

Also, bloating may signify changed gut flora, often known as dysbiosis. According to research from Trusted Source, fermented milk products and probiotic supplements have the potential to alleviate digestive problems such as bloating and gas in specific individuals.

Alternatives To One's Diet

alternatives

alternatives

A person who consistently suffers from bloating could find relief by making adjustments to their diet.

Alterations to a person's diet could be in order for someone who suffers from chronic bloating on a regular basis.

According to feedback published in the Journal of Neurogastroenterology and MotilityReliable Source, food consumption may significantly contribute to bloating. Evidence suggests that switching to a diet low in FODMAPs may assist people, especially those diagnosed with IBS, regulate their symptoms.

Foods that are high in fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) are a kind of carbohydrate that can cause bloat "fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols" is what "FODMAP" stands for in its full name.

People who regularly suffer bloating can find it helpful to maintain a food journal in which they record everything they consume. Keeping a diary of what they eat can assist in identifying potentially hazardous foods and eliminating them from their diet.

Summary

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar

There is no supporting evidence in the scientific literature that apple cider vinegar alleviates bloating. People who have problems digesting food or low levels of stomach acid may benefit from the acidic nature of apple cider vinegar (ACV); however, supporters may exaggerate these benefits.

Having said that, using apple cider vinegar (ACV) for bloating may be helpful for certain people, particularly those with low levels of acid in their stomachs. Others might want to try treatments with a more significant body of research to back them up, such as simethicone, drink tea, probiotics, or a diet low in FODMAPs. It is possible that mild symptoms might be alleviated by doing something as simple as getting up and going for a stroll.

People with frequent digestive disorders such as bloating should consult a physician or another qualified healthcare expert. Identifying a persistent ailment such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be facilitated by seeking professional guidance.