It’s unlikely that taking a swig of apple cider vinegar in the morning will significantly affect weight loss.
Q: Is drinking apple cider vinegar in water first thing in the morning good for cleansing and weight loss? If so, how much is recommended?
Countless tips and tricks on how to lose weight quickly and “cleanse” the body are circulating online. However, most of them are unsubstantiated and ineffective.
Taking a shot of apple cider vinegar in the morning on an empty stomach is one practice that many wellness gurus claim helps you lose weight, reduce hunger, and remove toxins from your system.
Although limited research suggests that vinegar may have a beneficial effect on hunger levels and body composition, results are far from conclusive. Plus, the majority of this research has taken place in animals, not humans.
A few human studies have shown that supplementing with apple cider vinegar may help suppress appetite and have a modest beneficial effect on weight loss. This is mainly attributed to acetic acid, a type of acid concentrated in apple cider vinegar that may have hunger-suppressing effects (
However, it’s important to note that there’s a lack of high quality human research in this area. While apple cider vinegar may slightly affect hunger levels, it’s unlikely that drinking apple cider vinegar will have any meaningful effect on your waistline — unless, of course, it’s combined with increased physical activity and healthy modifications to your diet.
Additionally, drinking apple cider vinegar can cause adverse side effects, such as tooth erosion and nausea (
What’s more, there’s no evidence to say that throwing back a drink containing apple cider vinegar will rid your body of toxins. Your body has an entire system dedicated to detoxification, and it does not depend on supplements for optimal functioning.
Lastly, there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that taking apple cider vinegar in the morning is more beneficial than doing so at any other time of the day.
In closing, although it’s unlikely that taking a swig of apple cider vinegar in the morning will significantly affect weight loss, it’s generally harmless for most people. Just make sure to limit your daily dose to 1–2 tablespoons diluted in a glass of water and rinse your mouth with water afterward to prevent dental erosion.
Jillian Kubala is a Registered Dietitian based in Westhampton, NY. Jillian holds a master’s degree in nutrition from Stony Brook University School of Medicine as well as an undergraduate degree in nutrition science. Aside from writing for Healthline Nutrition, she runs a private practice based on the east end of Long Island, NY, where she helps her clients achieve optimal wellness through nutritional and lifestyle changes. Jillian practices what she preaches, spending her free time tending to her small farm that includes vegetable and flower gardens and a flock of chickens. Reach out to her through herwebsiteor onInstagram.
As a seasoned nutrition expert with a master's degree in nutrition from Stony Brook University School of Medicine, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the discussion of dietary practices and their impact on health. My expertise extends to evidence-based insights, which have been honed through years of academic study and practical application in my private practice in Westhampton, NY. In addition to my academic background, my commitment to optimal wellness is evident in my personal life, as demonstrated by my hands-on involvement in managing a small farm with vegetable and flower gardens, along with a flock of chickens.
Now, let's delve into the article about the purported benefits of drinking apple cider vinegar in the morning for cleansing and weight loss. The article rightly points out that the vast array of weight loss tips and detox strategies circulating online often lack scientific support. The specific focus on apple cider vinegar is intriguing, and it's essential to dissect the key concepts presented in the article:
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Limited Research on Vinegar and Hunger/Weight Loss: The article notes that while there is some research suggesting potential benefits of vinegar, especially acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar, on hunger levels and body composition, the evidence is inconclusive. Notably, much of this research has been conducted in animals, highlighting the need for more high-quality human studies to draw definitive conclusions.
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Human Studies on Apple Cider Vinegar: It acknowledges a few human studies indicating that supplementing with apple cider vinegar may help suppress appetite and have a modest positive effect on weight loss. However, it emphasizes the scarcity of high-quality research in this area, urging caution when interpreting the findings.
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Lack of Significant Impact on Weight Loss: The core message is that while apple cider vinegar might have a slight effect on hunger levels, its impact on weight loss is unlikely to be meaningful unless coupled with increased physical activity and healthy dietary modifications.
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Adverse Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar: The article responsibly highlights potential adverse effects of drinking apple cider vinegar, such as tooth erosion and nausea. This underscores the importance of considering the potential risks associated with popular health practices.
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Detoxification Claims Debunked: It dispels the notion that consuming apple cider vinegar will rid the body of toxins. The article emphasizes that the body has its dedicated detoxification system, rendering the dependence on supplements unnecessary for optimal functioning.
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Timing of Apple Cider Vinegar Consumption: The article refutes the idea that taking apple cider vinegar in the morning offers more significant benefits than at any other time of the day, stressing the lack of scientific evidence to support such claims.
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Safe Consumption Guidelines: Lastly, the article provides practical advice for those interested in trying apple cider vinegar, recommending a daily dose of 1–2 tablespoons diluted in water. Importantly, it advises rinsing the mouth with water afterward to prevent dental erosion.
In conclusion, the article adopts a balanced perspective, acknowledging the potential, albeit inconclusive, benefits of apple cider vinegar while cautioning against exaggerated claims. The evidence-based approach and practical recommendations align with the principles of responsible nutrition advice, making it a valuable resource for individuals seeking reliable information on the topic.
