Apple Cider Vinegar Before Meals - Vinegar/Diabetes Study

[Dover]

Some apple cider vinegar a day keeps the doctor away -


Professor Carol Johnston PhD, working on the subject of vinegar and diabetes with her research team from the department of nutrition at Arizona state university, have published results on the following two studies:



Apple Cider Vinegar Before Meals
Vinager and Diabetes Study #1

The research team from Arizona state university, have recently shown that drinking apple cider vinegar slows the rise of blood sugar after the consumption of a high-carbohydrate meal.

The results are reported in the scientific journal Diabetes Care in 2004. (See reference 1)



Test Procedure - Vinegar and Diabetes

In this study 29 people were given a breakfast of orange juice and a bagel, which contained a total of 87 grams of carbohydrates.
Two minutes before the meal, half of the subjects were given 20 grams (about 4 teaspoons) of apple cider vinegar mixed with 40 grams water and 1 teaspoon saccharine. The other half were given a placebo drink.
A cross over trial was conducted a week later, at which time the placebo group received the vinegar.

The participants' blood sugar levels were measured before and after the breakfast. They were classified into 3 separate groups as follows:

•10 people with type 2 diabetes
•11 people with prediabetes (insulin resistant)
•8 healthy control people (insulin sensitive)


Test Results - Vinegar and Diabetes

Analysis of the results showed that in all 3 groups the consumption of apple cider vinegar slowed the rise of blood sugar after the high-carbohydrate breakfast:

For the group with prediabetes, their blood sugar levels after the meal dropped by 34%.
For the group with type 2 diabetes, their blood sugar levels dropped by 19%.


Observations and Conclusions - Vinegar and Diabetes

Based on these results and two other recent studies, (see references 2 & 3), Dr Johnston thinks that the vinegar tonic interferes with the absorption of high-carbohydrate foods which reduces the blood sugar rise that normally occurs after a meal.

In her words," The acetic acid in vinegar may inhibit enzymes that digest starch so that carbohydrate molecules aren't available for absorption and are eliminated as fecal matter."
" Vinegar appears to have effects similar to some of the most popular medications for diabetes" (Acarbose or Metformin) continues professor Johnston and "Further investigations to examine the efficacy of vinegar as an antidiabetic therapy are warranted."

This is especially important given that a 50% increase in the number of Americans with type 2 diabetes is expected in the next 25 years.

In addition, the Diabetes Prevention Program and STOP-NIDDM, two recent large-scale trials, have shown that therapeutic agents used to improve insulin sensitivity in diabetes, may also delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes in people with prebiabetes.



More about Apple Cider Vinegar:

http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/vinegar-and-diabetes.html

[Liberty Belle]

1. So would oil and vinegar dressing do the trick?

[Dover]

2. Good question! I'm sure any vinegar is helpful with meals, but this site says

that the type/quality of the apple cider makes a difference. Sometimes white vinegar is used in salad dressings so don't know if that's as effective.
It would be interesting to find out what kind was used in the study.

This site recommends unfiltered, unpasteurized, organic.
Here is a little bit about the different types recommended. I usually buy a small bottle of Bragg:

http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/types-of-vinegar.html

[Sebastian Doyle]

3. White vinegar or any other kind would not be the same thing.

It's something exclusive to apple cider vinegar, so it comes from the apple part, rather than the chemical change to vinegar itself.

You can also buy apple cider vinegar capsules, though that might not be the best alternative in the case of diabetes, since absorbing it into the bloodstream ASAP is the whole idea.

[Dover]

4. Thanks for that info! If you use it, what kind/brand would you recommend?..n/t

[nosmokes]

6. get the organic stuff in bulk from the health food co-op or whatever ya got

local and get a piece of the mother and then you'll be set to make your own if you keep the mother alive.

[Codeine]

13. The article said it's the acetic acid.

That's in all vinegar.

[april fool]

24. No, no!!! That is a byproduct of cooked vinegar! It's MALIC acid

and it's from apples, that is so good.

[Chemisse]

7. If it is the acetic acid that promotes the benefits

Then it won't matter what type of vinegar it is, they are all made of acetic acid.

[Dover]

5. Another naturally good drink for diabetes

is Coconut Water (NOT coconut milk).

Health Benefits of Coconut Water
http://holistic-nutrition.suite101.com/article.cfm/health_benefits_of_coconut_water


I don't have diabetes but I drink this a lot, particularly in the summertime. It
works wonders at keeping me hydrated and quenches my thirst. I'm currently doing
a Spring fast, so I'm utilizing both the vinegar water and coconut water (along with
just plain water) during this time. There are a few different brands I know of. I
usually drink one by a company called Amy & Brian.

[tabatha]

9. Yes, coconut water is great as is ACV -

both far, far preferable to pharmaceuticals.

Thanks for the additional information.

[april fool]

27. And the coconut water has to be raw, also. I buy young coconuts

and sometimes get up to 16 oz. of water!

[elocs]

8. I received this email from Real Age this week about apple cider vinegar:

http://www.realage.com/tips/choose-this-fat-burning-condiment

It's perfect on potatoes, very good on veggies, and divine in salad dressings. And the best news yet? It may help with fat burning. The magic condiment in question: vinegar.

Obese people who took in 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar daily in a study melted significantly more body fat and belly fat than a group taking a placebo -- despite being on the same diet and exercise plan.

A Sour Path to Skinny
Vinegar may offer a weight loss boost thanks to acetic acid. Seems this sour stuff does double-duty fat-blasting, inhibiting the body's ability to store fat while boosting its ability to burn it. And even though apple cider vinegar was the type used in the recent study, researchers suspect most varieties of the liquid seasoning could have the same get-skinny effects. (Find out what the YOU Docs think about vinegar and weight loss.)

Other Tart Benefits
Vinegar also seemed to help lower bad-for-the-heart triglyceride levels and systolic blood pressure at the end of the 12-week study. That's a Sherpa's load of health benefits for one little flavor maker. So get your daily dose of vinegar with one of these tart-tasting, waist-whittling RealAge recipes.

[Dover]

10. Yes! Great for gradual weight loss. In fact, that was a side effect reported in this study.

There were two studies. I only posted about the first one. You can follow my link in the OP for more info.

Glad that Real Age is spreading the word. Seems like such a simple and inexpensive addition to the diet, with big health benefits. I know my grandmother used vinegar for everything, from indigestion to unclogging the sink!

[tabatha]

11. I use white vinegar to clean my tile floors.

[april fool]

28. Don't ever drink white vinegar! Not the same thing!

[Dover]

29. This list of home remedies is loooooooong. I think my grandmother knew and used them all...haha!

ACNE BLEMISHES
Apply a solution of apple cider vinegar and water (2 tablespoons to 1 eight ounce glass of water) with a cotton ball several times a day. This will help reduce infection and dry out inflammation.
Another natural healing home remedy calls for the daily application of apple cider vinegar which has been infused with horseradish.
Prepare the solution by adding two cups of ACV to one pound of grated horseradish. Let it sit for two weeks, then strain.
For more information on the types of things that contribute to chronic acne and what simple steps to take to stop them, (using all natural products) check out Chris Gibson's e-book called "Acne Free in 3 Days".
This book can really change the life of anyone living with the effects of acne and resulting scarring and comes with a full, risk-free, 60 day money back guarantee.

AGE SPOTS
Apply daily, to these darkened areas of the skin, a solution containing 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon of onion juice. According to this home remedy, the spots should begin to fade within 2 weeks.

ARTHRITIS HELP
Message the sore joints with a liniment made up of 2 egg whites, ½ cup (125 ml) apple cider vinegar, and ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil. Also, simply taking the apple cider vinegar tonic (2 or 3 teaspoons to 8 ounces of water) before each meal has been an effective natural healing home remedy for many people.
ASTHMA
Some people have found relief from mild asthma by taking the apple cider vinegar tonic along with applying a vinegar-soaked compress to the inside of the wrists.

ATHLETE'S FOOT
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection which is quite difficult to get rid of. One of the best home remedies involves soaking the feet twice a day in a 50/50 mixture of apple cider vinegar and water. Or, you can apply pure apple cider vinegar to the affected areas several times a day and before bedtime.

BLEEDING NOSE
Soak a cotton ball in pure apple cider vinegar, have the person lay his head back and then place it in the bleeding nostril. This home remedy will help stop the bleeding quicker.

BLOOD PRESSURE
Take 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey in a glass of water twice a day to help lower blood pressure. The high potassium values in both natural healing substances helps to balance out sodium levels in the body, which aids in maintaining blood pressure within healthy limits. Apple cider vinegar and honey also contain magnesium, a mineral that works to relax blood vessel walls and thus lower high blood pressure. To maximize the benefit of this and other home remedies, take the holistic approach, and couple this with dietary modifications such as a reduced fat and salt intake, increased fiber intake, moderate coffee and alcohol, no smoking, and daily exercise.


BODY ODOR
Use apple cider vinegar as a natural body deodorant and eliminate the bacteria causing offensive body odor. For example, check out these two related home remedies:
Underarms can be kept free of odor causing bacteria by wiping them once a day with undiluted apple cider vinegar whereas foot odor can be greatly minimized by soaking the feet two or three times weekly in a pan of warm water mixed with 1/3 cup (75 ml) of ACV.


BONE HEALTH
Due to its mineral content, Apple cider vinegar helps to sustain bone mass and fight against osteoporosis. The important minerals involved include manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, and silicon.
Take the general apple cider vinegar tonic (2 or 3 teaspoons to 8 ounces of water) to boost the body's supply of these minerals. Click here to find more about the mineral content of apple cider vinegar.

BRUISES
Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt in ½ cup (125 ml) of warm apple cider vinegar and apply it to the bruise as a compress.

BURNS
Apply pure apple cider vinegar to the burn, whether it's from the sun or a hot surface, to reduce the pain, to disinfect, and to supply nutrient required for healing.

CANCER PREVENTION
Apples and apple cider vinegar contain numerous substances that protect against many types of cancer. They contain beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant, and phytochemicals such as flavonoids and polyphenols that are also protective against cancer formation.
Plus they both contain pectin, a soluble fiber , which binds certain cancer causing compounds in the colon and speeds up their elimination from the body.
So eat an apple a day and take the general apple cider vinegar tonic home remedy (2 or 3 teaspoons to 8 ounces of water) to maximize these benefits.

CHOLESTEROL REDUCTION
It is thought that the water soluble fiber pectin, found in apple cider vinegar, absorbs fats and cholesterol and eliminates them from the body. And at the same time, the amino acids present in apple cider vinegar neutralize some of the harmful oxidized LDL cholesterol.

Recently, researchers from Mizkan, a japanese food manufacturer, reported that regular vinegar intake of 3 teaspoons (15 ml) or more per day can significantly lower the level of cholesterol in a persons blood. They found that acetic acid, the major ingredient in vinegar, is responsible for this effect.
The results were presented at the 59th Annual Meeting for the Japanese Society of Nutrition and Food Science in May 2005.

Maximize this benefit by taking the apple cider vinegar tonic home remedy (2 or 3 teaspoons to 8 ounces of water) and increasing the amount of fiber rich food in your diet (more fruits and vegetables) while reducing the amount of saturated and unsaturated fat.

Etc. etc. etc. >>>

http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/home-remedies.html

[harvey007]

12. Make sure it's organic

Make sure it's organic....

Here's a good one you can find at Whole Foods, Vitamin Cottage, and similar stores...

http://www.bragg.com/products/acvFAQ.html

[april fool]

25. No, that's not all! It has to be RAW (uncooked)! Unpasteurized!!!

Whole Foods brand is cooked, although it's organic and unfiltered. It's not the right kind!

[Raffi Ella]

14. I have a story about apple cider vinegar.

About 3 years ago I stopped having my period. I'm not old enough for menopause and wasn't under weight. I did some research on the net about it and came to the conclusion that I had Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Treatment includes the use of diabetic medication because in part the syndrome is caused by insulin resistance and can eventually lead to diabetes if not treated.

I had symptoms like shaky hands, nausea, extreme fatigue etc. but I just thought it was because I don't eat regular meals, just whenever I'm hungry, which sometimes wouldn't be until 3pm. These symptoms along with the absence of my period led me to believe I had the condition.

So with some research, I started drinking Braggs unfiltered apple cider vinegar, once a day, about 2 tablespoons in an 8oz glass of water.

2 months later I started having my period consistently after not having one for a year and a half. I did nothing else differently, just drank apple cider vinegar religiously every day. The shaky hands etc. are also gone.

I'm not one to believe in "hocus pocus" remedies but this worked for me. I can't believe it's not more widely known about.

[Dover]

15. Sorry, but anecdotal information is irrelevant in this forum.

Science...
that is all.

:rofl:

Just kidding of course! And I'm guessing science would likely back this up.

We know our bodies best, and your intuitive responses seems to have lead you right to the 'cure' for what was ailing you. Thanks for that information too!

I'll bet there are a lot of anecdotal stories about 'vinegar cures' out there. Here's one of mine:

I remember when I was a teenager and into suntanning I got severely burned one day at the beach and barely made it home. I nearly blacked out and was in such pain! It was scary. My mother stuck me in a cool bath for about 20 minutes and then wrapped me in clean sheets that had been soaked in vinegar water. I stayed wrapped up for a few hours (fell asleep in them). And the next day she wrapped me again. The following day I was completely recovered. Needless to say I learned my lesson, but I think the vinegar wrap made a huge difference in not only relieving the burning sensation, but in rejuvenating the skin.

Most pharmaceuticals seem directed at minimizing symptoms where as preventative care and dietary changes can be the simplest and best solution. Vinegar is one of those naturally beneficial things that has stood up over time and gives a lot of bang for the buck in terms of health maintenance.

Some people mix some with honey and crushed garlic and keep it in the frig to take for all kinds of health issues. But I'm with you. I just have some in water every day and find it to be a wonderful
dietary addition that keeps my whole body in balance. So simple! Part of the reason may have to do with the body's pH. Here's just one site about that, but a google will bring up much more:


Tips to Balance Acid Alkali pH

Beat Chronic Pain, Inflammation, Acid Indigestion, Fatigue and More
Share Article | Jun 23, 2007 Victoria Anisman-Reiner

Acidity contributes to every major disease process. Increase alkalinity with lemons, apple cider vinegar and Thieves oil blend and by eliminating sugar from your diet.

Body pH has an impact on almost every aspect of health. Antibiotics, surgery, drugs, sugar and many of the foods we habitually eat imbalance pH by contributing to acidity. Fortunately there are simple steps we can take to eliminate acidity and improve the body’s pH balance, boosting immunity and eliminating pain and chronic symptoms of disease.
What is Body pH?

Three Easy Steps to Balance pH:
1.Eliminate refined sugar
2.Lemons and Cleansing
3.Apple Cider Vinegar and Thieves

..snip..


Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an exception: unlike almost every other vinegar, it has an alkaline ash and improves pH by making the body less acidic.

For that reason alone, it is recommended to replace any vinegar in salad dressings and other recipes with apple cider vinegar, if lemon juice doesn’t provide enough bite.

As a tonic, apple cider vinegar may be taken first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, by combining in a small glass:

•1/2 to 1 ounce of apple cider vinegar (or 1-2 tbsp)
•1 or more ounces pure water
•2 drops Thieves essential oil blend (optional)

Apple cider vinegar is more potent than lemon juice, but still a gradual way to reestablish healthy pH in the body. The Thieves essential oil blend (containing clove, cinnamon, lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary) give the vinegar an extra immune-boosting kick. It also improves the flavor.

Some people find that if they take the apple cider vinegar and wait too long before eating food, they feel nauseous. It is recommended, but not absolutely necessary, to wait ten minutes before eating.


http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/tips_to_balance_ph

[Raffi Ella]

22. Thank YOU for this OP.

Because I didn't have weight problems or any other serious symptoms associated with the syndrome I kinda forgot about it once I started having my period again. I kept drinking the vinegar and still do but I was never really sure it was the vinegar.

I mean because you know, it's vinegar not "real" medication. I remember how excited I was when I had my period after not having it for so long...I'd read that it had worked for other people but vinegar? Really? I've never told anyone about my "cure" partly because it seems like hocus pocus crazy stuff-

So, your post is really thrilling for me to read. In fact between this study and googling info on it yesterday after reading this I think I'm going to start drinking it more, before meals instead of just once in the morning. And also, I'm going to try to start eating more regularly.

Your post has reassured me and given me a reminder that I need to take this seriously. So, really, thank you. :)

[Dover]

23. You're welcome!

And bravo for listening to and trusting your inner guidance system despite concerns about others' judgement. :woohoo:

[tinrobot]

16. I think it's more about keeping the digestive system acidic than anything.

Instead of vinegar, I toss a lemon into the juicer every morning and drink that. Totally curbs my hunger and I feel great.

So, instead of acetic acid, I'm getting citric acid, but the results are similar.

[Dover]

17. Did you mean keep the digestive system alkaline?

As I understand it, too much acidity seems to be the problem. Lemons are actually helpful with creating an alkaline environment even though that seems somewhat counterintuitive. So your
use of lemons is exactly what's recommended (see the article in my last post above).

[tinrobot]

18. Yes, you're right - alkaline.

Got my terminology mixed around.

[trotsky]

21. If your digestive system is alkaline, you have big problems.

Nothing you introduce to your stomach will affect its SERIOUSLY acidic pH (1-2) for long. That's the whole point of having a stomach.

[april fool]

26. Most have systems that are too acidic and need more alkaline foods

but nice try...

[Dover]

31. Well, perhaps you are right

Here's what one author says:

All too often people think they have too much acid because they have heartburn and take an antacid when, in fact, the exact opposite is true. The stomach is too alkaline and pours out more acid to compensate, but antacids are taken instead and the whole viscious cycle begins again.

http://www.innvista.com/health/foods/fruits/appcider.htm
(scroll to the bottom of page under 'weight loss')

[European Socialist]

19. Anyone know if acv pills work?

[supernova]

20. This is interesting because both my sister

and I are real sour heads. :D

We love, love LOVE pickles to the point of using the pickling juice in other salads and on greens like turnip greens and kale.

We will try anything tart or sour: key lime pie, lemon squares, lemon chicken. When we make these at home, we try to find more ways to kick up the sour punch in dishes. I always choose vinegrette salad dressings.

Nice to know there might be beneficial science behind our cravings :-)

[Dover]

30. More about weight loss >>

Weight loss – Although fat is necessary for the body to function, most people eat too much of the wrong kinds. Appetite increases as daylight decreases. So does the craving for fat, which is the body’s main line of defence against the cold of winter and possible food shortage. The body uses protein for fuel and carbohydrates for instant energy, but it is fat that provides the resources for long-term energy.
Fat insulates vital organs (heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys) as well as keeping the body temperature regulated. It is also involved in certain chemical reactions in the body involving enzymes, hormones, and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).

Another responsibility added to fat is its role in a healthy nervous system. When fat is combined with phosphorus, lecithin is created. Lecithin plays an important role in the formation of neurotransmitters – chemicals needed for proper functioning of the brain which, in turn, controls such things as appetite, mood, and the ability to learn and remember.

Essential fatty acids are essential because they must come from the diet. Manufacturers remove the omega-3 fatty acids to lengthen shelf life. This means omega-6 fatty acids are all we get in most foods. The omegas work in opposition to each other; and by getting too much of one and not enough of the other, health problems result. For example, omega-6s increase blood pressure, blood clotting, and cell proliferation. Omega-3 fatty acids do the exact opposite and, without it, heart problems, diabetes, and cancers – just to name a few – increase.

So, what has all this got to do with apple cider vinegar and weight loss? Well, I am glad you asked. Apple cider vinegar helps with gradual weight loss. Fad diets encourage rapid weight loss – which is never permanent. This is how.

The acids in apple cider vinegar help to improve the digestion of protein. Protein helps to construct some of our hormones, especially the growth hormone which is instrumental in breaking down fat cells. By increasing the acid in the stomach before a meal begins, the chances for proper digestion of protein also increases. All too often people think they have too much acid because they have heartburn and take an antacid when, in fact, the exact opposite is true. The stomach is too alkaline and pours out more acid to compensate, but antacids are taken instead and the whole viscious cycle begins again.

Proper digestion of protein will also improve carbohydrate conversion and, ultimately, insulin production. Apple cider vinegar starts a process by first raising the metabolism, which increases the body’s ability to utilize proteins for insulin formation. This ultimately improves the transformation of the amino acid tryptophan into serotonin, which is a natural mood elevator and tranquilizer. In addition, because apple cider vinegar stimulates and improves digestion, it can reduce the amount of time fats remain in the digestive tract all the while allowing enough time for other nutrients to be absorbed.

All of these chain reactions will send the fats to where they are needed rather than being stored where they are not wanted.

References

Holzapfel, Cynthia. Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss and Good Health. Book Publishing Company, 2002.

Bragg, Patricia. Apple Cider Vinegar. 55th edition. Bragg Health Sciences, 2006.


http://www.innvista.com/health/foods/fruits/appcider.htm

[cap]

32. worked for my husband

he used it on a regular basis -- he was also on Byetta at the time. The apple cider vinegar really worked to control the spikes. It even helped after a nice Italian pasta dinner... which was a big no-no. Brought the blood sugar down to acceptable levels -- 20% reduction which put my husband in the normal range.