Apple cider vinegar is touted by many as an alternative treatment for a plethora of ailments. It has been hailed as an excellent remedy to irritable bowel syndrome, as Apple Cider Vinegar is believed to ease digestion by increasing the concentration of acid in the stomach. It is also believed to confer a range of other health benefits.
But, as with a great number of alternative treatments, it’s a challenge to pin down the truth to these claims. Medicinal science doesn’t tend to prioritise alternative medicine, while the research that is conducted often suffers from a lack of funding. This tends to keep these commonplace natural approach in the shadow of more established medicine, as definitive conclusions are difficult to reach.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help With IBS?
What is apple cider vinegar?
Before delving into the details of apple cider vinegar (ACV), let’s first take a look at what it is. Essentially, ACV is the product of fermentation. The process is done in two steps; yeast is added to apple juice, creating alcohol over time, which is then turned into acetic acid by the bacteria produced throughout the process. It is this acid that is overwhelmingly responsible for the supposed health benefits.
Health benefits of apple cider vinegar
Time has given apple cider vinegar a long, long list of supposed health benefits, some more concrete than others. Julius Caesar and his legions drank a form of apple cider vinegar, the Ming Dynasty believed it to be a decontaminant, and it even saw extensive use throughout the Black Plague. With such an illustrious career, it’s no wonder ACV has such a strong reputation.
But, believed effectiveness in the past does not necessarily translate to effectiveness today. Let’s examine some of the conditions ACV is purported to alleviate.
Apple cider vinegar helps digestion
Helping digestion is one of the main benefits attributed to ACV. This is a result of the acetic acid we mentioned before. In short, it is held that since ACV is quite acidic, and that it increases the volume of stomach acid, it aids the digestive process. This, in conjunction with the enzymes in ACV, creates a somewhat convincing argument. However, research data that supports either claim is sadly lacking. In fact, one study from the NCBI would suggest it has no effect whatsoever, though keep in mind that one study is by no means definitive.
Along a similar vein, ACV is believed to assist with bowel movements, reducing both the likelihood to suffer from problems of that nature, and the severity of existing ones. This is also quite logical, as ACV contains pectin, a fibre that helps with stool formation. However, quite like with the previous point, there is a lack of research suggesting ACV contains enough pectin to make any notable impact.
Reduces candida
Another health benefit often attributed to ACV is the eradication of Candida overgrowth. For those that aren’t aware, Candida is an opportunistic microorganism that is found naturally in the gut. While perfectly healthy in low quantities, it can become harmful if given free rein to grow. Should a Candida colony start to overstep its bounds, it’s a good idea to seek treatment.
One such treatment, at least purportedly, is apple cider vinegar. This believed benefit is a storied one, having existed, to some extent, throughout history for quite a stretch. Many cultures have viewed ACV as a cleaner, being able to sterilise infections and eradicate fungi, Candida being one example. Research supports this claim much more strongly than the last two points. For example, this study observes a clear antifungal effect against a Candida colony. If you intend to use ACV as an antifungal, keep in mind that the more diluted the liquid, the less effective it will be.
Weight loss
The third supposed benefit we’ll look at is weight loss. It’s another belief that has a significant history, being used by a multitude of cultures to shed excess weight. This is largely down to acetic acid, which we mentioned earlier. We’d all like a fairly easy means to assist with weight loss, so it’s no wonder many hopes are pinned on the efficacy of ACV.
Thankfully, there is scientific backing to this claim. Acetic acid has a few effects that can help reduce fat; it improves the metabolism, increases the burning of fat, and decreases fat storage. This brief study supports this claim.
We’ve only examined three health benefits attributed to ACV, but there are plenty more. Teeth whitening, heartburn soothing, and mood elevation are all supposed benefits with varying degrees of proof. If you’re considering ACV as a treatment for a specific health issue not mentioned here, dig a little deeper. ACV is quite well documented, so you’re sure to find an answer with some perseverance.
Does research support the claims?
When considering alternative medicines, it’s always a good idea to look into the research. Some treatments have had their purported health benefits proven, or at least strongly supported, while others have seen them dispelled. Relying on unproven treatments can not only be a waste of time, but in some cases, do more harm than good.
In the case of ACV, there is a fair amount of scientific research that sheds light on its effects. Some claims are quite well supported, with studies observing positive outcomes after ACV is used. However, not every claim has this backing. Just as many claims show some promise, but can’t offer a clear conclusion regarding the effectiveness of ACV, one important example being its use as an IBS treatment. As such, it occupies a middle ground between scientifically proven and unsubstantiated hearsay.
Potential side-effects of apple cider vinegar
As with anything, there are downsides to using ACV as a treatment. The acidity in the mixture can make it quite harmful to your teeth and throat, with an NCBI study observing the link between regular consumption of ACV and erosion of tooth enamel. In low concentrations, however, irregular use is not likely to irritate your throat or erode your teeth.
Should you rely on apple cider vinegar for IBS?
This is the key question. While there is some support for the health benefits attributed to ACV, helping IBS is not one of them. This makes ACV sound like a complete write-off, but plenty of people have consumed it in small amounts, then reported positive results soon after. Ultimately, we are all different, each with a unique gut ecology. There is no reason ACV can’t help you, but it certainly isn’t a reliable treatment. If you are experiencing IBS symptoms, or other issues with your gut, it’s always worth contacting a professional for reliable advice.
