Despite its pungent smell and intense taste, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is popular among health food enthusiasts because it’s a superfood that offers many health benefits. In fact, drinking ACV before you go to bed at night can help promote weight loss and prevent indigestion.

Listed below are some of the amazing health benefits of apple cider vinegar, especially when taken before bedtime.

It can ease acid reflux.

Acid reflux is sometimes caused by hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid). If you have hypochlorhydria, you may have trouble fully digesting foods. Low stomach acid may also affect your body’s ability to eliminate harmful bacteria in your gut, which can lead to an unhealthy overgrowth of bacteria. Some of the acid could also end up in your esophagus.

If you have acid reflux, add one tablespoon of ACV to a large glass of water. Mix well, then drink the ACV water about an hour before you go to bed. The ACV can help restore your stomach’s acidity, eliminate gut bacteria, and strengthen your lower esophageal sphincter. (Related: Apple Cider Vinegar Dosage for Optimum Health Benefits.)

It can help relieve a sore throat.

Some experts suggest that the bacteria that causes a sore throat can’t multiply in the acidic environment that ACV creates. ACV also has natural anti-microbial properties.

If you have a sore throat, dilute one teaspoon of ACV in a glass with warm water one hour before you go to bed. After 30 minutes, take another teaspoon.

Dilute the vinegar so you don’t damage your tooth enamel and burn your esophagus. You should start to feel a bit better when you wake up the next morning.

It can prevent indigestion.

If you constantly suffer from abdominal pain, you may have digestive issues. But instead of taking an over-the-counter (OTC) prescription that could be linked to negative side effects, try a natural ACV remedy.

Health professionals suggest taking some ACV to ease digestive ailments like bloating and nausea. Add a teaspoon of ACV to a glass with water before going to sleep to relieve ingestion.

It can promote weight loss.

Studies have determined that there is a link between sleep deprivation and obesity, and the higher your body mass index (BMI), the more likely you are to have trouble falling asleep. Consuming ACV before bed can help prevent the accumulation of fat by limiting your body’s ability to break down starchy foods (e.g., pasta and rice) into calories.

ACV can help you lose weight by “promoting satiety and lowering blood sugar and insulin levels.”

It stabilizes blood sugar levels.

ACV lowers blood sugar levels by boosting insulin sensitivity. In a separate placebo-controlled study, researchers examined three groups of adults: those with pre-diabetes, those with Type 2 diabetes, or those with no health issues. The findings revealed that all of the participants had lower blood glucose levels after they consumed a high-carb meal (a white bagel with butter and a glass of orange juice), after taking an ounce of ACV.

The researchers noted that the Type 2 diabetes group improved their blood glucose levels by 25 percent. Meanwhile, the participants with pre-diabetes reduced their blood glucose levels by almost 50 percent.

If you’re not already on medication to manage your blood sugar levels, consider taking two teaspoons of ACV every night, just before you go to sleep. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking ACV, especially if you’re taking prescription drugs for diabetes.

How to drink apple cider vinegar before bed

Follow the steps below to make your own ACV remedy.

Ingredients:

• Organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
• Organic honey (optional)
• Water (eight ounces)

Directions:

1. Pour half a teaspoon of organic, unfiltered ACV into a glass, then add eight ounces of cool water. Mix well.
2. You can add one teaspoon of honey if you want to sweeten the drink.
3. Drink the mixture at least one hour before you go to sleep at night. This way, you don’t wake up in the middle of the night with a full bladder.

Consult a healthcare professional before you take any of these remedies and always use organic, unfiltered ACV (which has the most vitamins and acetic acid) if you wish to try these natural cures.

Sources include:

FoodsForBetterHealth.com

Healthline.com