Short Answer: Apple cider vinegar is good for constipation. Because it has acetic acid and probiotics and they can stimulate the digestion and improve the gut health.
Constipation is a condition that affects your digestive system.
In constipation, your body has difficulty passing stools or does so infrequently.
This can lead to various health problems, such as bloating, pain, hemorrhoids, and fecal impaction.
One of the key factors in managing constipation is diet.
What you consume can affect your bowel movements, which can impact your constipation symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage constipation, you should consume fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes and avoid low-fiber foods like meat, dairy, and processed foods.
Now, apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from fermented apple juice.
People usually drink it diluted with water or use it as a dressing or marinade.
Apple cider vinegar is good for constipation because it contains acetic acid.
Acetic acid is the main active ingredient in vinegar and may have some health benefits.
One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar can give you about 1% of your daily needs of potassium and magnesium, which are minerals that help regulate fluid balance and muscle contractions in the body.
Acetic acid can positively affect constipation by stimulating the digestive juices and improving the gut microbiome.
Some studies have shown that vinegar can increase the transit time of food through the stomach and intestines, which can help prevent constipation.
It can also lower the pH of the colon, which can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Furthermore, apple cider vinegar is a fermented food and fermented foods are good for constipation.
Because, they contain probiotics, which are live microorganisms that can improve the intestinal flora and enhance the digestive function.
You can drink one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar diluted with water per day safely.
More than that can cause side effects such as tooth erosion, throat irritation, low blood sugar, and low potassium levels.
Also, you shouldn’t drink apple cider vinegar if you have ulcers, gastritis, or acid reflux to prevent worsening your condition.
Because, it can irritate the lining of your stomach and esophagus and increase the acidity of your gastric juices.
You can buy apple cider vinegar in your local market or can order it online.
Always choose organic, unfiltered, and unpasteurized apple cider vinegar that contains the mother, which is the cloudy sediment that has some beneficial enzymes and bacteria.
Because, it may have more health benefits than the clear, filtered, and pasteurized type.
You can store it in a cool, dark, and dry place for up to two years.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing constipation effectively.
I always recommend my constipation patients to follow a constipation-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.