APPLE CIDER VINEGAR IN PREGNANCY: SAFETY, BENEFITS AND USES

Pregnancy is a time when the mother’s body experiences a lot of discomfort. It might be due to hormone abnormalities and a weak immune system. As a result, the pregnant woman is susceptible to various illnesses and disorders. As a result, physicians advise pregnant women to have a healthy diet and consume foods that are good for both the mother and the unborn child. Apple cider vinegar is one such thing to eat while pregnant. In this post, we’ll go over the many advantages of apple cider vinegar during pregnancy and the concerns that come with it.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is one of the most popular drinks among wellness enthusiasts, alongside green smoothies and kombucha. Many people report that drinking apple cider vinegar reduces stomach and leg cramps, which may seem too familiar if you’re pregnant.

Is it, however, safe to consume apple cider vinegar while pregnant?

This blog will review our thoughts on apple cider vinegar during pregnancy. We’ll explain why we’ve taken this position and the advantages, hazards, and research behind it all so that you can make an informed decision.

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar and Why Should You Use It?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) combines apple juice or cider with yeast, which ferments the fruit’s naturally existing sugars to produce alcohol. More bacteria are combined with the alcohol after the initial fermentation, converting it to acetic acid.

Apple Cider Vinegar comes in different varieties-

Unfiltered and filtered apple cider vinegar are the two most common types. Pasteurized or unpasteurized apple cider vinegar are different types. Filtered and pasteurized apple cider vinegar are made by removing sediment and germs during processing. Pasteurization is usually done on filtered ACV. The liquid is clear with a little amber tint. Pasteurization is the process of gently heating apple cider vinegar to kill any living bacteria. Filtration, on the other hand, is a sediment-removal procedure. Because unfiltered apple cider vinegar is not filtered further, it may be hazy owing to sediment. Unfiltered apple cider vinegar is frequently unpasteurized – it’s just raw. The strand-like residue in the vinegar has the majority of health advantages.

Apple Cider Vinegar: What You Should KnowHealth and wellness enthusiasts say Apple cider vinegar is suitable for various diseases.

Diabetes: Scientific studies have shown that when specific meals are consumed, ACV can reduce blood sugar levels and enhance insulin sensitivity. Even so, you should only take it to regulate your blood sugar under the supervision and direction of your doctor. If you’re already on blood sugar-lowering medication, this is very critical. ACV can assistwith blood sugar control, but it is not a substitute for the medication prescribed by your doctor.

Digestion: Apple cider vinegar can aid digestion and detoxification when consumed daily. It contains probiotics, which help promote gut health, enhance bowel function, and maintain a healthy pH balance. Constipation and acid reflux can be relieved by maintaining a healthy pH balance & gut health.

Weight Loss: When taken before meals, apple cider vinegar makes you feel fuller, allowing you to eat fewer calories. Pregnancy, on the other hand, is not the time to diet/try to lose weight. Instead, focus on eating a well-balanced, nutritionally dense diet to fuel yourself and your growing baby.

Cold and Sore throat: Many pregnant women are wary about taking over-the-counter cold and sore throat medications. Because ACV has antimicrobial and immunity-boosting characteristics, it might be an effectivetreatment for these symptoms. Mix one part ACV with five parts warm water and 2-3 teaspoons honey to produce a relaxing drink. Still, avoid unpasteurized ACV during pregnancy, and if you don’t want to drink it, try preparing an ACV gargle for a sore throat.

Leg Cramps: Leg cramps are a typical cause of sleep interruption during pregnancy. Low potassium levels and strain on the circulatory system from the developing uterus may be to blame. Because apple cider vinegar has a lot of potassium, it can help you feel better. Many individuals use apple cider vinegar (ACV) topically for everything from dandruff treatment to foot deodorizers in addition to ingesting it.These typical pregnant skin issues may benefit from a modest quantity applied topically due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties:WartsVaricose VeinsEczema and AcneIf you have varicose veins, apple cider vinegar can be used with other treatments, such as elevation. Just make sure you don’t use it on damaged skin.

Is ACV safe to consume during pregnancy?

There is no scientific evidence that ACV is safe or dangerous during pregnancy. Authorities and studies indicate that pregnant women should avoid ingesting certain unpasteurized items containing Listeria, Salmonella, Toxoplasma, and other bacteria. Pregnant women may be more susceptible to foodborne disease since their immune systems are weakened during pregnancy. Some of these diseases are potentially fatal. These viruses also put the fetus at risk for miscarriage, stillbirth, and other problems. Acetic acid, on the other hand, is present in all types of apple cider vinegar. Acetic acid is an antibiotic that favors the growth of just a few helpful bacteria over others. According to studies, certain hazardous microorganisms that grow in apple cider vinegar may not be as toxic as in other unpasteurized foods. Unpasteurized apple cider vinegar should only be used by pregnant women with extreme caution and understanding of the hazards. It is strongly advised to see a doctor before using unpasteurized vinegars while pregnant. Instead, pasteurized apple cider vinegar can be used safely. However, some health advantages you desire, such as apple cider vinegar’s purported probiotic effects, may be lacking.

Does apple cider vinegar aid with pregnancy symptoms? (USES)

Even though the safety of apple cider vinegar has yet to be verified, many pregnant women still take it as a cure for various ailments. There have been no reports of damage or any issues associated with its usage during pregnancy, whether pasteurized or unpasteurized. Apple cider vinegar may be beneficial for some pregnancy symptoms or characteristics. It’s important to remember that pasteurized apple cider vinegar is the safest to use.

Home treatment for morning sickness

Apple cider vinegar’s acids have been shown to aid with various gastrointestinal issues. As a result, it may benefit some women experiencing nausea due to their pregnancy. However, there are no studies to back up this practice. Furthermore, consuming too much apple cider vinegar may induce or aggravate nausea. The symptom can occur with pasteurized and unpasteurized vinegar, as it is caused by the acidity of the vinegar rather than germs. To use: In a large glass of water, combine 1 to 2 teaspoons ACV. You can drink up to twice a day.

Heartburn may be relieved by apple cider vinegar

Though it’s unknown whether apple cider vinegar can assist with morning sickness, it may benefit heartburn. During the second trimester, pregnant women may feel heartburn. ACV may benefit patients with heartburn who don’t respond well to over-the-counter antacids, according to a 2016 research. To use: Combine 1 to 2 teaspoons ACV with a tall glass of water. You can drink up to twice a day.

Apple cider vinegar has been shown to help with digestion and metabolism

In 2016, another intriguing study found that apple cider vinegar can change digestive enzymes. Animals were used in the experiment. It appeared to enhance the way the body absorbed fats and carbohydrates. Although such benefits may be beneficial, particularly for type 2 diabetes, no human trials have been undertaken. It begs the issue of whether ACV can help prevent gestational diabetes. It’s unclear whether the research utilized unpasteurized or pasteurized ACV. To use: In a large glass of water, combine 1 to 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar. You can drink up to twice a day.

Apple cider vinegar may aid in treating or preventing urinary tract infections and yeast infections.

ACV is frequently advised for treating urinary tract infections (UTIs). Yeast infections are treated in the same way. Both of these might be a common occurrence among pregnant women. However, no studies show that apple cider vinegar operates in this way. Learn how to manage a urinary tract infection (UTI) while pregnant. Since the best evidence for any vinegar aiding with urinary tract infections was with pasteurized rice vinegar, either pasteurized or unpasteurized, ACV can be utilized.

Apple cider vinegar prevents acne

Some pregnant women may develop acne as a result of hormonal changes. Some studies show that acetic acids, abundant in ACV, may aid in treating acne. However, they were only helpful when combined with particular light therapy. Apple cider vinegar, pasteurized or unpasteurized, can be used as a topical therapy. It reduces the risk of foodborne disease. Although no studies have been conducted to support the use of ACV for acne, several pregnant women have reported positive benefits. It’s also easy to use and affordable. To use: Mix one part ACV with three parts of water. Apply to skin and acne-prone areas lightly using a cotton ball.

Controls Blood Sugar

ACV’s enzymes are good at regulating blood sugar levels. There is no medical evidence that eating ACV will help pregnant women with difficulties regulating their blood sugar levels.

Glowing skin

You either use ACV as a skin toner or drink it every morning. In no time, your skin will be radiant from the inside out. Pregnant hormones cause blocked pores and acne, but ACV can fight inflammation and brighten skin.

Moderates Blood Pressure

ACV contains minerals that are thought to operate in tandem with blood sugar-controlling enzymes to reduce blood pressure. It is incredibly doubtful that ACV can help with typical blood pressure problems in pregnancy's second and third trimesters. During pregnancy, some people may advocate or use apple cider vinegar as a home treatment for various ailments.

Many of these applications aren’t backed up by scientific research. Research shows more support and effectiveness for specific symptoms and diseases than others. There have been no recent reports of danger from any sort of ACV during pregnancy, as far as we know. Pregnant women should still consult their doctors before consuming unpasteurized apple cider vinegar. Using pasteurized vinegar during pregnancy can still give some health advantages.

Apple Cider Vinegar’s Potential Hazards

Apple cider vinegar has no many drawbacks for pregnant women and their unborn children. On the other hand, undiluted apple cider vinegar might injure numerous areas of the digestive system since it includes acetic acid, which can burn the esophagus. Because of its acidic qualities, apple cider vinegar can damage teeth if ingested fresh. Apple cider vinegar may interact negatively with medications such as insulin and diuretics. As a result, check with your primary care physician to determine whether any of your medications would interact negatively with apple cider vinegar.Here are some things to keep in mind before you decide to drink apple cider vinegar while pregnant: When using apple cider vinegar pills or supplements. Consult your doctor before taking the supplements. Based on the diagnosis with your gynecologist, consume ACV accordingly.. When ingesting ACV, avoid mixing it with other vinegar. It can boost acidic potency. Unless your doctor instructs otherwise, do not take ACV as a pharmaceutical alternative. While consuming ACV mocktails. Buy organic ACV to get the most out of it. Plain ACV might destroy your teeth, enamel, and esophagus. Drink it diluted in water or any other non-vinegar/non-acidic liquid. Immediately rinse your mouth with water after eating apple cider vinegar to prevent your enamel from injury. If you have gastrointestinal troubles, avoid consuming apple cider vinegar (unless advised by your doctor). ACV should not be consumed 30 minutes before or after coffee or tea.

When should you seek medical attention?

If you develop any of the following symptoms after drinking ACV, see your doctor:

Face rashes that are red, hot, and irritating
Start preparing for the birth early. This includes practicing Kegel exercises and doing other exercises that will help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
Acidity, indigestion, or any other stomach issue
Vomiting and nausea
Dizziness

Apple Cider Vinegar: Side effects during pregnancy

Apple cider vinegar that has not been pasteurized is hazardous and may cause health problems. If you are on certain drugs, avoid ACV since it may cause potassium levels to drop, putting you and your baby at risk. Before you start taking ACV, see your doctor. When consumed directly, ACV is very acidic and can destroy dental enamel. ACV might cause stomach and throat discomfort in some people. Because ACV is acidic, it should not be consumed in large quantities. You must also use caution when ingesting it.

How should apple cider vinegar be consumed?

ACV should not be consumed directly since it damages your enamel, impairs your esophagus, and can create other issues. If you’re interested in purchasing ACV supplements, be sure to look at the components and composition of the product before purchasing. When drinking ACV-containing drinks, use a straw to reduce the amount of vinegar that comes into contact with your teeth. After consuming anything with ACV, rinse your mouth. If you have gastrointestinal issues, stay away from ACV. Allergies should be avoided. If you experience pain while taking ACV, contact your doctor immediately. Because of its acidity, ACV may be rather unpleasant to swallow. There are, however, techniques to improve the flavour.

How should apple cider vinegar be consumed?

As apple cider vinegar is bitter, you may only sometimes want to drink it with water. There are a few delightful and healthy ways to incorporate ACV into your pregnant diet: Combine one teaspoon of ACV and two tablespoons of honey in a glass of water. Combine two tablespoons ACV and two teaspoons raw honey with one and a half cups of fresh grapefruit juice. To make the ACV elixir, combine two teaspoons of apple or grape juice, two tablespoons ACV, half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and half a teaspoon of stevia in one-and-a-half cups of lukewarm water. It is okay to consume pasteurized apple cider vinegar while pregnant. Morning sickness, acidity, and heartburn are just a few of the pregnancy symptoms that ACV can assist with. However, choosing the highest quality ACV available on the market is recommended after carefully inspecting the contents and manufacture dates. You may also dilute ACV with a glass of water and honey to mask the acidity and make it easier to consume. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the safety.