Apple cider vinegar has become a popular health tonic, with claims that it can help with weight loss, lower blood sugar levels, and improve digestion. Many people drink apple cider vinegar daily, mixing one or two tablespoons into water or tea. But when is the best time to take it – before bed or first thing in the morning? There are good arguments on both sides. Here is a detailed look at the potential benefits and drawbacks of drinking apple cider vinegar in the morning versus before bed.
Potential benefits of drinking ACV before bed
There are several reasons why taking apple cider vinegar before bed may be advantageous:
May improve nighttime digestion
Apple cider vinegar increases the acidity of the stomach, which helps food break down more efficiently. This improved digestion could prevent indigestion, bloating, and other symptoms that can disrupt sleep quality during the night. The acetic acid in vinegar may also help food pass more quickly from the stomach into the small intestine. Taking ACV right before lying down ensures high acidity just when you need it most, while lying prone.
May stabilize blood sugar overnight
ACV can help control blood sugar spikes and crashes. Taking it before bed may help regulate blood glucose levels overnight, when going extended hours without eating. This may prevent restless sleep, night sweats, and waking up too early due to low blood sugar. Vinegar may also increase insulin sensitivity, which can further stabilize blood sugar.
May promote weight loss
Some small studies suggest vinegar may increase satiety and prevent overeating. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar may suppress appetite and fat accumulation. Taking it before bed maximizes the time vinegar is in the system, potentially allowing its weight-controlling benefits to take effect overnight. ACV before bed may promote weight loss by morning.
May ease insomnia
The melanoidins in apple cider vinegar act as a natural sleep aid. Consuming ACV before bed provides these beneficial compounds right when they are needed. Melanoidins increase tryptophan in the brain, allowing for better sleep. The vitamins and minerals in apple cider vinegar also help relaxation. For insomniacs, drinking diluted ACV before bed can improve both sleep quality and duration.
Fits easily into nightly routine
Right before bed is a convenient, easy to remember time to take a tonic. Adding apple cider vinegar to your regular nighttime teeth brushing or face washing routine helps you remember to take it consistently. Having the vinegar on your bedside table instead of in the kitchen ensures you don’t forget your dose.
Potential benefits of drinking ACV in the morning
Waking up and drinking diluted apple cider vinegar can also provide advantages:
May boost energy and metabolism
Many people drink apple cider vinegar first thing in the morning for a quick energy boost. The amino acids may help fight fatigue and increase stamina naturally. ACV may also slightly speed up metabolism and fat burning, giving an extra push at the start of the day. The pectin fiber expands in water, helping you feel satiated. This may prevent overindulging at breakfast.
Supports detoxification
Your liver does most of its detoxing work while you sleep. Drinking ACV first thing in the morning may help the liver flush out additional toxins before you eat and drink anything else. This helps cleanse your body and digestive tract after hours of fasting. Some research shows vinegar can bind to toxins and improve toxin elimination. Starting the day with a liver cleanse sets you up for better health and energy.
May balance pH before meals
Despite being highly acidic itself, apple cider vinegar promotes an alkaline environment inside the body. However, as you sleep your body becomes more acidic. Drinking some vinegar first thing raises alkalinity back up. Starting your morning with a balanced, alkaline pH jumpstarts digestion and nutrient absorption.
May regulate blood sugar at start of day
For diabetics or prediabetics, morning blood sugar spikes can be an issue. Waking up usually comes with rises in glucose as the body prepares for the day. Having a bit of diluted ACV may help control this dawn phenomenon and keep fasting blood sugar stable upon rising. The acetic acid can lower post-meal blood sugar too.
Easy to take on empty stomach
Many find apple cider vinegar is easiest tolerated when their stomach is empty in the morning. Drinking it first thing allows the vinegar to enter your digestive tract without any food. This minimizes the chance of any nausea or indigestion issues that can occur if combining ACV with food.
Optimal timing may depend on your health goals
There are good arguments for either morning or evening as the ideal time to drink apple cider vinegar. The optimal timing for you really depends on your specific health goals and needs:
For weight loss:
Morning may be better to rev up metabolism and control appetite
For digestion/acid reflux:
Before bed works best to improve overnight digestion
For blood sugar control:
Morning helps stabilize rising glucose; before bed regulates overnight
For detoxification:
Morning is preferable to flush toxins first thing
For insomnia:
Before bed allows its natural sleep benefits
For energy:
Morning gives an energizing boost to start your day
So take your particular health concerns into account. Are you more focused on your sleep, weight, blood sugar levels, energy, or something else? Choose the timing that best supports your goals.
Potential downsides of ACV at night
While there are benefits to apple cider vinegar before bed, there are also some potential disadvantages:
May cause throat irritation
Lying down right after drinking the acidic vinegar could cause burning in the throat or esophagus. Stay fully upright for 20-30 minutes after taking ACV to avoid reflux. Diluting it well can also minimize irritation.
May disrupt sleep if taken too close to bedtime
Have your apple cider vinegar at least 30-60 minutes before lying down. This allows time for your body to process it. Taking ACV right before bed may keep you up.
Morning breath issues
The vinegar odor can linger overnight and cause unfavorable breath in the morning. Brushing well and drinking water after taking ACV reduces this side effect.
Increased nighttime bathroom trips
The diuretic effect of the vinegar may mean more waking up to pee. Stop intake a few hours before bed to lower this risk.
Possible next day gastrointestinal side effects
Some experience bloating, gas, or diarrhea if taking ACV too close to sleep. You can avoid next day tummy troubles by having it 1-2 hours before bed instead of immediately prior.
Potential downsides of drinking ACV in the morning
Early morning vinegar shots may also have some drawbacks:
Can cause nausea on empty stomach
The high acidity can burn the stomach lining if nothing else is in there. Take ACV with a small snack like banana or carrot to avoid nausea.
May damage tooth enamel
Drinking acidic vinegar right after waking means teeth haven’t been exposed to saliva yet. This increases the chance of erosion to enamel. Always rinse mouth with plain water after.
Unpleasant taste
Most find ACV’s strong sour flavor unappealing first thing. Adding honey, lemon, or fruit slices can make morning shots more palatable.
May cause medication interactions
ACV can alter absorption of certain drugs. Take any regular morning medications at least 20-30 minutes before or after apple cider vinegar.
Unlikely to be digested immediately
Your digestion is slower first thing after waking. Taking ACV on an empty stomach early may cause much of it to go undigested until you eat breakfast.
Tips for taking ACV before bed or in the morning
To maximize benefits and tolerability, here are some tips for taking apple cider vinegar at night or morning:
Before bed:
– Take 1-2 tbsp diluted in water 1-2 hours before lying down
– Avoid taking immediately before bed to prevent throat burn
– Rinse mouth after to prevent odor issues
– Set reminder to take it at same time nightly
In the morning:
– Take 1-2 tbsp diluted before breakfast/meds
– Rinse mouth afterwards with plain water
– Add a teaspoon of raw honey to improve the taste
– Have a small snack like apple slices to avoid nausea
– Set daily alarm to take ACV at the same time
To improve benefits:
– Use raw, organic apple cider vinegar with the “mother”
– Shake the bottle well before each use
– Dilute 1-2 tbsp in a full glass of water
– Drink through a straw to protect tooth enamel
– Start with 1x a day, and work up to 2x daily
– Take on empty stomach when possible
The bottom line
Incorporating a daily serving of apple cider vinegar can provide a range of potential wellness perks. Both morning and evening have benefits and downsides as ideal times to drink ACV. Pay attention to your personal health goals, needs, and lifestyle patterns to decide when works better in your routine. You may find alternating between morning and evening gives you the maximum effects. Consistency is key – find a regular time that you can stick with long term. With some experimentation to find your optimal timing and dosage, an ACV drink may become a healthy lifelong habit.