Apple Cider Vinegar: Sip It, Shot It, or Skip It?

Between lemon water and ginger, there’s a growing appetite for health shots. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) was once just a home remedy for digestion, but now it’s a wellness buzzword, dominating TikTok and every health guru’s routine. Now, it's taking center stage again—not just in health circles, but in pop culture—thanks to Netflix’s latest series Apple Cider Vinegar, have you seen it? The one where a so-called wellness guru convinces thousands of people that she’s found the ultimate cure—all while secretly making it up as she goes? Yeah, wild. It's based on a true story, and you know I had to watch.

Ben King / Netflix

It got me thinking about all the health trends we jump on without questioning. And that brings me to today’s main character: Apple Cider Vinegar. ACV has been hyped up as the miracle fix for everything—weight loss, digestion, clearer skin, even detoxing your body. But is it actually magic, or are we all just sipping sour apple juice hoping for the best? Let’s break it down.

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The Good: What ACV Can Actually Do

✔ Help with blood sugar control – Some research suggests ACV may help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, especially after meals. But don’t throw out your meds just yet—it’s not a replacement for actual diabetes treatment. (Harvard Health)

✔ Support digestion – ACV has antimicrobial properties and may support gut health in some people. However, there’s no strong evidence proving it works better than, say, eating fiber-rich foods. (UChicago Medicine)

✔ Curb cravings (kind of) – A few studies suggest ACV can help you feel fuller, which might help with appetite control. But let’s be real—no shot of vinegar is going to outsmart a bag of hot fries when you’re hungry. (Mayo Clinic)

The Not-So-Great: What ACV Won’t Do

❌ Detox your body – Your liver and kidneys already have this covered. ACV doesn’t "flush toxins" out of your system. That’s just not how the human body works.

❌ Melt fat overnight – If ACV really burned fat, I’d be writing this from my private island, funded by my vinegar empire. But nope, no science backs this claim.

❌ Give you perfect skin – While ACV is antibacterial, using it undiluted on your skin can cause burns and irritation. There are way better options for skincare.

How to Use ACV Without Wrecking Your Teeth & Stomach

✨ Dilute it! – ACV is acidic, and your teeth deserve better. Mix it with water or add it to a salad. No raw shots, unless you enjoy enamel erosion. (Mayo Clinic)

✨ Start small – A tablespoon is plenty. More won’t give you extra benefits, but it might make your stomach hate you. (Harvard Health)

✨ Listen to your body – If ACV makes you feel gross or worsens acid reflux, skip it. No trend is worth feeling miserable over.

The Bottom Line

ACV has some perks, but it’s not a cure-all. If you like it, great—just use it wisely. But don’t believe the hype that it’s some magical potion that’ll fix everything. Your health? That’s about balance, not quick fixes.

So, tell me—are you team ACV, or is this one wellness trend you’re skipping?

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This page serves solely for educational and informational purposes and does not substitute for medical advice or professional services. The information provided here should not be used to diagnose or treat any health issue or illness. Individuals seeking personal medical advice concerning any of the tests or conditions mentioned above are encouraged to consult with a licensed healthcare professional. Always seek guidance from your qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, and do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it due to information found on this page. In the event of a medical emergency, promptly call 911 or visit the nearest urgent care center or hospital.