Apple Cider Vinegar for Digestive Health: Benefits & Uses
Throughout this article, we will be exploring whether apple cider vinegar does help aid digestion problems is a fact or a myth.
Firstly, let’s talk about the different types of Apple Cider Vinegar:
- Filtered Apple Cider Vinegar
Generally it tastes quite similar to the unfiltered one. It looks lighter in colour and does not contain any “bits” otherwise known as the “mother”.
- Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar
Tends to look darker in colour and have “bits” in the liquid. The floating bits are known as “The Mother”, which are the important ingredients that people are actually paying for. “The Mother” is acetic acid bacteria, which are probiotics and play a vital role to protect your gut and digestion system.
Is it a myth that Apple Cider Vinegar helps with bloating?
As a naturally acidic product, Apple Cider Vinegar does help people with low stomach acidity to increase their acid levels which in turn, aids your stomach and digestion system to process food. As much as high stomach acidity can be harmful (with the associated acid reflux reactions), low stomach acidity can be harmful too because your body cannot digest food easily. Bloating can often result because of problems in the stomach and the pH of its juices. Apple Cider Vinegar helps to regulate and keep your stomach acid at an optimum level.
Most importantly, “the mother” from our Apple Cider Vinegar contains antimicrobial substances, which means that the bacteria that produces excessive gases in the upper intestines and the stomach can be killed by it. As well as helping to reduce bacteria in the whole digestion tract.
So, what’s the best way to use your Apple Cider Vinegar?
For any of you that have opened a bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar will notice, that it has a very vinegary smell – so you feel more inclined to adding a dash to your fish & chips rather than drinking it, but some other really easy ways to get your daily dose includes:
- Adding it to your salad dressing sometimes on its own or with balsamic vinegar
- Add a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar to your warm cup of water and drink it as a drink
- Add it into your daily smoothie or fruit juice
So, how do I know if I am purchasing the right Apple Cider Vinegar?
From our personal experiences and suggestions, we would highly recommend to use raw, unfiltered, organic Apple Cider Vinegar. The strands of yeast and bacterial in these unfiltered apple cider vinegar are completely natural. Raw unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar contains natural trace minerals, probiotics, proteins and enzymes that are not in any filtered Apple Cider Vinegar and so the health properties associated with this type of Apple Cider Vinegar are stronger.
An Apple Cider Vinegar we recommend is the Wedderspoon Apple Cider Vinegar with Manuka Honey. It’s crafted in New Zealand from cold-pressed organic apples and naturally fermented to preserve the ‘Mother’ of Vinegar. Wedderspoon add a delicious helping of Monofloral Manuka Honey for a slightly sweet, slightly tart taste. It’s the perfect addition to daily tonics, energizing elixir, salad dressings, or to add a zesty kick of flavour to any dish.
Also in Natural Health World Articles
D-Mannose FAQ
-
D-mannose is commonly discussed in relation to urinary health, particularly by people who experience recurring urinary discomfort or infections.
It is typically used as a supplement that may support urinary tract health, not as a treatment for an active infection.
-
D-mannose is thought to interact with certain types of bacteria, including Escherichia coli, which are commonly associated with urinary tract infections.
It may help reduce the ability of these bacteria to attach to the lining of the urinary tract, allowing them to be flushed out through normal urination.
This is a proposed mechanism and does not apply to all types of urinary issues.
-
Some people choose to take D-mannose daily, particularly when managing ongoing or recurring urinary issues.
However, there is no single standard approach, and usage can vary depending on the product and individual circumstances.
If you are considering regular use, it’s a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional to ensure it is appropriate for you.
-
D-mannose is generally considered well tolerated for most people when taken as directed. Some individuals may experience mild digestive discomfort, particularly at higher intakes.
If you are pregnant, recovering from surgery, managing a health condition, or taking medication, it’s best to speak to your GP or healthcare professional before use.
-
No — D-mannose is not a replacement for antibiotics or medical treatment.
If you have symptoms of a urinary tract infection, it’s important to speak to a GP, as antibiotics may be required.
D-mannose is typically discussed as a self-care option, not a treatment.
-
The NHS includes D-mannose as one of several options that people may consider if they experience recurrent urinary tract infections.
It is generally described as a self-care approach rather than a medical treatment, and evidence is still considered limited.
-
D-mannose is commonly available in both tablet and powder form.
- Powder can allow more flexible dosing but usually needs mixing
- Tablets are more convenient and easier to take on the go
The best option often depends on personal preference and what fits most easily into your routine.
- Powder can allow more flexible dosing but usually needs mixing
-
There is no single agreed dose for D-mannose.
Different products provide different guidance, and some are designed to be taken in smaller amounts throughout the day rather than all at once.
It’s best to follow the instructions on the product you are using and speak to a healthcare professional if you are unsure.
-
Recurring urinary tract infections can happen for a variety of reasons, including anatomy, hormonal changes, life stage, sexual activity, and individual susceptibility.
In many cases, there isn’t a single clear cause.
If you experience frequent UTIs, speaking to your GP can help identify any patterns, possible triggers, and appropriate ways to manage them.
-
If you are experiencing symptoms such as:
- Burning or pain when urinating
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Lower abdominal discomfort
- Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
It’s important to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
In many cases, you do not always need to wait for a GP appointment. According to NHS guidance:
- A pharmacist can often provide advice and, in some cases, treatment for uncomplicated UTIs
- If you cannot access your GP, you can also use NHS 111 for urgent advice, either online or by phone
You should seek more urgent advice if:
- Symptoms are new, severe, or getting worse
- You have a high or very low temperature, or feel shivery
- You have pain in your lower back or sides
- You notice blood in your urine
- Symptoms are not improving within a couple of days
If you experience recurrent urinary issues, it can also be helpful to speak to your GP about patterns, possible triggers, and whether there are any preventative or supportive approaches that may be appropriate for you. You may also wish to ask whether options like D-mannose are suitable within your overall care.
While most urinary tract infections are straightforward to treat, they can occasionally lead to more serious complications if left unmanaged. In some cases, UTIs can develop into more serious infections, including sepsis, particularly if the infection spreads to the kidneys or bloodstream
This is one of the reasons why it’s important not to ignore ongoing or recurring symptoms, and to seek medical advice where needed.
For more information, you can also visit the NHS guidance here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/urinary-tract-infections-utis/
D-mannose is not a substitute for medical care or prescribed treatment.
- Burning or pain when urinating
