Can I Drink Apple Cider Vinegar While Breastfeeding?

Drinking Apple Cider Vinger for breastfeeding moms is completely safe. Mothers and mothers-to-be can add apple cider to their daily diet.

Vinegar is an excellent source of minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus, while some kinds of vinegar can be a good source of antioxidants. Apple cider has been used by people for a long time from fighting germs to preventing heartburn. It also has many health benefits if consumed in a moderation.

There is an important thing that you should keep under the radar before consuming vinegar; the source of origin. Always make sure to check whether the vinegar is Pasteurized or Unpasteurized.

What To Consume?

Breastfeeding moms should make sure only to consume pasteurized, non-organic apple cider vinegar.

Pasteurized non-organic apple cider is a vinegar that has undergone the pasteurization process. It is a process where a liquid product is partially sterilized to make it safe for consumption and to improve its keeping quality. It reduces the risk of food poisoning.

Pasteurization is usually done on filtered ACV which makes the liquid clear with a little amber tint. It is the process of gently heating apple cider vinegar to kill any living bacteria.

Breastfeeding moms and even pregnant women can use pasteurized apple cider vinegar in their diet without having to worry about their health. 

What To Avoid?

Totally avoid unpasteurized cider because it has harmful bacteria that can cause harm to the baby and even cause intestinal diseases.

Unfiltered apple cider is unpasteurized and it is just raw. This raw and unfiltered vinegar contains a cloudy substance known as ‘mother’, which is made up of probiotics.

Unpasteurized apple cider vinegar has more enzymes and acetic acid which is not good for pregnant women and children.

Mothers and pregnant women should not consume unpasteurized apple cider vinegar without consulting their doctor. Since your immune system is weakened during pregnancy or after delivery, you are more susceptible to food-borne diseases. The microorganisms that are found in unpasteurized vinegar can be toxic to your body.

Pasteurized Apple Cider Vinegar is the ideal choice for breastfeeding mothers. You should filter through the products in the market to find the right one.

To decide the best beverage among various products in the market, you need to clearly understand what ACV is. 

What Is An Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is made by combining apple juice with yeast, which ferments the naturally existing sugars of the fruit to produce alcohol. 

More bacteria are combined with the alcohol produced after the initial fermentation, which converts it into acetic acid.

There are two common types of ACV – Filtered and Unfiltered. Filtration is the process of removing sediments from vinegar.

Filtered and pasteurized apple cider vinegar is made by removing sediments and germs during the fermentation process. Thus, it becomes clearer and does not contain ‘the mother.’

On the other hand, unfiltered apple cider vinegar is usually unpasteurized and raw. The appearance of the liquid is hazy because of the presence of the sediment and ‘the mother.’

‘The Mother’ is a naturally occurring blend of acetic acids and helpful microorganisms produced during fermentation. A strand-like residue in the vinegar is thought to be the source of health advantages. However, it is not good for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

How To Find The Best ACV For You?

• Ensure the product label reads ‘Filtered’ and ‘Pasteurized’ while picking up the apple cider bottle. Pasteurized vinegar has a light and bright color, whereas unfiltered and raw vinegar has a thick, cloudy appearance. You should be easily able to distinguish between these two types of beverages.
• Focus on products low in added sugars and free of artificial additives such as preservation, food coloring, and flavoring. Avoid supermarket products that are crystal clear and sparkly because beauty and quality are reciprocals here.
• Go for the items produced under high-quality standards and manufactured in facilities registered with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Also, check if they follow Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).

• Find a product that best fits your budget. And make sure you always buy apple cider vinegar bottled in glass. Vinegar in a plastic bottle may contain impurities and harm your body.

Some of the best apple cider vinegar brands available in the market are Fairchild, Bragg, Kevala, Vermont Village, Weddewrspoon, and Dynamic Health. You can easily get your hands on these products on popular online shopping sites like Amazon and Walmart, whatever is convenient for you.

Apple Cider Vinegar has many health benefits which make the beverage more desirable. You can make ACV a part of your daily diet to harness these advantages.

1. Maintains Blood Pressure 

The fluctuations in blood pressure are one of the many issues a mother has to face after delivery. Sometimes it may become high and sometimes low. ACV can treat high blood pressure by reducing the activity of the renin enzyme in the blood.

Intake of ACV can also help to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular diseases and lower cholesterol which will improve the health of your heart. 

2. Helps to Control Diabetes

Apple Cider Vinegar contributes to lowering sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes. ACV contains acetic acid which helps to absorb complex carbs and brings done the glycemic index in the blood. It also improves insulin sensitivity when consumed with certain foods. 

ACV helps the acids in the stomach to settle down because it is pH neutral. It can treat the morning sickness faced by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.

3. Improves Digestion and Metabolism

Pregnant women face a lot of physical complexities before and after deliveries. Most of them are connected to weak digestion. ACV helps to overcome issues like constipation, bloating, and heartburn. Consuming a teaspoon of filtered ACV daily will improve your digestion.

The beverage has antioxidant properties in it which help to detoxify the body. It allows for better absorption of nutrients and improves metabolism in the body.

4. Helps With Weight Loss

It is preferable to consume apple cider vinegar before meals which will prevent you from consuming extra calories. The daily intake of vinegar could prove useful in reducing obesity which will help in the prevention of metabolic syndrome.

The improvement in the digestion system can help you lose weight caused by digestive problems. It can make you more active in taking steps towards fitness and healthy habits.

5. Aids in the treatment of urinary tract infections and yeast infections

Consumption of ACV in a moderate dose can have a positive outcome in the treatment of urinary tract infections and yeast infections. 

Urinary and Tract infections are commonplace in the case of pregnant women. Adding apple vinegar to the diet can often yield beneficial results.

6. Skin-related benefits

A moderate amount of ACV in your diet can aid in the treatment of acne and act as a skin toner.

Pregnancy causes hormonal imbalance in your body which results in irritated and blocked pores. So, experiencing acne during pregnancy and after delivery is common among women. The acetic acid in ACV helps fight acne.

ACV will fight inflammation and gives your skin a glowing and bright appearance. But it should be noted that only pasteurized apple cider acid is suitable for breastfeeding moms and pregnant women.

Although it is safe to consume apple cider vinegar, there may still be some exceptions. Make sure you consult your doctor in case of any inconvenience.

Apple Cider Vinegar may cause these side effects;

1. Consumption of raw vinegar can cause harm to the digestive system of a breastfeeding mother and her child. The untreated bacteria from the acid can make its way to the breast milk supply and even harm your child’s digestion.

2. Apple Cider has a concentration of acetic acid which can erode your teeth and destroy the dental enamel if it frequently comes into contact. 

3. ACV can react vigorously with insulin in your body which can result if low mineral density. It can result in the fall of potassium levels in your body resulting in weakness.

4. Unpasteurized vinegar can cause foodborne illnesses, and stomach and throat discomfort. 

There are a few key things to remember before consuming the beverage. 

1. Avoid direct consumption

Apple Cider Vinegar should not be consumed directly because there is a high chance it will destroy your enamel and corrodes your teeth. 

2. Dilute the Beverage

ACV comes in a concentrated form so you must dilute it before consuming it. This will save you from gastrointestinal issues and stomach discomfort.

3. Use Straw

The best way to must the liquid into your body is with the help of a straw. This helps to reduce the contact of the liquid with your teeth.

4. Rinse your mouth

Always clean your mouth with fresh water after you intake the vinegar. It will clear the residue of the acid in your mouth and keeps your dental health intact.

5. Consume a Moderate amount

The safe amount of ACV for consumption is 1 to 2 tablespoons per day. You must check that mark every day because any level above that can harm your body.

Ways To Improve The Taste Of ACV

Apple Cider Vinegar contains acetic acid which is not quite pleasant to taste. But there are a few ways to improve the taste of your drink. 

1. Add Honey

Take a glass of water and put one teaspoon of ACV. Then you can add two tablespoons of honey.

2. Use Grapefruit Juice

Add two tablespoons of ACV and two tablespoons of raw honey in a one-and-half cup of fresh grapefruit juice. 

3. Make the Elixir

Take a one-and-half cup of lukewarm water and add two teaspoons of ACV, half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and held teaspoon of stevia.