There’s an easy way to reduce gas and stomach bloating. You probably have the solution in your pantry already. 
Apple cider vinegar and I have recently become very good friends. As I’ve aged, certain things like fiber, bloating and bowel movements have increasingly become a part of my daily lexicon. I know, its a far cry from beer bongs, pizza and 4 hour afternoon naps. I hate to admit that I’m getting old, but I’m just going to accept it for what it is. These days, I am way more in tune with what my body is telling me, and I now realize that certain foods make me feel terrible after consumption. Actually, even a lot of good-for-you foods make me feel not so good. I turned to the internet for a solution to my bloating and digestion issues. That’s when I discovered the miracle that is apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar boasts a myriad of health benefits. The #1 to me is the way is chases the bloat away. Most people think that an increase in stomach acid will cause intestinal discomfort, but in reality, acid helps slow the digestion of starch which is the cause in blood sugar spikes after meals. Apple cider vinegar works as a detox and will help to break down fats, and improves bowel workings. Not to mention its high in potassium which is great for this banana-hating girl.
Beat The Bloat and Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
Every day I drink a 32 oz apple cider vinegar “cocktail” listed below, and I have never felt better….digestionally speaking that is. Of course if you’re still pumping your body full of greasy fast food, apple cider vinegar is not going to make you suddenly feel like new. Its a small tool to use in conjunction with a clean and healthy diet. Try it for 2 weeks and let me know what you think!
I start with 4 Tablespoons (adjust measurements depending on how much drink you’re making) of high quality, raw apple cider vinegar. Its important to use raw apple cider vinegar that has “the mother”. The mother is strands of enzymes made up of living nutrients and bacteria. It should make the bottle look cloudy. Processed apple cider vinegar is clear and has removed all these healthy enzymes. I use Bragg brand which can be found at most health food stores and on Amazon.
I then add 10 drops of liquid stevia. Its pretty much only for taste. I mean, c’mon, you’re drinking vinegar. It sounds about as good as it tastes. Stevia is an all natural sweetener that helps the drink go down in my opinion. You can also buy this at health food stores or on amazon.
For my own special twist, I then add 1/4 tsp of ground ginger. Ginger has long been known for its powerful digestive benefits and stomach healing properties. Didn’t your mom give you ginger ale when you had a tummy ache as a kid? It’s a powerful heartburn blocker as well.
Fill up the rest of the bottle with filtered water, shake, and drink! I take one of these with me to go every single day, and as I said before, my internal mid section has never felt better.
CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT HEALTH HACKS
WHY FIT IN WHEN WE WERE BORN TO STAND OUT?
Let's collaborate to create eye catching content that refuses to fade into the background.
skippy says
this is crazy, i just started doing the same thing about 3 weeks ago. not for digestive problems as much as to prevent a(nother) head cold. i feel great! at first it made me gag and now i am almost craving it. i’ve been completely sneezed on by a sick toddler and did not get a cold. i am sleeping better than ever. no stomach issues whatsoever. two enthusiastic thumbs up for apple cider vinegar! one thing i kept reading that the ACV wears off tooth enamel – i’ve been drinking mine with a straw and all seems good. great post, betZ – i like your ginger addition!
Betsy says
Skips, I remember you telling me how you put ACV on Nacho’s injured paw too. That shizz is amazing!
Angela says
So, I do this and add half of organic lemon and cinnamon, also good for digestion. I find it tasty and actually crave it when I haven’t had it in a while. Try it!!
Hometown2000 says
How much are you drinking to get these awesome results? I wanna be where you are in 3 weeks! 🙂
Fresh and Foodie says
Oh, girl! I don’t know that I could do it, but I like the idea of it. If I try it, However, I think you’ve inspired me. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Betsy says
Its so diluted! Do you like Kombucha? I feel like it tastes similar
olivia says
ACV and water and rinse your mouth out afterwardsthat should solve your enamel anymore problem
Willow says
Try apple cider vinegar tablets! They work just as well, faster & no bitter taste. Amazon has them.
Jana Alicia Chamness says
But the actual ACV content is unknown.
Rachel says
There is the problem of people taking this and it getting stuck in their throat and the acid burning their esophagus though…better to just drink, you know how much and what you’re getting, and no risk of damaging your insides.
betsy says
I don’t think that this is true information. Vinegar will not burn a hole in your esophagus. This drink is perfectly safe to consume.
Rachel says
But you risk the chance of it getting stuck in your throat and burning your esophagus. Better to just drink so you know what you’re getting and how much and no risk of damaging your insides. Ouch!
betsy says
I don’t think that this is true information. Vinegar will not burn a hole in your esophagus. This drink is perfectly safe to consume.
Elle says
I think Rachel is referring to willow’s comment about taking ACV tablets as an alternative to the drink.
I actually have started to drink kombucha, but I think I will try your drink suggestion in between. Kombucha can cost a lot, but it’s sooo good, so maybe I’ll alternate between the two??? Thanks for sharing your recipe! I’m excited to try it out!
Sheri says
How do you know ? I’m assuming you’ve tried it. I use to drink this all the time. Helped me lose some weight. I’m actually drinking it now cause I need to poop but can’t . This helps.
Bridget says
Just had my first drink. It was seriously delicious! Thanks for sharing all of your great ideas with us 🙂
Judith Moore says
I just fixed my first drink and it is delicious. I sure hope it works well as I need all the help I can get.
Judith Moore says
I just fixed my first drink and it is delicious. I sure hope it works well as I need all the help I can get.
I used honey and it was still a little too sour so I added some stevia. I also sprinkled some ground ginger in and I love it!
Bobby (Ms) Conrad says
The Ginger takes away the bitterness….I used honey instead of Stevia and it was doable. I’ll drink this every morning…Thank you…
betsy says
I recently discovered pre-juiced ginger on amazon. It comes in a little bottle like hot sauce. It’s the PERFECT addition to this!
aimee steckowski says
Why must we age?? 😉 I’ll be trying this out this week & next and hope it helps my poor tummy that’s easily influenced by my thyroid meds! Thanks girl!
margy says
im all so gone to.start this tonite.. 7/8/15,,,and i also have a thyroild issue. so.im hoping this works for me the less prescription s the better oe over the counter meds.
kallie says
My inner scientist needs to know if you were much of a water drinker before this. Water is a great benefit that most of us don’t get enough of, so I’d like to know if you were a good water drinker before and then noticed a considerable improvement, or if this got you to start drinking more H20? Not skeptical, just curious about the rate of return in context 🙂
betsy says
I was a pretty good water drinking before this, and am an EXCELLENT water drinker now. With or without the vinegar cocktail, I can promise anyone who ups their daily water intake will definitely feel a change
Vivi says
I love ACV! I like to add ACV in a water bottle like you posted however I mix in an orange Emergan-C packet instead of stevia. This give’s the ACV water a nice orange tangy flavor that I love and I am adding my daily dose of vitamin C in as well. If the ACV flavor is too strong, I add a splash of fresh squeezed orange juice! So good!
Brian Müttee says
Excellent idea. Thanks
Traci McFaddin says
Love the Emergen-C addition – definitely going to try this one!!
how to prevent yeast infections says
Does yoiur website have a contact page? I’m having a tough time
locating it but, I’d like too send you an email. I’ve got some recommendations for your blog you might
be interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it develop over time.
holly waterfall says
Oh my gosh, I’m totally trying this. Just picked up my Bragg’s ACV from Whole Foods and I’m making myself a cocktail after work! I’ve had bloating and digestive issues for over the last 2 years and can’t find the culprit. Same as you, it’s sometimes even when I eat good for me foods. I’ve tried keeping a food journal and haven’t been able to find any consistent patterns. SO hoping this helps. I will forever owe you my life if it does! 🙂
betsy says
Let me know how it goes!
Ciara says
I’d love to know how it went for you!
betsy says
Years later and I still drink it everyday! It’s like magic 🙂
Anne Marie says
This is a brillant concotion…reminds me very much of kombucha. I turned 30 this year and just finished up grad school where I was totally abusing my body. At this point, my body is very sensitive to what I eat in terms of energy level, mood, and digestion/bloating. I’m hoping ACV will help balance me. How have you seen ACV improve things other than your gut? Do you take it first thing before coffee? I feel like the spice of the ginger could have a stimulating effect that mimics caffeine….
heather says
Hi,
If I was to make a 32oz concoction and drink during the day would I be adding in only 4 tablespoons or more? I was trying to looak at your size bottle and figure out if you were only doing like 8oz or 16 oz at a time..
Thanks
Heather
betsy says
I put 4 Tablespoons into a 32oz container
products says
My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find the majority
of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for.
Do you offer guest writers to write content in your case?
I wouldn’t mind composing a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write
concerning here. Again, awesome web log!
Roxie says
I have been using Bragg’s apple cider vinegar concoction for almost a year now. I too crave it now everyday, but it did take a couple of weeks. I use about 3 T. vinegar and 1/2 dropper full of stevia. I have not tried ginger, but will do that this week. I did go in for a check up about 3 months into my daily drink and my cholesterol dropped 11 points!!! Not sure if it had to do with it or not, but I can’t think of any other reason. Good for the immune system, among lots of benefits, and we can all use that. Love the blog!
Sharron says
Hmm, never heard about thyroid meds messing with your stomach. Tell me more please?
gyngyngynad says
hi. i am 55 and i want to get rid of bloatiness of my tummy. i want to reduce weight because i am overweight by 45 lbs. i am only 4’10 and weighs 160 lbs. how can braggs acv help me?
Gael says
Our Walmart carries Bragg’s, so I got it for $5.85. Expect that’s less than Whole Foods or a specialty food store.
chelsea says
Hi I’m 26yrs old and been feeling the bloating feeling. I would like to try this but my stomach doesn’t do well if it taste bad. Can anyone tell me is the taste manageable for weak stomachs? Thanks!
Linda says
I have been drinking fruity caffeine free tea with Braggs for a few months. I add a tablespoon to my tea and it is really good. I started taking ACV to help my ph balance, and feel so much better. I am now making iced tea and adding the ACV. I know adding a packet of Sweet N Low is not good, but I still haven’t been able to switch. I have been told ACV may be able to cut my sugar cravings. I had decided my body was a life support system for a sugar-eating fungus. Although there is still a sweet tooth, it is much better. I prefer peach herbal tea, either Celestial or Bigelow.
Elle says
Oh!!!!! Yes! Great idea! I will try it with my peach tea bag tonight (minus sweetener too)!! Great suggestion!
Earthspirit says
Try to dilute it, until it tastes suitable for your system. At some point you may be able to increase the ACV. The original recipes come from New England where they recommend using raw honey as sweetener. My stomach rejects stevia,,,and is quite sensitive, too. Go easy on the honey, though and add a little ginger and cinnamon, perhaps.
Sharron says
I started making Green Tea: 4 cups water 5 tea bags, a cinnamon stick and about a teaspoon of grated ginger in it and Micro for 5 minutes, then add 4 more cups of water and stevia or honey to taste… When I went back to my Doctor after six months for my blood tests, She said I was no longer pre-diabetic, my cholesterol had improved by 30 points, and my kidney function had improved. I am a happy camper.
Valsin says
You may want to consider raw honey instead of stevia, and the ginger. Both can be easier on the stomach.
Sandy says
I use two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to a quarter cup of grape juice. Yumm
Nancy says
i used agave syrup instead of stevia, hope it helps the bloating issues
Rachael Connaughton says
Hi Betsy
Do you drink this over the course of the day or in one sitting?
betsy says
I make it in a 32 oz water bottle and drink it over the course of about an hour. You can definitely make a single serving drink with just one “shot” of apple cider vinegar in an 8oz glass or so topped with water that would still be beneficial
Tabitha says
Curious how long does it take you to drink 32oz of apple cider vinegar drink
betsy says
Roughly an hour. I just drink it as I would normal water
JD says
Betsy, I wish I knew how old you are because I noticed the “As I’ve aged, certain things like fiber, bloating and bowel movements have increasingly become a part of my daily lexicon,” because I am in my mid 50s and have had all sorts of health problems that have nothing to do with my diet. I have been mostly a very healthy eater (primarily vegetarian) and workout regularly but for last few years I went through a bloated belly all the time and loss of libido.
I did get some relief from giving up lactose (I have always enjoyed milk and cheeses) but after my wife insisted that I take ACV, in just one week (a spoonful about 15 minutes before lunch and dinner) I have noticed bloating disappear. I am feeling so relaxed because my tummy is not distended. How could I have known that just aging will make my digestive system weak even if I did absolutely nothing wrong.
Maria says
Really like to drink ACV too, but am worried about decay of tooth enamel. There is some evidence out there that it can be a problem in the long run. Have you run into information about that and how to be careful?
betsy says
I haven’t heard about that. So far I haven’t had any issues, but I’ll definitely look more into it
Ozwitch says
Use a straw. I do this and it avoids staining the enamel on your teeth. Always rinse afterwards with water anyway.
Valsin says
I believe if it is sufficiently diluted its alright. I’ve heard many people drink an extra glass of water or brush after drinking ACV.
Zara says
I have tried in vain to add apple cider vinegar to my regimen for gut health and just couldn’t find a way to like it. A nutrition class I took reiterated its benefits and then I found your recipe online. At first, I thought, no way – that’s disgusting! I decided to make it anyway, thinking I would just sip on it as I do my water, figuring it would take me a while to get it down. Holy cow, it tastes pretty good! I prepared it as you suggested with 32oz of water, 4 tbsp of apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 tsp of ginger. I dropped in 10 drops of stevia…tasty! I hope to experience the many benefits this offers, but while it may not increase my metabolism or decrease my blood glucose as research suggests, I will take anything it offers!
Adrienne Smith says
Haver you tried raw honey instead of stevia? For me, the raw honey helps fight allergies to pollen and it gives the ACV just enough sweetness! I’m trying to wean myself off of sweeteners, too… Love this concoction though!!
betsy says
Over the years I have phased out the sweetener entirely, however I do use local honey in my tea to keep allergies at bay
Claudette little-herron says
I’ve been reading about account. I’ve just ordered my account and raw organic honey. I was just told by the doctor my cholesterol is 7.9 and I am at risk of a stroke or heart attack. So I’m going to give this a try as u have suffered with bloating and lack of sleep for years.
Lisa Nixon says
Can I try it in cranberry juice
betsy says
of course!
FIONA says
Hi I have had rapid weight gain 9 kilos in 3 weeks, specialists cant explain why. I would like to know how long until you see results 1 week 1month ?? Also do you only have this once a day ??
please reply to me via my email.
Im desperate and hope to here from you as soon as possible.
Cheers Fiona, NSW Australia.
Wendy says
Some things I have been reading say 2 teaspoons of ACV (some say 2 tablespoons). Can you please set the record straight for me.
I am presuming it does depend on how you intend to drink and how much water. I was told a mug at night time before bed (warm) so 2 teaspoons plus honey. Can you please give me exact amounts. AND I again presume the 32 oz I read that is when I would use 2 tablespoons (but how much honey)?
betsy says
I think you’re correct in assuming it’s relative to the amount of water used. I use 4 Tablespoons in 32oz bottle and I don’t use any honey at all. The sweetener is optional.
Anne hill says
Hi there. My husband and I are just starting to realise the benefits of ACV at 61 and 66! Looking forward to trying your recipe. Were on low carb eating plans so your recipe with stevia us spot on. Thx so much for all the info.
Jennifer says
Can I make this over night or the day of?
betsy says
You can make it the night before no problem
Ann Roth says
I came across a concoction several years ago, ACV, cinnamon, and lemon in water. It taste like Apple Pie. I have been feeling so bloated and my skin is broken out. I haven’t tried it in years, I think I will give it a shot again.