Short Answer: Apple cider vinegar is good for hypothyroidism because it has acetic acid and probiotics, which can help lower blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, balance pH levels, improve iodine absorption, and support gut and thyroid health.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, which is located in the front of your neck.
The thyroid gland produces two hormones, T3 and T4, that regulate your metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, and other vital functions.
In hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland does not produce enough of these hormones, which can lead to various health problems, such as fatigue, weight gain, depression, high cholesterol, and infertility.
One of the key factors in managing hypothyroidism is diet.
What you consume can affect your thyroid function, which can impact your hypothyroidism symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage hypothyroidism, you should consume iodine-rich foods like seaweed, fish, and dairy products, and avoid goitrogenic foods like cruciferous vegetables, soy, and peanuts.
Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, while goitrogens can interfere with the thyroid’s ability to use iodine.
Now, apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar made from fermented apple juice.
It contains acetic acid, which gives it a sour taste and smell.
People usually drink apple cider vinegar diluted with water or use it as a dressing for salads and other dishes.
Apple cider vinegar is good for hypothyroidism because it contains acetic acid, which can help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
High blood sugar and insulin resistance can worsen hypothyroidism by increasing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
Acetic acid can also help balance the pH levels of the body, which can improve the absorption of minerals and nutrients, including iodine.
One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar can give you about 1% of your daily iodine needs, 0.2% of your daily potassium needs, and 0.1% of your daily magnesium needs.
Iodine, potassium, and magnesium are all important for thyroid health and function.
Furthermore, apple cider vinegar is a probiotic food, which means it contains beneficial bacteria that can improve your gut health.
Gut health is crucial for hypothyroidism, as the gut is where most of the conversion of T4 to T3 takes place.
A healthy gut can also support your immune system and prevent autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, which is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
You can drink one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per day safely.
More than that can cause side effects, such as tooth enamel erosion, throat irritation, and low potassium levels.
You should also dilute apple cider vinegar with water or juice before drinking it, as it is very acidic and can damage your esophagus and stomach lining.
Also, you shouldn’t drink apple cider vinegar if you have ulcers, gastritis, or acid reflux, to prevent worsening your symptoms.
Because apple cider vinegar can lower your blood sugar levels, you should also monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes or take medications that affect your blood sugar.
You can buy apple cider vinegar in your local grocery store or online.
Always choose organic, raw, and unfiltered apple cider vinegar that contains the mother, which is the cloudy substance that settles at the bottom of the bottle.
The mother is where most of the probiotics and enzymes are found.
You can store apple cider vinegar in a cool and dark place for up to two years.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care, is key to managing hypothyroidism effectively.
I always recommend my hypothyroidism patients to follow a hypothyroidism-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being and enjoy a longer and healthier life.