Use of Apple Cider Vinegar to treat Depression (A Total guide)
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The Optimistminds editorial team is made up of psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals. Each article is written by a team member with exposure to and experience in the subject matter. The article then gets reviewed by a more senior editorial member. This is someone with extensive knowledge of the subject matter and highly cited published material.
With a rise in looking for natural home remedies here is a guide explaining how to use apple cider vinegar to treat depression.
Apple cider vinegar if taken before meals helps the proteins in our food to be broken down into amino acids, which further leads to the creation of Tryptophan. Tryptophan plays a critical role in the releasing of the neurotransmitter Serotonin, our “feel-good” neurotransmitter. Serotonin helps elevate our mood and feel calm, helping us fight depression. It makes us feel happy and relaxed.
Depression is becoming more and more prevalent in our society, with more and more people seeking help for it. The effect depression has on one’s physical body cannot be taken care of by just going for therapy. Even medication is helpful but does not suit all of us or at times help with only a few symptoms. There are not the most sustainable option nor the healthiest one. It is no surprise then that people are looking for healthier options available to treat depression.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Depression
In order to treat depression naturally, we need to shift our focus on our daily diet. The healthier and nutritious our diet will be, the quicker we will be able to recover from depression. For that, we need to focus our attention on food items that assist in the secretion of serotonin in the brain. The more serotonin is secreted during depression in our brain, the happier we will be. Apple cider vinegar does exactly that as mentioned above.
Drinks like apple cider vinegar are natural mood boosters which help in increasing blood sugar levels by assisting in the digestion process as they break down the enzymes in the stomach and the intestines. It makes you feel more energized as opposed to the tired feeling one has during depression. It makes us feel more productive and active while we haven’t felt in a long time since depression. It gives you the extra boost you need to get through the day.
Depression can make one feel exhausted and want to lie in bed after performing small tasks, but after taking apple cider vinegar, you feel more energetic and like your older self. You feel that the strength in you is regaining, both mentally as well as physically.
Recipes for Apple cider vinegar
To properly utilize all the benefits of apple cider, we need to know the correct way to drink it. Ensuring that we drink the right amount of apple cider vinegar is crucial to avoid possible side effects.
The most common way to drink apple cider vinegar is to add 1-2 tablespoon of apple cider in a glass of warm or cold water. In case you do not like the taste of it, you can add 1-2 tablespoon of honey to the mix or even small pieces of apple. Other than these lemon juice or cayenne pepper are also popular choices.
Apple cider vinegar is not like anti-depressants that need to be consumed every day. In the beginning, one can consume a glass of cider, thrice a day for some time and then switch to alternate days. After a month, you can consume it in the morning when you are feeling low on energy and need a natural mood booster.
In case you find the cider sour and bitter, there are capsules available of apple cider that can be taken in the morning. This would spare you the taste and the smell of apple cider vinegar. But it might leave you a little more gastric than usual.
You can decide how you want to take it depending on how you are feeling that day.
Research evidence on the benefits of Apple cider vinegar
Research has shown that a healthier diet does help in recovery from depression and speeds up the treatment time. But as of now, there is not research showing a direct relation between consumption of apple cider vinegar and lowering in the level of depression. As depression has both physical and mental components to it, apple cider vinegar is able to help with the physical part, by helping release the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain.
Research though has shown that apple cider vinegar has an impact on type 2 diabetes by helping in weight loss. A loss in weight leads to lower cholesterol level and higher Tryptophan creation. Which led to the secretion of happy hormones.
Dr. Drew Ramsay MD is one of psychiatry’s leading proponents of using nutritional interventions. For the treatment of depression he recommends a diet plan including vegetables, leafy greens, minerals rich food and B vitamins. He recently launched an e-course talking about the scientifically proven benefits of having a proper diet to beat depression and how can one do it.
Other benefits of Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an amazing detoxifier as it helps the body break down the enzymes in our food efficiently so that the body can absorb them completely. It increases the potassium intake of the body, helps in weight loss, builds a strong and healthy immune system. It helps the body maintain a healthy PH level balance and removes sludge toxins. It promotes healthy skin and controls the outbreak of acne. Research has shown that helps manage type 2 diabetes and control cholesterol levels.
Apple cider vinegar overall promotes physical health and mental health.
Cautions to be taken which consuming Apple cider vinegar
Even though Apple cider vinegar is very beneficial for the body, its consumption and quantity need to be taken in moderate amount.
Some of the cautions we need to take are, ensuring that we dilute the cider in water before drinking. As it is highly acidic, direct consumption may lead to erosion of teeth and leave a burning sensation in your mouth and throat.
Rise your mouth with water afterwards and maybe drink it through a straw to avoid its effects on the teeth. But do not brush your teeth immediately after drinking it, best would be to wait for at least 30 minutes after drinking, to avoid tooth enamel.
Do not drink apple cider vinegar right after your meal as that leads to gastric issues as it delays the digestion process. The food slows down and is not able to pass into the intestine, giving a feeling of uneasiness or stomach ache.
Do not smell apple cider vinegar before drinking it, as it causes an unpleasant reaction in the nose and eyes. If inhaled directly might lead you to gag. Make sure you dilute it and then drink it.
Make sure that you don’t have apple cider vinegar just before bedtime, as it might cause acid reflux and make if you lie down to re-enter the oesophagus and lead to irritation. Sit for at least 30 minutes upright after consuming apple cider vinegar.
Possible side effects of Apple cider vinegar
Consuming anything in high dosage causes problems and leads to unwanted side effects. Some of the possible side effects are:
· Digestive issues when consumed right after meals
· Damaged tooth enamel when drank directly without diluting it with water.
· Throat burns
· Leads to low potassium levels in the body.
To avoid these side effects consult your physician, especially if you are planning on consuming it regularly. Also consult your psychiatrist if you are on any medication for depression, as the high acidity levels in the apple cider vinegar might negatively react to some salts used in the medicines.
BetterHelp: A Better Alternative
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FAQs: Apple cider vinegar and depression
Is apple cider vinegar good for iron deficiency?
Yes, Apple cider vinegar is good for iron deficiency as the acid found in it helps the body to release iron from the food we eat. This iron is then used to increase haemoglobin and myoglobin, helping in maintain ideal iron levels in the body.
Is apple cider vinegar good for the brain?
As of now, there is not sufficient scientific evidence to support whether apple cider vinegar is good for the brain. But people do report an increase in their physical and mental health.
Why does Apple cider vinegar make me feel weird?
Apple cider vinegar delays the movement of food from our stomach to the intestines as it messes with the body’s digestion process, making us feel weird and uneasy at times. To avoid that feeling, apple cider vinegar is recommended to be consumed on an empty stomach.
What are the side effects of drinking apple cider vinegar every day?
Depending on your body structure and metabolism Apple cider vinegar can have a few side effects like delayed stomach emptying, digestive side effects, throat burns, skin burns, low potassium levels and erosion of tooth enamel. It is recommended to consult your physician before consuming apple cider vinegar every day.
Is it better to drink apple cider vinegar in the morning or at night?
According to research, the best time to drink apple cider vinegar is before meals on an empty stomach or 30 minutes before bedtime. This was you avoid side effects such as delayed stomach emptying and benefit your blood sugar levels the most.
References
https://medium.com/@lilshaezy/treat-your-depression-with-apple-cider-vinegar-87874ef39257
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/drinks-for-stress-anxiety#apple-cider-vinegar
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