Table of contents:
- Is it true that apple cider vinegar works to treat diarrhea?
- Apple cider vinegar side effects as a diarrhea medicine
Experiencing diarrhea is certainly very uncomfortable. When you have diarrhea, you will keep going back and forth to the bathroom to defecate. Cramps, flatulence, and skin irritation around the anus can appear when you have diarrhea. Indeed, there are many diarrhea drugs that are sold freely and are easy to get. However, have you tried to treat diarrhea with apple cider vinegar? Here are the benefits of apple cider vinegar in dealing with diarrhea.
Is it true that apple cider vinegar works to treat diarrhea?
Apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apple extract. This fermentation of apples produces pectin compounds that help support the growth of good bacteria in the intestines. The presence of good bacteria in the intestine is very good for digestion, because it can smooth the digestive tract and prevent inflammation of the digestive organs.
Quoted from Medical News Today, a study proves that apple cider vinegar has natural antibiotic properties that can destroy E.coli and Salmonella bacteria.
These bacteria are the main cause of diarrhea and food poisoning. Because apple cider vinegar acts as a natural antibiotic, some researchers have concluded that this ingredient is effective in treating diarrhea caused by bacterial infections.
Some research evidence also suggests that apple cider vinegar can slow down the digestive process, giving the stool time to harden before passing it out.
Raw, organic, and unfiltered apple cider vinegar is the recommended type of apple cider vinegar to be a natural diarrhea remedy. Usually, this type of apple cider vinegar is cloudy and has fine fibers in it.
However, even though there are studies stating that this material is quite effective, further research is still needed. The reason is, apple cider vinegar goes through a fermentation process that produces acetic acid. This acetic acid is what in some people can actually cause stomach upset, heartburn, and even worsen diarrhea.
In addition, sometimes you don't know whether the diarrhea you are experiencing is due to bacteria or it is a certain health problem. If the cause of diarrhea is not due to bacteria, then the properties of apple cider vinegar to treat digestive problems on this one will not work effectively.
Apple cider vinegar side effects as a diarrhea medicine
Apple cider vinegar is very acidic. If you drink it directly without diluting it, then instead of curing your diarrhea it will actually damage the mouth, throat, and esophagus tissues. In addition, apple cider vinegar that is drunk directly can also damage the protective coating of the teeth because it is too acidic.
If you drink too much apple cider vinegar at one time, it can actually trigger diarrhea. The reason is, the sugar content in vinegar actually stimulates bowel movements which can cause diarrhea. Various other risks that need to be considered, namely:
- Reducing bone density if consumed in excess.
- Lowering potassium levels which cause irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, and muscle weakness if consumed in excess.
- Negatively affects sugar and insulin levels in people with type 1 diabetes.
- Interferes with the effectiveness of diabetes drugs and antibiotics such as tetracyclines.
The efficacy of apple cider vinegar for treating diarrhea has yet to be proven with certainty, so you can't rely on it as a diarrhea reliever.
The reason is, apple cider vinegar itself is not a drug. However, you can still try it by consuming 1 to 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar by diluting it in a glass of water twice a day until the symptoms subside.
If after consuming diarrhea it gets worse, then immediately consult a doctor to get fast treatment. Make sure to rest and consume plenty of fluids if you have diarrhea.
x