I Used to Think My Grandmother Was Crazy for Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Before Meals—But Now I Know Why
Growing up, I remember watching my grandmother take a sip of apple cider vinegar (ACV) before meals and wondering why she would willingly drink something so strong. At the time, I thought it was just one of her old-fashioned habits—like making everything from scratch, never wasting a thing, and insisting that food was medicine.
But now? I get it.
She wasn’t just following some quirky tradition—she was supporting her digestion, balancing her blood sugar, and caring for her health in a way that science is only now starting to appreciate. And now, as a mom raising my own family, I find myself turning back to these simple, time-tested habits that women before us knew all along.
Why Apple Cider Vinegar Before Meals?
Drinking a small amount of apple cider vinegar before meals has been a long-standing practice for good reason. It naturally supports digestion, blood sugar regulation, and even hormone balance—things that so many of us struggle with today due to modern diets and lifestyle stressors.
Here’s why incorporating ACV before meals can be a game-changer for your health:
1. Supports Digestion & Gut Health
Apple cider vinegar is rich in acetic acid, which helps stimulate stomach acid production. In today’s world, many people actually suffer from too little stomach acid, leading to bloating, sluggish digestion, and nutrient deficiencies.
Why this matters for moms: Proper digestion means better nutrient absorption—so all the nourishing foods you make from scratch are actually fueling your family the way they should!
💡 Try This: Mix 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered ACV in a small glass of water (2-4 oz) and drink it 5-10 minutes before meals to prime digestion.
2. Helps Balance Blood Sugar & Reduce Cravings
Blood sugar spikes and crashes can leave us feeling exhausted, cranky, and craving sugar—especially mid-afternoon. Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar helps slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream, reducing post-meal spikes and crashes.
Why this matters for moms: Balanced blood sugar means stable energy, fewer cravings, and a more patient, present mama. No more energy crashes right when the kids get wild at 4 PM!
💡 Try This: If you struggle with sugar cravings, take ACV before meals to help prevent those highs and lows. Pair it with protein and healthy fats for the best results.
3. Supports Hormone Balance
Blood sugar stability plays a huge role in hormone health—especially for women. When our blood sugar is constantly spiking and crashing, it puts stress on the body, leading to cortisol imbalances, sluggish metabolism, and even disrupted cycles.
Why this matters for moms: Whether you’re dealing with PMS, postpartum recovery, or just wanting to feel more balanced, this simple habit can support your body naturally.
💡 Try This: If you experience mood swings, bloating, or fatigue around your cycle, consider adding ACV before meals as part of your hormone-supporting routine.
4. Supports a Healthy Metabolism
Apple cider vinegar may help with fat metabolism and appetite regulation, making it a great addition for those wanting to maintain a healthy weight without extreme dieting.
Why this matters for moms: Let’s be honest—between homeschooling, homemaking, or just running after little ones all day, we don’t always have time for intense workouts or complicated meal plans. ACV is an easy and natural way to support your metabolism.
💡 Try This: Combine ACV with high-protein meals to keep your metabolism humming.
5. A Simple, Affordable, & Natural Remedy
Unlike expensive supplements or trendy wellness products, ACV is inexpensive, natural, and effective. It’s a reminder that health doesn’t have to be complicated—it can be as simple as a time-tested remedy passed down through generations.
Why this matters for moms: You’re already committed to making homemade meals, reducing toxins, and caring for your family’s well-being. ACV is another easy, practical tool to add to your natural wellness toolkit.
How to Incorporate Apple Cider Vinegar Into Your Routine
If you’re ready to start using ACV, here’s how to do it:
✔️ Mix 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered ACV (with the “mother”) into 2-4 oz of water.
✔️ Drink 5-10 minutes before meals (especially carb-heavy ones).
✔️ If the taste is too strong, add a squeeze of lemon or a teaspoon of raw honey.
✔️ Start slow—½ tablespoon to begin with, then increase as tolerated.
🚫 Avoid drinking ACV straight! The acidity can be harsh on tooth enamel and the esophagus. Always dilute it in water.
A Return to Traditional Wisdom
It’s funny how we often think we’ve “outgrown” old traditions, only to find ourselves returning to them later in life. What once seemed outdated now feels like the key to true wellness.
Our grandmothers knew what they were doing. They cooked from scratch, used simple natural remedies, and focused on nourishing their families—not just feeding them. And that’s exactly what we’re getting back to.
So if you’ve ever wondered why so many women in traditional, ancestral cultures swore by apple cider vinegar… now you know.
And now, I’m that mom, passing this habit down to my own kids. Because sometimes, the best remedies aren’t found in a bottle—they’re the ones that have been in our kitchens for generations.
