Switchel is the name for a drink traditionally containing apple cider vinegar, ginger, and some type of sweetener. This drink is typically used to support digestion with its digestive-boosting ingredients: apple cider vinegar and ginger. This recipe is for a no sugar switchel option, to support your gut while keeping blood sugar balanced.
Why use Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is notable for its support of digestion and blood sugar balance.
The vinegar has a low pH (aka it’s very acidic), so drinking it around meal times can boost acid levels in the stomach. While that might seem daunting, supporting proper stomach acid is a must for gut health and digestion. Proper levels of stomach acid help to absorb specific nutrients, including vitamin B12, vitamin C, iron, folate, beta-carotene, and protein, as well as some forms of calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Foods becomes acidified in the stomach, and when it moves into the small intestine, the acidic pH actually triggers a cascade of processes that are essential for digestion. Maintaining the proper pH throughout the digestive tract is also important for keeping gut bacteria and other microbes in balance. That’s a tall order for stomach acid!
You can learn more about how I work with my clients on gut health issues here. I recommend apple cider vinegar all of the time! But I often prefer to do gut testing first (using the GI MAP stool test) in order to see if the person has gut imbalances that need to be addressed. For example, if the test shows us that the person has H. pylori overgrowth, then we would actually want to hold off on supplementing with apple cider vinegar or other acid boosters until after H. pylori is addressed.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar cause acid reflux?
Now, you may be thinking, does apple cider vinegar cause acid reflux? The answer is most often no. Many people with symptoms of acid reflux actually have signs of low stomach acid rather than too much. Too little acid in the stomach can cause pressure to build up when we eat (since food isn’t getting digested well) which causes the lower esophageal sphincter to open and stomach contents (with some acid still present) to reflux back into the esophagus causing “heartburn”. This is why acid blockers and PPI medications may actually be more harmful over the long term. They might not be addressing the root cause and may exacerbate nutrient deficiencies.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Blood Sugar Balance
Blood sugar balance also gets a boost from apple cider vinegar. Consuming some apple cider vinegar at the start of your meals, like as a switchel, helps to slow down the spike in blood sugar during digestion.
When to Drink a Switchel
Switchel drinks usually pair with a meal since they can help to support digestion and blood sugar balance at the meal time. You can drink it slightly ahead of the meal, 5-10 minutes or so, or sip it throughout the meal.
You can also drink apple cider vinegar in the morning shortly after waking up to stimulate bile flow.
I personally love this simple no sugar switchel recipe over ice on any day as well as a cold, refreshing drink on a hot day. This no sugar switchel is a fantastic mocktail!
No Sugar Switchel (Apple Cider Vinegar Drink for Digestion, 3 Ingredients)
Ginger – either blend in a frozen ginger cube or stir in 1/4 tsp ground ginger
Instructions
Stir all ingredients together. Add ice, if desired.
Notes
Probiotics: Buy apple cider vinegar that contains “The Mother”, which is the mixture of probiotics that help to ferment and make the vinegar.
Digestion Support: Apple cider vinegar acts sort of like supplemental stomach acid to help digest food. Stomach acid is also necessary for stimulating other digestive secretions and keeping the proper pH in the gut for bacterial balance.
Make a big batch: Double or quadruple the recipe so you can keep it in the fridge and sip on it all week!
What is the best formula of apple cider vinegar and cranberry juice for weight loss? It's generally recommended to combine four ounces of pure cranberry juice with one to two teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar and top with six ounces of fresh water.
What is the best formula of apple cider vinegar and cranberry juice for weight loss? It's generally recommended to combine four ounces of pure cranberry juice with one to two teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar and top with six ounces of fresh water.
Switchel is made with apple cider vinegar and ginger, which are known for their healthful properties. Switchel is high in potassium and other electrolytes, which speed re-hydration.
Some studies have reported that drinking fermented beverages such as ACV before bed can help reduce weight. A lot of wellness bloggers and researchers suggest that sipping ACV before breakfast on an empty stomach has a good and equal effect. ACV has been used in the field of medicine for centuries.
But one is made from apple cider vinegar and the other, from tea! Switchel ACV is made from a base of raw apple cider vinegar, paired with real organic ginger and a hint of honey. It's fizzy, a little fiery and bursting with tasty full-flavoured goodness.
Johnston says the best and safest way to consume it is to mix one to two tablespoons of ACV or red wine vinegar with 8 ounces of water. Swallow the mixture right at the start of a meal. “If you take it too far ahead of time, it's gone before you get any benefit,” she explains.
Starting your day with a tall glass of water infused with lemon juice is an excellent way to kick-start your metabolism. This refreshing concoction not only hydrates your body after a night of fasting but also aids digestion, detoxifies your system, and supports weight loss by boosting fat-burning processes.
It's the perfect thirst quencher after some hard yakka:
While most of us aren't out toiling the fields these days, the farmers who loved Switchel back in the day were onto something! it's a mighty fine way to rehydrate after going hard, whether that's after a big gym, spin or yoga sesh or even a big night out!
Blood sugar balance also gets a boost from apple cider vinegar. Consuming some apple cider vinegar at the start of your meals, like as a switchel, helps to slow down the spike in blood sugar during digestion.
If it is not heated or pasteurized, it is a probiotic tonic in its own right, full of lactic acid bacteria that benefit the gut and stimulate the digestive system. It has been used in refreshing beverages for centuries, though its use as such had fallen out of favor before the recent-shrub-craze.
The vinegar can also interact with some drugs, such as diuretics, laxatives, and insulin. Always ask your doctor if it's safe to use ACV with your current medications. If you have low potassium levels (hypokalemia), too much apple cider vinegar could make the condition worse.
“By promoting blood flow and filtration, and boosting energy within the liver, apple cider vinegar can aid in the removal of harmful toxins that tend to build up in an overwhelmed or unhealthy liver,” she continues.
Remedy Switchel is raw, unpasteurised and positively packed with goodness to benefit your gut health and overall wellbeing with no sugar, naturally. Watch as Remedy Nutritionist Jacqueline Alwill explains why Remedy Switchel's so good for you.
About 100 grams of apple cider vinegar has about 22 calories, which means it makes for a low-calorie drink that can help boost weight loss. Adding a tablespoon of ACV into a glassful of water and drinking first thing in the morning may help burn belly fat.
But because of the maple syrup and apple cider vinegar found in switchel, potassium-rich electrolytes, particularly potassium, are replenished, making it an excellent alternative to sugary drinks like Gatorade.
3) Apple Cider Vinegar–Apple Cider Vinegar has been used by parents for numerous remedies and constipation is commonly one of them. Recipe for a apple cider juice: 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. 2 tablespoons of cranberry juice.
Introduction: My name is Van Hayes, I am a thankful, friendly, smiling, calm, powerful, fine, enthusiastic person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
