Vinegar and honey are thought to work as home remedies for many conditions. In cases of severe illnesses like diabetes, it is best to seek medical advice and use standard treatments to manage the disease. However, some research has shown diabetes to be responsive to the use of vinegar and honey concoctions.
Vinegar and Honey as a Home Remedy
When it comes to home remedies, apple cider vinegar is usually the vinegar of choice. According to "Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar" by Earl Mindell, M.D., apple cider vinegar is made through the fermentation of apples. It's nutrient-rich, especially in unfiltered and organic varieties, and contains acetic acid, pectin, potassium and calcium. Honey can be added to apple cider vinegar drinks to improve the flavor without adding unnecessary calories, says Mindell.
Research
Some research shows vinegar to be effective in managing diabetes. According to a study published in "Diabetes Care," participants with type 2 diabetes were given apple cider vinegar and carbohydrate-heavy snacks. Their blood sugar was tested after eating and they were found to have improved insulin sensitivity. The study concluded that drinking apple cider vinegar had similar affects as a diabetes drug called metformin but should not be used as a substitute for this drug.
Recommended Intake
According to David L. Katz, M.D., in an issue of "O, The Oprah Magazine," you can safely consume between 1 and 3 tablespoons of vinegar a day without negative effects. On a similar note, Mindell recommends drinking 2 tablespoons of vinegar mixed with water before you eat to regulate blood sugar levels. Mindell also suggests adding honey to the mixture to taste.
Caution
Drinking vinegar and honey should never be used as a replacement for standard diabetes treatments. Health Services at Columbia recommends talking with your doctor before trying to drink vinegar as it could interfere with your prescribed diabetes drugs. Other side effects of drinking vinegar and honey include burning of the mouth and throat, stomach upset and heartburn, according to eMedTV.
References
- "Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar"; Earl Mindell, M.D.; 2002
- "Diabetes Care"; Vinegar Improves Insulin Sensitivity to a High-Carbohydrate Meal in Subjects With Insulin Resistance or Type 2 Diabetes; Carol S. Johnston, Ph.D., et al.; January 2004
- "O, The Oprah Magazine"; Is Vinegar An Appetite Suppressant?; David L. Katz, M.D.; January 2007
- Health Services at Columbia; Go Ask Alice! Apple Cider Vinegar; August 2010
- eMedTV; Apple Cider Vinegar Safety; Kristi Monson, PharmD, et al.; November 2007
