Lemon Juice and Vinegar

I have seen multiple references to vinegar in relation to blood sugar control, and most of them refer to the fact that it is the acid in it that is responsible, and that any high acid foods will actually do the same thing. I chose to use lemon juice when I tested this.

Mostly, the affects of acids are on digestion. Many people who have diabetes have slower digestion than people without it. Often, they produce lower levels of stomach acid and digestive enzymes. Lemon juice, vinegar, and other stronger acids can help to replace the stomach acid, enhancing digestion. This can change the rate at which carbs are processed, and that can affect your blood sugar control.

I use lemon juice, but cannot see any real difference. Part of this is because my blood sugar levels are pretty volatile, and smaller differences are hard to detect. I did notice that I did not get heartburn when I used lemon juice like I used to. This leads me to believe that my stomach acid levels have indeed decreased over the last few years, because this is something I always had a problem with a few years ago. It also helps to regulate other problems that I have with my intestines, so I continue to use it for reasons other than just blood sugar.

The simplest way to use lemon juice is to add it to water. About a half teaspoon per 8 oz gives a little perk to the water without being so sour it turns your face inside out. Unlike other fruit juices, it is not high in sugar.

The easiest way to use vinegar is in tablets. Apple cider vinegar tablets are available through some health food outlets, and other than a zing on your tongue when they go down, they are not unpleasant to use.

Acids may aggravate heartburn if this is a problem for you. Frequent heartburn may be an indication that these are an inappropriate supplement for you to use.

People with citric acid sensitivities may also need to avoid the use of acid supplements, because the primary acid in them is citric acid. I have a low threshold for citric acid, and am still able to handle about 3 pints of lemon water per day before I start to experience problems.

Written by Laura Wheeler, Owner of Firelight Business Enterprises, Inc.