Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help With Alcohol Withdrawal?

The Science Behind Alcohol and Sugar Cravings

You might have heard of sugar addiction and possibly dismissed the idea as a fad. There is an increasing collection of scientific evidence to back up the theory, as well as research on the neurological processes behind sugar addiction.

Over the past couple of decades, in fact, an emerging body of research has pointed to the shared neural mechanisms of sugar and alcohol. Essentially, both substances impact the brain’s reward system. In particular, they can cause spikes in dopamine, which is the neurotransmitter commonly known as the ‘feel-good chemical’.

In certain aspects, sugar mimics the effects of alcohol, and so cravings for alcohol and sugar can get mixed up in the brain, with sugar cravings becoming a natural substitution.

Natural Remedies for withdrawal symptoms

There’s a growing interest in natural recovery aids and natural health supplements of all kinds. Many of these have been used for thousands of years, and in many cases, science backs up the benefits that people have been noticing through experience and use.

Apple cider vinegar, also known as ACV, is one of the most talked-about natural supplements. But what exactly is apple cider vinegar, and what are its potential health benefits?

What is Apple Cider Vinegar and How Is It Used?

Apple cider vinegar is, as the name suggests, a vinegar made from cider. Specifically made with crushed fermented apples, yeast, and sugar.

The yeast converts the sugars into alcohol, then bacteria convert the alcohol into acetic acid, which gives vinegar its familiar sour or tangy taste. Then, your body turns acetic acid into acetate, which can be used as an energy source. Raw cider vinegar contains a ‘mother’, which is a sort of cloud of proteins, enzymes and beneficial bacteria formed during the fermentation process.

The use of apple cider vinegar goes back at least to Ancient Greece and is thought to have been brought to the British Isles by the Romans. It was primarily used in cooking, but Hippocrates used it to treat wounds in 400BC, and the ‘Father of forensic medicine’ Sung Tse advocated hand washing with vinegar in the 10th Century to avoid infection.

Its use as a health supplement spread far and wide through the following centuries, as shown by its prominence in the book Folk Medicine: A Vermont Doctor’s Guide to Good Health, written in the 1950s by Dr. DC Jarvis. It has historically been used to treat many historical conditions, from dropsy to poison ivy sting, croup and stomach-ache. Today it is believed by many to have a wide range of general health benefits, including aiding digestion, improving metabolism and boosting energy levels.

How Alcohol Withdrawal Affects the Brain and Body

Long-term drinking can lead to dependency as the brain and central nervous system become used to the presence of alcohol and adjust to the new situation. In particular, alcohol can affect the parts of the brain responsible for producing and processing the neurotransmitter dopamine. This is associated with pleasure and reward and is often referred to as the ‘feel-good chemical’. When a long-term drinker cuts out alcohol, the system may no longer produce enough dopamine, which can lead to depression, listlessness and other negative emotional states, such as irritability, anxiety, dysphoria and emotional pain. 

There can also be other symptoms related to alcohol’s effects as a central nervous depressant. These cause the system to produce more stimulant chemicals, and these can essentially flood the system when the alcohol is removed, leading to physical withdrawal symptoms such as tremors (the shakes), elevated heart rate and even seizures and hallucinations. 

This can be dangerous, and people with severe alcohol dependency should always undergo detox under medical supervision if possible. The more severe physical symptoms are usually short-lived, but emotional, psychological and lingering physical symptoms, such as lack of energy, can remain for weeks or even months after quitting.

People can also experience low serotonin levels, persistent cravings and general fatigue. All this can increase the risk of relapse as the person seeks to make themselves feel better by drinking again – although this is always counterproductive in the long run.

How Apple Cider Vinegar May Help During Withdrawal

There are a number of ways in which apple cider vinegar could help during withdrawal, by mitigating some of these persistent symptoms.

ACV offers a natural source of acetate, which helps to fuel the brain without alcohol. It promotes healthy digestion and can also support overall mental well-being by increasing serotonin levels. These may be depleted during withdrawal and recovery. Serotonin is another ‘feelgood’ chemical and boosting levels can help stabilise mood, improve sleep cycles and increase overall happiness.

There can also be other health benefits. For example, some research found that ACV could help to lower cholesterol.

The Role of ACV in Sober Relief Supplements

Apple cider vinegar is one of the three key ingredients in Sober Relief supplements. It offers all the potential benefits mentioned above and also works in synergy with the other ingredients, which are:

• Bacopa Monnieri: This natural herbal-derived ingredient is commonly used as a memory aid. It can combat withdrawal symptoms by bolstering brain function, diminishing stress, and improving mood and temperament. Learn more about this ingredient in our guide to bacopa monnieri.
  
• MCT Oil Powder: MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) is a fat type that is involved in the generation of ketones. In turn, these can help to achieve NAD balance. This involves the regulation of NAD+ and NADH in the body, which are essential for cellular energy metabolism, DNA repair and other fundamental processes. Learn more in our guide to MCT powder.

It’s worth noting that, while it can have a part to play, ACV should not replace a programme of comprehensive support. No one supplement or treatment provides a ‘magic bullet’ to beat withdrawal symptoms, but they can all play their own parts in a holistic approach to recovery.

Other Natural Supports for Withdrawal

Adopting an overall healthy lifestyle can also help with many aspects of withdrawal. Building up fitness with appropriate levels of exercise, eating a nutritious, balanced diet and adopting healthy sleep routines can all provide a physical boost.

This may be particularly important if you have neglected your health while drinking.

Some people find that relaxation techniques such as meditation and mindfulness can also help in the period after quitting drinking. Therapy can help you deal with the root causes of drinking and the psychological aspects of dependence.