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Apple Cider Vinegar for Constipation

| Modified on Dec 17, 2024
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Apple cider vinegar is an effective home treatment for constipation. This inexpensive and easy to take remedy works well for many who suffer with constipation.

How Much Apple Cider Vinegar Do I Need to Take for Constipation?

A typical daily dose of apple cider vinegar is 1-3 teaspoons in a glass of water once or twice a day. Apple cider vinegar has an alkalizing effect on the body, which often helps body processes to work better, including the digestive system. Apple cider vinegar is also helpful for bacterial and fungal conditions. If your constipation is caused by either of these two health problems, apple cider vinegar may be the solution for you.

Start with just 1 teaspoon in a glass of water once or twice a day. You can increase the amount you take if a teaspoon does not seem to be working for you. Some find that it is best to take this tonic between meals. Others find that it works best to take it with meals. You will need to experiment around to figure out how it suits your own particular situation the best.

When you are taking apple cider vinegar for constipation, you need to use raw and organic apple cider vinegar. This is the vinegar that will have micronutrients helpful to your digestive system.

Some people do not care for the taste of apple cider vinegar. It is easy to disguise the taste if you add your apple cider vinegar to a glass of juice. It is almost undetectable in grape juice or apple juice. Apple juice, or better yet, apple cider, are excellent juices to add your vinegar to as these juices also help with constipation.

What if Apple Cider Vinegar Does Not Work for My Constipation?

Unfortunately, apple cider vinegar does not work for every case of constipation, In fact, for some, it seems to cause constipation. The good news is that Earth Clinic has dozens of other effective natural remedies for constipation if apple cider vinegar does not work for you.

Have you tried apple cider vinegar for constipation? Please send us some feedback!

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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22 User Reviews

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Posted by Robert (Waterbury, Ct) on 03/15/2015
 ★★★★★

My system stopped working in its usually very regular manner, tried probiotics, it did not help me. After visiting this site, read a lot of the reviews and seems that different things work in different situations. The thing that helped me was 12 ounces of water with about a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and magnesium supplement tablet; this got things moving in a good way on the first day. Today just used a little cider vinegar with water, no magnesium, when I first woke up. Within 15 minutes, had to go and once again without the runs. This was after a week of almost nothing coming out.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Terrysweething (Saskatchewan, Canada) on 12/18/2014

Myself and my fiancee began to take apple cider vinegar with the mother. He would take one tbs twice daily. His stomach issues usually involved going to the washroom too much, sudden bouts of diarrhea, bloat and gas. He took the ACV for about three days, then was off as he wasn't home. When he returned he stated he was constipated, and it took a couple more days to work through. He was so plugged up he had bleeding when he finally managed to pass. He has really never had this problem before, as he usually has the opposite. Did the ACV cause this? Any ideas? I would like for him to stick with the Apple Cider Vinegar for other benefits but now he won't as the result of just a couple days was terrible. Any help would be appreciated.

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
12/18/2014

Terrysweething, have him start again with MUCH less.

Replied by Terrysweething
(Saskatchewan, Canada)
12/18/2014

Thank you, will do. I am wondering too if he was not drinking enough water as well?

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Diamond (Ma., US) on 09/16/2014
 ★★★★★

I have found a great solution for constipation; in my case I was born with a mold virus. I use Apple Cider Vinegar in a cup or container with fresh chopped garlic and chopped onion, let it set for an hour or two, then take an enema and for me it works right away. Also once in awhile I add aloe vera to my mixture as it's a great healer. Good Luck

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Salut (Los Angeles, California) on 06/30/2014
 ★☆☆☆☆

I love this site!! I am learning so much and at a time when I need it. So thank you to all! My question is about ACV. I read great things about it, and because I have suffered most of my life ( I am 50) of "lazy" intestins and would easily go an entire week without a bowel movement and being bloated, I thought I would give ACV a try. I probably was to eager as I started 2x a day a shot glass. I did that for 2 days (4 shots) my body was not happy. I figured I probably used too much. I lowered to just 2 tablespoons per day. No difference. Instad of helping my bowels it seems to make it worse.I don't know why ACV is not working for me. Did someone have such an experience? thank you very much.

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
07/01/2014

Dear Salut,

I am sorry that the ACV is not working for you. You are most brave to take that much at once! :)

Constipation has many causes. So, maybe ACV helps some because it addresses certain causes but not the cause you are dealing with.

ACV doesn't help me with constipation issues either. I use it daily and love it. I find it very helpful for different things. But for me, dairy products slow my system down very much. I had a terrible time with constipation as a child. As an adult, I was vegetarian and then vegan (no dairy or eggs either) for a while. Suddenly my elimination became normal.

If I eat lots of fruits and vegetables, all tends to be well for me even with dairy sometimes. If my diet isn't going to be so great (especially bad when traveling! ) I use Dr. Christopher's Lower Bowel Formula. I used it a lot during pregnancy since pregnancy tends to slow the system. For me, two capsules a meal works when my diet is at its worst. Other times, I might just take two caspules if I am eating a meal with lots of dairy. It has Cascara Sagrada in it, which is what keeps the system moving. Some say not to take it regularly, but I have not had a problem with it. I took it daily during pregnancy and was able to go off it easily.

There are lots of solutions on EC. I am hopeful that one of those will be your solution! Or maybe you will find a new solution to post. I hope you figure out the problem soon.

~Mama to Many~

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lisaj (Charleston, Sc) on 12/15/2012
 ★★★★★

I have been drinking 1 cap of apple cider vinegar (ACV) and water everyday for 6 years. It has changed my life forever. My entire life I had constipation problems, colds, bloating.... Now all healed. I carry my bottle with me when I travel. I have even purchased when in Greece and Turkey. I will never miss a day in my life without this miricle product! Don't wait start drinking now.

Replied by Timothy
(Duluth, Ga)
12/11/2013

I will try this beginning tomorrow, although I am a blood type O non secretor and am supposed to avoid ACV. I eat a high fiber diet, drink almost nothing but water, but am chronically constipated. I don't consume wheat, dairy, or sugar. I'm thin and healthy... So what's up? I have to try this. I will mix 2 tbsp with water and see what happens.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Donna (Southern, Ohio) on 02/21/2010
 ★☆☆☆☆

I have suffered with a spastic colon which the doctors are now calling IBS since I was in high school, over 20 years ago! I continue to have problems with my bowels and in a bad week will go for days without any eliminations. I do drink organic ACV daily in fruit juices. Unfortunately, ACV does nothing for the constipation, bloating, or stomach pain associated with IBS. I have been drinking about a tablespoon or so at least twice a day (or more) for over a month now and can tell no difference what so ever so I guess I have to give ACV a Nay when it comes to alleviating constipation.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Noor (Lawrenceville, Ga) on 06/10/2009
 ★★★★★

HI I just wanted to let people knw my story, I have been on a low carb diet wihich also known as protein sparing modified fast its very stricted in food u intake, awesome diet however the only problem is u don`t have bowel movements for days, a friend of mine told me she been taking apple cider vinegar ever since she had her last kid, and ask me to give it a try, so i did 2 tablespoon daily pure just like that no water no sweetener its just easier this way comparing in adding whole lot of water and honey...which tend to make it harder to drink. And belived or not i have bowel movements every single day, and its just 2 tablespoon a day and drink lots of water itself the whole day, i feel great more than ever, i highly recommend that to any body that suffer bowel movements, plz go buy yourself a good ACV unfiltered u will see diference in you.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mrs P. (Kuching, Malaysia) on 05/22/2009
 ★☆☆☆☆

I am taking diluted apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon in 8oz upon rising from bed in the AM and have another one before dinner. I have been taking this for 1 week. I only get little BM daily. I wonder if there is anything I can do to increase the effectiveness. I am so envy reading other's pleasant experiences with ACV. I really hope ACV is the final solution to my serious constipation since it has a lot of other health benefits. Any suggestion? I am thinking of taking a larger dosage.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Daniel (Blackwood, NJ) on 04/22/2009
 ★★★★★

I have a theory on why Apple cider vinegar seems to help with constipation and IBS for some people and not for others. I'm actually surprised this ailment isn't on the site, its called SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacteria Overgrowth) and its been linked to many (but not all) cases of IBS. Since the vinegar is antibacterial when one takes this it tends to lower the bacterial load of the small intestines allowing someone with IBS or SIBO to find relief because the overgrowth of the bacteria is stopped, much like a prescription of antibiotics that does the same thing without the fairly large price tag. I think the problem a lot of people are running into is when they take too much of it and it kills too many of the bacteria that help you digest your food. There is, Personally when I take a shot of the stuff after a few days it causes me constipation because its not diluted enough and it most likely gets dumped into my intestines as soon as I drink it due to the irritation of the pyloric valve much like a shot of vodka or equally irritating substance. But when I take only a teaspoon or two in 12 or more oz of water my bowel movements are great. So if any of you are having a problem with constipation please give ACV another chance just use much less (a tsp or two at most )and dilute it in water or your liquid of choice you will probably have a much better time with it. Also if your worried about the enamel on your teeth please use a straw.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Carol (Washington, DC, USA) on 01/01/2009
 ★★★★★

I have suffered from ulcerative colitis and constipation for years. My medications (for other health problems) seemed to be making the constipation worse. I eat lots of fiber, drink plenty of water & exercise regularly, but the constipation did not go away. I found this site & decided to try ACV. I took 2 teaspoons last night with water and then 2 tsp. this morning followed by water & it worked perfectly! I was amazed that I achieved these results so quickly. I actually had a normal bowel movement. I feel great! I will definitely keep taking ACV. Thanks!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by newnelly (44065, ohio) on 10/06/2008
 ★★★★★

I tried apple cidar vinegar (1 tbs) straight chased by water. Wow! It immediately had me running to the bathroom. I know it says to take it in water and sip it all day long, but if you feel brave and feel the need to purge, this is the way to go. Warning! It burns a bit, but I think that is because it is working and cleansing the insides.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Madhur (Jackson Hole, Wyoming) on 10/02/2008
 ★☆☆☆☆

Taking ACV has made me constipated - contrary to other people's joyous feedback that it has cured this very ailment. I took note of one other person, Robin, who has had the same effect. ACV, generally, has been very beneficial for me except promoting constipation.
Can anyone finally answer this question? Thanks, M.

Replied by Lauren
(Keego Harbor, Michigan United States)
10/03/2008
★☆☆☆☆

Nay! Thank God I am not the only one that has expeienced the Constipation effect with the ACV and Baking soda remedy. I love ACV for everything else but it caused constipation with me. I started taking 2 TBlsp ACV w/ 1/4 tsp. BSoda for acid reflux/ulcer/digestion issues. It helps for that problem but is making me constipated. Anyone know why this ACV/Bsoda combo does this for some people?

Replied by Beatrice
(Ottawa, Ontario)
04/30/2011

I fear the ACV also causing me constipation. I just started taking it yesterday and like you said, it works miracles for the acid reflux (especially at night when antiacids just don't work), but I also havn't had a bowel movement since then. It could also be the fact that I was also taking tums for the reflux, which I hear can cause constipation. I worry that this will make digestion more difficult, along with making the reflux worst. I was also wondering if drinking ACV can worsen Hyperkalimia (too much potassium in the blood). Feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Replied by Margaret
(Greensboro, Nc)
03/23/2012
★☆☆☆☆

Those of you who suffer from constipation from ACV may have the same condition I do. I have IBS caused by intolerance to fruit sugars. ( and also grains, MSG and ALL vinegars) Most people can eat dried fruit ( prunes) and have a bowel movement. For me dried fruit is like POISON because the fruit sugars are concentrated. I suspect ACV is the same way. The fructose has been concentrated & altered by aging, but its still in there, and you are highly sensitive to it. Also, the aging produces naturally occurring MSG. I have also discovered that with IBS-C, you have a sensitivity to a food product, and your colon spasms and stops in one place, so you keep taking the fluids out of your stool until its like a rock. Beware of people who tell you to eat wheat bran and fruit. It will make it WORSE. Eat a high protein diet and watch out for ALL MSG- anything that is autolyzed or hydrolyzed on the label is MSG.

Michelle
(Usa)
07/06/2016

Is there any way to allow your body to eat fruit, or do you have to go rest of your life not eating fruit?

Replied by Rajiv
(Delhi)
04/17/2016
★☆☆☆☆

Same issue, the first it worked as a charm. But second day onwards it has clogged up my system so bad, that even after a week I am suffering. I took 1 teaspoon with honey once a day for 3 days. I was not taking it for constipation but migraines. I feel so dry from inside. How to reverse it?

Replied by Kelly
(Seattle)
10/25/2016

Apple Cider Vinegar, with the 'mother' or not, is one of the worst things to take for constipation. It's astringent and somewhat bitter, so it will constrict tissues (that's why it helps for bleeding), and slow down and dry up bowel movements instead of helping them.

The reason it helps when it does, is usually because of the HONEY that people add to it, or something onions and garlic. ACV alone is great if you have diarrhea, but not if you're constipated.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bridget (Philadelphia, Pa) on 07/26/2008
 ★★★★★

I'm not even sure where to start. Today is my 6th day taking ACV (_____s organic). I'm taking 2 tsp along with 1 tsp pure natural honey mixed in apx 2 ounces of water, 3x a day ( before each meal.) Apx 2 years ago I developed a white mole directly under my eye, hated it and always planned on finding out about getting it removed. On day 4 of taking the ACV, I had gotten out of the pool and was rubbing my eye and noticed I couldn't feel the mole. I went to the mirror to look and could barely see it. Today is day 6 and it's almost gone! I have another dark mole on my arm that is also changing!

Another HUGE change this week are my bowel movements. I am hypothyroid, and normally when I'm eating healthy items such as alot of fruits and veggies, I tend to have a hard time producing a movement, but this week I have been producing at least once, sometimes twice a day, and they are very large healthy movements. I have also lost 4+ lbs which of course I also attribute to eatting better and drinking alot of water. I tend to go on these health kicks alot, for long periods of time, but this is my first time trying the ACV and I have been telling everyone about my dissapearing mole and my movements for 2 days now. I cant wait to wake up each day and see what else is going to change! Loving it, and I will keep yous updated! Thanks, Mom in Phila

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by JM (Cebu, Philippines) on 09/29/2007
 ★★★★★

I have been suffering from constipation and dyspepsia for years and am "used to it". I tried all sort of "fiber" products including all kinds of oatmeal, yogurt etc. some works only when u take it and when u stop ..back to heavy feeling again. When i started taking ACV (i took it for a mistaken lymph node but its actually a boil) i feel lighter, constipation is gone every after meal....and i lost 2lbs for a week..it's really a MIRACLE...lots of benefits...I can't stop thanking this website..more power..

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jessica (Lady's Island, SC) on 09/04/2007
 ★★★★★

I have been suffering from cystic breakouts and chronic constipation most of my adult life. These issues seem to only have intensified with age. Mind you, I eat an organic, almost-vegetarian diet and am always sure to get my minimum fiber intake. Before ACV, I was lucky if I had a bowel movement every other day and always felt "backed up" and suffered from terrible gas! My face would suddenly erupt in cystic acne lesions that took weeks to heal. After spending literally thousands of dollars on products in an attempt to rid myself of both conditions, I am now able to throw out more than half of the things in my medicine cabinet. I take 2 tbs. ACV morning and night, straight-- I don't even mind the taste. I also apply it topically to my face every morn-- seems to brighten my complexion and tone my pores. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to consider dilluting it, as it is pretty strong. My skin has never been better and I am completely "regular" now-I only wish I had tried this sooner and imagine the years of suffering I could have saved myself. If something ails you, try it-- it certainly can't hurt!


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