Taking two tablespoons of 'superfood' between 9-11pm reduces blood sugar levels

Dr Eric Berg DC has shared his insights on how incorporating two tablespoons of a 'superfood' into your nightly routine could 'perfect' your blood sugar levels. The health expert, known for his expertise in healthy ketosis and intermittent fasting, has a following of 12.7 million subscribers on YouTube.

In a video, he told his audience that a simple mixture of apple cider vinegar with water taken before bedtime can significantly reduce blood sugar levels. The beverage can be usually found at most supermarkets and pharmacies.

At the beginning of his video, Dr Berg highlighted the prevalence of blood sugar issues. "There are so many people with blood sugar issues," he said.

Blood glucose, or blood sugar, is the main type of sugar found in the bloodstream and acts as the primary source of energy for the body, obtained from the food we eat. The body converts most food into glucose, which then circulates in the blood.

An increase in blood glucose triggers the pancreas to produce and release insulin. For individuals without diabetes, normal blood sugar levels typically range from 4 to 6 mmol/L before meals and should remain under 8 mmol/L two hours after eating.

High blood sugar usually results from insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance. This can potentially lead to type 2 diabetes, reports the Mirror.

There are 4.4 million people in the UK living with diabetes, and a further 1.2 million may be undiagnosed cases of type 2 diabetes, according to Diabetes UK. To manage blood sugar levels, experts recommend a healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating consistently.

Dr Berg advocates for an additional measure - apple cider vinegar. "If you're not already, you should consider adding apple cider vinegar (ACV) into your diet," he advises.

"There are things that can improve your blood sugar levels that go beyond keto and fasting, and apple cider vinegar is one of them." He explains the benefits of its acetic acid content.

"The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar gives a very potent anti-glycemic effect, even if you're not doing keto. It can help buffer the food you eat to bring it lower on the glycemic index. This can help stabilise your blood sugar and insulin," he said.

Dr Berg also notes that lowering glucose reduces insulin, which can have several health benefits, such as:

• Decrease fat on your liver
• Lose weight
• Decrease hunger
• Decrease cravings

Early signs of high blood sugar can include increased thirst, frequent trips to the loo, headaches, and blurry vision. Over time, symptoms may progress to extreme tiredness, unexpected weight loss, skin or vaginal yeast infections, and slow healing of cuts or wounds.

If you notice these symptoms, it's crucial to seek advice from your GP or diabetes care team. Changes to your treatment plan or lifestyle might be needed to keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range.

How and what time to take diluted apple cider vinegar:

When it comes to taking apple cider vinegar, Dr Berg advises opting for organic varieties. As for when to take it, he suggests: "If your blood sugar is high in the morning even though you didn't consume a lot of carbs the day before, this is known as the dawn phenomenon."

"If you experience this issue, try taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed into eight to twelve ounces of water before bed." Given that most Brits go to sleep between 10-11pm, aim to have the drink around that time, from 9pm onwards.

Dr Berg also recommends trying apple cider vinegar before a meal. However, bear in mind that because it's highly acidic, always sip it through a straw to protect your teeth.

Ensure you dilute it in a tall glass of water, never take it neat. On its own, the vinegar can cause stomach irritation or damage tooth enamel.

Apple cider vinegar may also interact with diabetes medications, causing blood sugar to drop too low. You should consult with your doctor before increasing your apple cider vinegar intake if you're taking blood-sugar-lowering medications.