If you’ve ever searched for simple ways to feel less bloated, get your digestion back on track, or just start your day feeling a little cleaner inside, chances are you’ve come across this humble drink.
A mix of apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of baking soda might sound a little odd at first.
But for many people, it’s become a go-to morning elixir that helps with everything from bloating and sluggish digestion to clearer skin and fewer sugar cravings.
Let’s break down what this drink does, how to make it, when to take it, and what to keep in mind if you’re new to it.
Why This Combo Works
Each ingredient brings something powerful to the mix:
1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)
Raw, unfiltered ACV (with the “mother”) is packed with enzymes, probiotics, and acetic acid. It helps support digestion, balances blood sugar after meals, and may reduce bloating.
I usually go for this organic ACV with the mother on Amazon — it’s affordable and unfiltered, which is what you want.
2. Lemon Juice
Lemon adds a dose of vitamin C and helps stimulate stomach acid production, which supports digestion. It also gives the drink a refreshing flavor that balances the ACV’s tang.
3. Baking Soda
Just a pinch of baking soda can help neutralize excessive stomach acid. It may also reduce the intensity of the ACV if it feels too strong for your stomach at first.
Some people also use it to make the drink a little less acidic.
I use plain aluminum-free baking soda like this one that’s safe for drinking and doesn’t have a bitter aftertaste.
How to Make the ACV, Lemon, and Baking Soda Drink
You’ll need:
- 1 tbsp raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- Juice of ½ a lemon
- A pinch of baking soda (⅛ tsp or less)
- 8–10 oz filtered water (room temp or warm)
- Optional: a dash of cinnamon or raw honey for taste
Instructions:
- Add the ACV, lemon juice, and baking soda to your glass.
- Let it fizz and settle (baking soda reacts with the acid).
- Pour in water and stir well.
- Drink slowly on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning.
It’s best not to chug it. Sip gently and notice how your body responds, especially if it’s your first time.
Best Time to Drink It
Most people prefer taking this first thing in the morning, before eating anything. It helps wake up your digestive system and can reduce that heavy, sluggish feeling after breakfast.
Some drink it twice a day, morning and before dinner, especially if they’re aiming for digestive support or mild detox effects.
If you’re new to ACV drinks, start with once a day to see how your body reacts. Too much too soon can make your stomach a little grumpy.
What People Use It For
People who drink this combo regularly often say it helps with:
- Reducing bloating and gas
- More regular digestion
- Fewer sugar cravings (especially mid-morning)
- Balanced energy levels
- Clearer skin over time
- Mild appetite control
- Less joint stiffness
- Supporting the body’s natural detox process
Does it magically cure everything? No. But as part of a routine with real food, movement, and hydration, it can be a small habit with big ripple effects.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- Always dilute ACV. Drinking it straight can damage tooth enamel and irritate your throat.
- Don’t overdo baking soda. A pinch is enough, too much can throw off your stomach’s natural pH.
- Use a straw. Especially if you drink it often, this helps protect your teeth from acid. I use these reusable glass straws that are easy to clean and kind of fun.
- Talk to your doctor if you have ulcers, kidney issues, or are on certain medications.
Helpful Tools & Ingredients
If you’re gathering what you need, here are some picks people often use for this drink:
- Raw ACV with the Mother: Bragg Organic ACV
- Citrus Juicer: Handheld Lemon Squeezer
- Aluminum-Free Baking Soda: Bob’s Red Mill Baking Soda
- Glass Mason Jar Cups with Lids: Perfect for morning drinks
- Wooden Spoon Stirrer (gentle on glass): Cute kitchen stir stick
- Reusable Glass Straws: Protect your teeth & ditch plastic
Each of these links goes straight to Amazon, where you can check reviews, compare prices, and grab what fits your needs.
Just pick the ones that make your mornings easier.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon, and Baking Soda Drink
This unique combination offers a variety of potential health benefits, thanks to the synergistic properties of its ingredients.
When consumed as part of a balanced diet, this drink may promote digestion, hydration, and overall well-being.
1. Supports Digestion
- Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV): Contains acetic acid, which may help improve digestion by stimulating stomach acid production.
- Lemon Juice: Encourages bile production, aiding in the breakdown of fats and supporting nutrient absorption.
- Baking Soda: Acts as an antacid, helping to neutralize excess stomach acid and relieve symptoms of indigestion or heartburn.
2. Balances Body pH
- While the body regulates its pH naturally, consuming this drink may promote a feeling of balance.
- Baking soda neutralizes acidity, while ACV and lemon juice help maintain an alkaline environment in the body.
3. Boosts Energy Levels
- Lemon juice provides a natural source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress and supports energy production.
- ACV may help stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing energy crashes.
4. Detoxification Support
- ACV: Believed to assist the liver in detoxifying and flushing out harmful substances.
- Lemon Juice: Acts as a mild diuretic, promoting kidney function and aiding in the elimination of toxins.
5. Aids Weight Management
- ACV has been studied for its potential to curb appetite and support weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
- Lemon juice’s high vitamin C content supports metabolism and fat oxidation.
6. Promotes Hydration
- Lemon juice enhances the flavor of water, encouraging increased fluid intake, which is essential for hydration and overall health.
7. Supports Immune Health
- Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps the body fight off infections.
- ACV has antibacterial properties, which may contribute to overall health.
8. Relieves Bloating
- Baking soda can alleviate bloating and gas by neutralizing stomach acids.
- Lemon and ACV may reduce water retention and support proper digestion.
9. Improves Skin Health
- The antioxidants in lemon and ACV can help combat free radicals that contribute to skin aging.
- The drink’s detoxifying effects may reduce skin issues such as acne.
10. Enhances Alkalinity
- Although ACV and lemon are acidic in nature, they have an alkalizing effect on the body once metabolized, which may help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.
Precautions:
While this drink has many potential benefits, moderation is key:
- Overconsumption may cause tooth enamel erosion due to the acidity of lemon and vinegar.
- Baking soda can disrupt the body’s natural electrolyte balance if consumed in large amounts.
- Individuals with specific health conditions, such as GERD or high blood pressure, should consult a healthcare provider before regular use.
One Sip at a Time
This drink isn’t magic. But when you pair it with small, steady changes, more water, less processed sugar, a morning walk, it can be part of a healthy rhythm that actually sticks.
The taste might be strong at first. But give it a few mornings. You might even start looking forward to it.
If you’ve already tried it, let me know how it went, or share your own twist on the recipe. Some people add cayenne. Others use sparkling water. The key is making it work for you.
