They both promise to promote good digestion, support immunity and act on the intestine. But apple cider vinegar and probiotics do not act in the same way. “”Probiotics and apple cider vinegar are two natural approaches, but they do not have the same operating mode or the same effects“Specifies Alexandra Murcier. To fully understand their respective roles, we must know their action on our digestive tract.
Microbiota, an essential actor in our health
Our digestive system is populated by billions of microorganisms – some good, others less – which influence digestion, immunity, and even our mood. This is called the intestinal microbiota.
Stimulating these good bacteria, maintaining or strengthening them can significantly improve our overall well-being. And for that, you have the choice between taking apple cider vinegar or probiotics.
Apple cider vinegar, digestive support for indirect effect
Apple cider vinegar is a fermented liquid from apples, rich in acetic acid. It is renowned for its digestive virtues and its antimicrobial potential.
“”Apple cider vinegar has a moderate prebiotic effect – it can nourish good bacteria in our intestine – but it has no probiotic effect because it does not contain living bacteria“Explains Alexandra Murcier.
This does not mean that it is useless. “”It has an effect on the microbiota because it can help balance the pH and inhibit the action of certain bacteria. It stimulates gastric acidity and the functioning of certain enzymes“She adds.
In practice, this means that apple cider vinegar is particularly useful in people who lack gastric acidity, which is frequent with age or certain digestive pathologies. It can also help reduce certain pathogenic bacteria such as Candida albicansat the origin of intestinal disorders.
Easy to integrate into food via dressings or drinks, it has limits and precautions to know as a risk of stomach irritation. It is also contraindicated in the event of ulcer or dental sensitivity.
Probiotics, a targeted approach to nourish your microbiota
In contrast, probiotics are living microorganisms (bacteria or yeast) that are consumed in the form of supplements or via fermented foods, such as yogurt, kefir or sauerkraut, for example.
“”Probiotics have no prebiotic effect but have a very interesting effect on the microbiota since their taking makes it possible to colonize the intestine with good bacteria and therefore to positively influence the microbiota“Details Alexandra Murcier.
Their effects are now well documented, they act on:
- Diarrhea prevention, whether infectious or linked to antibiotics;
- Irritable colon syndrome (SCI) : pain, bloating, alternating constipation/diarrhea;
- Chronic inflammatory diseases of the intestine (IMB) like ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.
“”Probiotics also improve digestion, especially in the event of intestinal imbalance. They strengthen intestinal health, improve immunity and are essential in the event of antibiotic therapy“Even specifies our expert.
On the other hand, they can present a risk in the event of immunodeficiency, because certain strains could lead to an opportunistic infection in very rare cases.
Can we take the two sets?
Good news: these two approaches can be combined, provided they respect some rules.
Cider vinegar is taken rather before meals, in diluted version (never pure), to stimulate digestion.
Probiotics are consumed according to the product recommendations (fasting or meal) and ideally continuously over several weeks.
“”For my part, I rather recommend probiotics, which benefit from many studies on large cohorts that demonstrate their effects. Apple cider vinegar can be a good supplement, in light prevention, and one can combine both“Concludes Alexandra Murcier.