In today’s episode, I’m joined by Drew Harrisberg, an exercise physiologist, diabetes educator, and the founder of Drew’s Daily Dose. Drew has been thriving with type 1 diabetes for over 13 years, and today we take a deep dive into the science behind Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV).
We discuss the power of anecdotes in the wellness industry, starting with the story of Belle Gibson and the latest Netflix series ‘Apple Cider Vinegar’. What can we learn from these cases of anecdote-driven misinformation? How can we better decipher fact from fiction when faced with bold health claims on social media?
Does ACV actually help with blood sugar control, weight loss, digestion, and overall health? Or is it just another overhyped wellness trend? We analyse the actual research, compare ACV to other proven lifestyle interventions, and discuss whether or not I should take Bragg’s ACV as a podcast sponsor.
We break down:
- ACV and blood sugar – does it help regulate glucose levels?
- ACV and weight loss – what does the science actually say?
- ACV vs. other blood sugar strategies (walking, fiber, etc.)
- Potential downsides – acid, teeth, capsules, and more
- How to take ACV properly without ruining your teeth
- Should Simon take Bragg’s ACV as a sponsor? Ethics of podcast ads
Later in the episode, Drew shares a deeply emotional tribute to his dog Dennis, reflecting on grief, love, and the importance of celebrating life. We also discuss the power of memory dividends and why showing up for the people (and pets) we love matters.
We end on a lighter note with a shocking magic trick, some laughs, and a classic dad joke.
- Intro (00:00)
- The Belle Gibson Scandal: Fraud, Health Myths, and Social Media Deception (02:08)
- Joe Rogan, COVID-19 Treatments, and the Misinformation Debate (08:06)
- The Natural Remedies Debate: Truth vs. Hype (13:03)
- Seed Oils vs. Beef Tallow: Myths and Facts (29:00)
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Separating Science from Fiction (32:51)
- Apple Cider Vinegar and Blood Sugar: What the Research Really Says (53:10)
- Practical Tips for Managing Blood Sugar Naturally (01:03:34)
- Dental Health Risks of Acidic Beverages like Apple Cider Vinegar (01:19:12)
- Should You Take Apple Cider Vinegar as a Daily Supplement? (01:28:34)
- Ethics of Sponsorships and Misinformation in Health Marketing (01:33:20)
- Farewell to Dennis (01:53:10)
- Magic Trick (02:04:10)
- Final Takeaways (02:10:51)
Resources and Further Reading
- Apple Cider Vinegar | IMDb
- Bad Influencer: The Great Insta Con | IMDb
- Vinegar supplementation lowers glucose and insulin responses and increases satiety after a bread meal in healthy subjects
- The Effects of Vinegar/Acetic Acid Intake on Appetite Measures and Energy Consumption: A Systematic Literature Review
- Vinegar intake reduces body weight, body fat mass, and serum triglyceride levels in obese Japanese subjects
- Apple cider vinegar for weight management in Lebanese adolescents and young adults with overweight and obesity: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
- Acetic acid upregulates the expression of genes for fatty acid oxidation enzymes in liver to suppress body fat accumulation
- Effect of apple cider vinegar on delayed gastric emptying in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a pilot study
- Examination of the antiglycemic properties of vinegar in healthy adults
- Improvement of obesity and glucose tolerance by acetate in Type 2 diabetic Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats
- The effect of apple vinegar consumption on glycemic indices, blood pressure, oxidative stress, and homocysteine in patients with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia: A randomized controlled clinical trial
- The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
- The improvement effect of apple cider vinegar as a functional food on anthropometric indices, blood glucose and lipid profile in diabetic patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial
- Erosive Effect of Acidic Beverages and Dietary Preservatives on Extracted Human Teeth-An In Vitro Analysis
- [Effects of vinegar on tooth bleaching and dental hard tissues in vitro]
- Evidence That Daily Vinegar Ingestion May Contribute to Erosive Tooth Wear in Adults
- [Unhealthy weight loss. Erosion by apple cider vinegar]
- Effect of neutralized and native vinegar on blood glucose and acetate responses to a mixed meal in healthy subjects
- Evidence That Daily Vinegar Ingestion May Contribute to Erosive Tooth Wear in Adults
- Commercial Vinegar Tablets Do Not Display the Same Physiological Benefits for Managing Postprandial Glucose Concentrations as Liquid Vinegar
- Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression
- Antibacterial apple cider vinegar eradicates methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus and resistant Escherichia coli
- Tallow | Wikipedia
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More about Drew Harrisberg
Drew Harrisberg is an exercise physiologist with a post-graduate certificate in diabetes education and management, but most importantly – he is a happy and healthy guy thriving with type 1 diabetes. After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 22, Drew made it his mission to regain control of his health by making positive changes to the way that he lives, eats, moves, and the mindset in which he approaches life. Drew has not only accepted living with diabetes but has also learned to manage it so that it doesn’t manage him.
Drew’s background as a qualified health professional and his personal experience living with type 1 diabetes for over 13 years is what fuels his passion to share everything he learns along the way. which is why he created Drew’s Daily Dose – a home that inspires, empowers, and enables people to thrive rather than simply survive.
Drew is a voice for the diabetes community and is an ambassador for Diabetes Australia, the DANII Foundation and BreakthroughT1D (formerly JDRF). He has also presented a motivational TEDx talk which you can find on Youtube.
Drew’s training program BIGGER STRONGER FITTER is available for The Proof community at 50% off. Use code PROOF50 for 50% off.
Drew’s free e-book titled My Day On a Plate includes four high-protein plant-based recipes and pages of scientific evidence comparing plant-based vs omnivorous diets for building muscle, the impact on the environment, and overall human health.
