Yes, taking apple cider vinegar (ACV) daily can have side effects, primarily due to its high acidity, including eroding tooth enamel, irritating the throat and esophagus, slowing stomach emptying, and potentially lowering potassium levels, which can affect medications like diuretics and insulin; it's crucial to dilute it and consult a doctor, especially with existing health conditions or medications.
8 Potential Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is acidic, so it's important to dilute it before drinking it. You can dilute it by mixing it with water or another liquid. Wohlford says drinking apple cider vinegar regularly or without diluting it can cause side effects such as: erosion of tooth enamel.
Dr. Dasgupta said consuming ACV “might lower potassium levels, which can cause muscle cramps.” If consumed in large amounts over time, it may also weaken bones, he added.
Kalakota notes, apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid. "Consuming it just contributes to the acid in your stomach that's already causing issues," says Dr. Kalakota. "It can actually just worsen acid reflux."
8 Things You Should Never Do While Taking Apple Cider Vinegar
Coffee and tea – Caffeinated beverages aggravate acid reflux. Opt for teas without caffeine. Carbonated beverages – The bubbles expand in your stomach, creating more pressure and pain. Choose plain water or decaf iced tea.
ACV is not for everyone.
People with acid reflux, ulcers, low potassium, osteoporosis, or those on specific medications should avoid or consult a doctor before use. Usage tips: Always dilute ACV, start with small amounts, and incorporate it into meals rather than directly drinking.
Combining certain drugs with apple cider vinegar can have unintended effects, such as low potassium levels or low blood sugar. Examples of drugs that may interact with apple cider vinegar include insulin and other diabetes drugs, diuretics (water pills), ACE inhibitors, ARBs, digoxin, and certain weight loss drugs.
Fresh cider is raw apple juice that has not undergone a filtration process to remove coarse particles of pulp or sediment. Apple juice is juice that has been cooked and filtered to remove solids, and pasteurized so that it will stay fresh longer.
It's deeply cleansing, scalp balancing, gentle (provided that it's diluted well with water), and revitalising for softer, smoother, and shinier hair. ACV also helps maintain your hair colour's vibrancy for longer! It's best to use once a week—two at the most—to prevent it from drying and irritating your hair and scalp.
Due to its high acidity, you shouldn't drink apple cider vinegar straight. Drinking apple cider vinegar straight could damage your teeth and your throat. So, it's always best to dilute your apple cider vinegar with water or mix it into a drink or food dressing.
Balancing gut bacteria
As mentioned earlier, apple cider vinegar contains prebiotics and probiotics that help good bacteria grow in your gut. These bacteria break down food into nutrients your body can use. A healthy mix of good bacteria can also strengthen your immune system.
However, regularly drinking apple cider vinegar can also degrade the tooth enamel — leading to pain and an increased risk of tooth decay and costly dental procedures. Additionally, apple cider vinegar is known to cause esophageal ulceration and burning, gastroparesis and low potassium levels in some instances.
Apple cider vinegar is relatively safe in small amounts but can erode tooth enamel or cause stomach pain in some people. Large amounts may not be safe to consume over the long term.
“It contains the antioxidant chlorogenic acid, which has been shown to protect LDL cholesterol particles from becoming oxidised, a crucial step in the prevention of heart disease process. Additionally, there are also some studies showing that the vinegar can help reduce blood pressure.
Apple cider vinegar offers numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, weight management, and blood sugar regulation. However, it also comes with potential risks such as tooth enamel erosion, digestive discomfort, and interactions with medications.
The vinegar can also interact with some drugs, such as diuretics, laxatives, and insulin. Always ask your doctor if it's safe to use ACV with your current medications. If you have low potassium levels (hypokalemia), too much ACV could make the condition worse. That's because large amounts can reduce potassium levels.
Combining a vitamin D-3 supplement and a tablespoon of ACV per day (about 1,000 mg) in a glass of water, food, or in supplement/gummy form, up to two times per day may support your metabolism, helping it burn fat a little faster.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has gained popularity, but there are health risks associated with its consumption. Undiluted ACV can erode tooth enamel and cause esophageal burns. It can also slow digestion, leading to delayed nutrient absorption. Excessive ACV intake has been linked to low potassium levels and bone loss.
A good breakfast for acid reflux includes low-acid, high-fiber, and low-fat options. Foods like oatmeal, whole-grain toast, non-citrus fruits (bananas, apples, melons), and lean proteins (scrambled egg whites, turkey) are excellent choices. Avoid acidic drinks like orange juice and opt for herbal tea or water instead.
7 Worst Drinks for Gut Health
For fast acid reflux relief, try over-the-counter antacids (like Tums, Rolaids) for immediate neutralization or baking soda in water for quick buffering, but also consider lifestyle fixes like staying upright and elevating your head to sleep, or natural options like ginger tea or a banana, though these provide temporary relief; for persistent issues, stronger acid reducers (H2 blockers or PPIs) may be needed from a doctor, notes Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Yes, you can drink diluted apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach. In fact, it's the recommended way to take ACV. Just wait about 20 minutes or so after drinking apple cider vinegar to eat.