ACV is generally safe when consumed in moderation — no more than 1 to 2 tablespoons (tbsp) daily. But drinking excessive amounts of ACV can decrease potassium to hazardous levels. ACV may interact with some medications (including diuretics, laxatives, and certain medications for diabetes and heart disease).
Teeth Damage
Vinegar can be as much as 7% acetic acid, which can cause serious dental damage. Acids carry away the minerals in your teeth, weakening enamel and potentially leading to cavities and other problems. Habitual drinking of straight vinegar may be problematic for this reason.
It's best to start with small doses and avoid taking large amounts. Too much vinegar can cause harmful side effects, including tooth enamel erosion and potential drug interactions.
Although white vinegar is generally safe, too much of a good thing could prove harmful. Consumption of too much vinegar may exacerbate symptoms of inflammatory conditions in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract such as heartburn or indigestion.
Is there any harm in trying vinegar, though? Vinegar is fine to use on food and when mixed with water, juice, or another liquid is safe to drink. However, with a pH between 2.4 and 3.3, vinegar is acidic enough to erode tooth enamel, inflame the esophagus and stomach, and trigger nausea and acid reflux.
The use of vinegar has been shown to be harmful to the liver and to the kidneys. Vinegar is also an irritant to the central nervous system. Regular consumption of vinegar can cause low potassium levels and lower bone density. Studies have shown that vinegar contributes to Candida overgrowth.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Incredible detoxification actions of ACV work to flush out the harmful toxins from the liver that hinders its normal functions. Studies discloses that regular intake of ACV promotes weight loss, diminishes cholesterol levels, lessen inflammation, and uplift the overall health of the liver.
1. It helps support good digestion and our immune systems. Studies show that fermented foods, like vinegar, inhibit the enzymes that help you digest starch, leaving enough starch to feed and encourage the growth of healthy gut bacteria--which is what you want (think better digestion and stronger immune systems).
Because it is very acidic, it may cause stomach discomfort or digestive problems. However, this is unlikely to happen unless a person drinks a significant amount of the undiluted vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar can cause side effects. For example, applying undiluted vinegar to the skin for long periods can lead to burns and irritation. Regularly consuming large quantities of the vinegar, especially in an undiluted form, may cause digestive issues, damage the teeth, and affect potassium levels.
9 health benefits of apple cider vinegar for women
Helps with painful periods: ACV can help relieve bloating, cramps, and irritability caused by PMS or periods. Regulates blood sugar levels: ACV may help regulate blood sugar levels, especially after a starchy meal.
Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar delays "gastric emptying," meaning it messes with your body's ability to move food from the stomach into the intestines, which can leave you feeling queasy.
For general health, experts recommend drinking 15-30 ml of apple cider vinegar diluted in a cup of water. This translates to 1-2 tablespoons of ACV per day.
Apple cider vinegar nutritional value
Apple cider vinegar's claim to fame is acetic acid, which forms during fermentation. This acid may have a variety of health benefits. Raw apple cider vinegar also contains: Natural probiotics (friendly bacteria), which may help with your immune system and gut health.
ACV is naturally acidic, and so for people with low stomach acidity, using ACV may help raise stomach acid levels to aid digestion. In theory, this could prevent gas and bloating, which a slow digestion can cause. ACV is also an antimicrobial substance , meaning it may help kill bacteria in the stomach or intestines.
Taking a shot of apple cider vinegar in the morning on an empty stomach is one practice that many wellness gurus claim helps you lose weight, reduce hunger, and remove toxins from your system.
Cruciferous vegetables
This includes, but is not limited to, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage and kale. These vegetables are a major source of glutathione, which triggers the toxin cleansing enzymes of the liver.
“Apple cider vinegar may reduce the level of potassium in your body, so if you're using both, you may have low potassium levels, which can negatively affect how your heart and muscles function.” Be mindful if you're taking certain heart medications as well, specifically those for arrhythmia.
Several animal studies have shown that vinegar can reduce blood triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood pressure. However, there is no strong evidence that it leads to a reduced risk of heart disease in humans.
Vinegar is not intended to be ingested in significant amounts and can cause stomach distress resulting in nausea and vomiting. If ingested by someone who has stomach ulcers, vinegar can worsen the symptoms instead of helping.
While drinking apple cider vinegar is associated with health benefits, regularly consuming large amounts for long periods can be dangerous and may be linked to side effects, including low blood potassium levels (20).
Several studies in animals and humans have found that acetic acid and apple cider vinegar may promote fat burning and weight loss, decrease blood sugar levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and improve cholesterol levels ( 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ).