Drinking apple cider vinegar (ACV), especially in large amounts or undiluted, can lead to several side effects due to its high acidity. The most common issues are damage to teeth and the digestive system, as well as potential interactions with certain medications.
8 Potential Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar
Taking apple cider vinegar (ACV) daily in moderation (1-2 tablespoons diluted) might offer benefits like slight blood sugar reduction and modest weight loss support, but long-term, high doses can erode tooth enamel, irritate the throat/stomach, cause digestive issues, and lower potassium levels, potentially interacting with medicines like diuretics and insulin. It's crucial to dilute it in water, avoid large amounts, and consult a doctor, especially if on medication, as it's not a miracle cure and excessive intake carries risks.
Medication interaction
“Individuals who are taking insulin might experience enhanced insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels due to ACV, potentially leading to hypoglycemia with symptoms like dizziness, confusion, headache, or fainting,” she added.
1. Don't take it straight. If you're thinking about downing some apple cider vinegar and then quickly eating or drinking something else to mask the bitter taste, you may want to think twice. While there are many ACV health benefits, drinking it this way may be more harmful than helpful.
Because of the acidity of apple cider vinegar, drinking undiluted apple cider vinegar can trigger or worsen symptoms in people with digestive problems such as acid reflux. Apple cider vinegar can also cause damage to the esophagus. Some people may also experience an upset stomach after consuming apple cider vinegar.
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.
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.
Vinegar may trigger indigestion or nausea, so don't drink it on an empty stomach.
It can interact with some types of medicines, including insulin, diuretics (water pills), laxatives and certain medications for high blood pressure. Nausea and vomiting. “Some people quite literally just can't stomach the taste and acidity of apple cider vinegar,” Czerwony warns.
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.
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.
Neuherbs Apple Cider Vinegar
It is the best apple cider vinegar because it contains pure Himalayan apple juice and has undiluted, unfiltered, raw vinegar with the mother enzyme. It has a natural plant-based remedy and contains no added sugar or preservatives.
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.
If you choose to drink apple cider vinegar, be sure it is diluted in another liquid. Wohlford recommends mixing no more than a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into an 8-ounce serving of water, tea or another liquid. Don't drink more than one serving a day.
Apple cider vinegar is effective in preventing oxidative stress of the kidneys. It increases the levels of antioxidants in the body, balances blood sugar levels and reduces blood pressure, creating optimum conditions for kidney health. Apple cider vinegar contains citric acid which dissolves kidney stones.
Possibly, but only slightly – and there's not enough evidence yet. The NHS recommends aiming to lose around 2 kg per month if you're carrying extra weight. One study found participants lost just 1–2 kg over 12 weeks when drinking apple cider vinegar, which is below NHS recommendations.
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.
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.
Some studies suggest that it's okay to have up to two tablespoons a day. Research shows that people have used it safely for up to 12 weeks. You might be less likely to have side effects if you add apple cider vinegar to food rather than drink it. Use of apple cider vinegar does have some risks.
One of the surprising benefits of apple cider vinegar is its ability to stabilize blood sugar levels. Research suggests that consuming ACV can improve insulin sensitivity, which helps the body manage glucose levels more effectively.
Ingestion of higher concentrations causes immediate burning of the mouth and throat, breathing difficulty, drooling, difficulty swallowing, stomach pain and vomiting (there may be blood in the vomit). Skin contact with strong acetic acid can cause pain, burns and ulcers.
Yes, apple cider vinegar can cause diarrhea and other digestive issues, particularly when consumed undiluted or in large amounts. The high acid content can irritate the digestive system.