Since apple cider vinegar is acidic, overconsumption can lead to dental erosion, too, says Dr. Mandal. You may feel burning in your throat. The harsh acidity of ACV can also lead to throat and esophageal irritation, says Dr.
Regularly consuming large quantities of the vinegar, especially in an undiluted form, may cause digestive issues, damage the teeth, and affect potassium levels. Anyone who experiences severe side effects after using apple cider vinegar should seek medical care.
Since it's high in acid, apple cider vinegar could irritate your esophagus (the tube that connects your throat and stomach) if you drink it straight or drink too much of it. Undiluted ACV can also break down tooth enamel.
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).
Some research indicates that ACV has some health benefits. It may help to reduce high cholesterol and regulate blood glucose levels. However, there is no particular benefit to taking ACV as a shot. Doing so may damage the teeth or throat due to the acidity of the mixture.
It is recommended to take it no more than twice a day to prevent side effects such as nausea and erosion of tooth enamel. Apple cider vinegar appears to be safe, as long as you don't take it in excessive amounts.
Mix 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) of apple cider vinegar with 1 cup (237 ml) of water. Ingesting undiluted vinegar of any kind can damage your throat and esophagus. Consume it earlier in the day.
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.
However, aside from the aforementioned tooth enamel damage you could experience if you regularly drink it undiluted, large amounts of apple cider vinegar could cause nausea and indigestion in some people. It's also been linked with low potassium levels when taken for a long time in large quantities.
“Extra caution needs to be taken if you're taking diuretics, insulin, blood pressure medication and laxatives,” says Dr. Mandal. “This is especially concerning for people with type 1 and 2 diabetes, since gastroparesis can lead to difficulty controlling blood sugar,” she says. Is there a safe way to consume ACV?
Apple cider vinegar can be used in cooking, taken as a pill, or combined with water. 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.
A low calorie drink
About 100 grams of apple cider vinegar has about 22 calories, which means it makes for a low-calorie drink that can help boost weight loss. Adding a tablespoon of ACV into a glassful of water and drinking first thing in the morning may help burn belly fat.
Drinking apple cider vinegar before meals or right before bedtime may benefit your blood sugar levels the most. For example, one study in people with type 2 diabetes found that taking 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of apple cider vinegar at bedtime for 2 days reduced fasting blood sugar levels by up to 6% ( 7 ).
However, overloading on ACV may cause an upset stomach or indigestion. "When you drink too much—more than 2 tablespoons—it can begin to interact with the absorption of other nutrients," explains Tamayo. "This causes food to sit in your stomach for hours and delays gastric emptying.
The most widely quoted study of humans is a 2009 trial of 175 people who consumed a drink containing 0, 1, or 2 tablespoons of vinegar each day. After three months, those who consumed vinegar had modest weight loss (2 to 4 pounds) and lower triglyceride levels than those who drank no vinegar.
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.
Controls Blood Sugar
Consuming ACV on empty stomach can help prevent sugar spikes in the blood after eating by improving the body's insulin sensitivity. This can help in the prevention of serious ailments.
Even though the acetic acid is scientifically proven to accelerate weight-loss and is classified as a weak acid, it can still be quite harsh on your stomach—especially when consumed in a concentrated form. You can get a stomach burn and acidity if you consume apple cider vinegar in excess.
Since apple cider vinegar in large doses is connected to a reduction of potassium in the body, care must be taken with other medications that lower potassium. These include insulin, diuretics like furosemide (Lasix) or chlorothiazide (Diuril), some blood pressure medications like digoxin (Lanoxin), and even laxatives.
The acid in cider vinegar can break down the enamel of your teeth. Drinking water after you have cider vinegar will ease this. Those with chronic kidney disease may want to steer clear of cider vinegar. Your kidneys may not be able to handle the extra acid in it.
Unfiltered apple cider vinegar helps flush out waste from our bodies while retaining the beneficial bacteria. Drinking apple cider vinegar with honey cleans the colon and restores the digestive system.
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.
One purported benefit of apple cider vinegar is its ability to detoxify the liver. “Apple cider vinegar is rich with detoxification properties and can promote circulation in the liver detox process,” says Jamie Bacharach, a homeopathic expert and the head of practice at Acupuncture Jerusalem.
Science supports the use of apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse. It could help strengthen hair and improve luster by lowering hair and scalp pH. It may also keep pesky scalp infections and itchiness at bay.
Most people can safely consume reasonable amounts of apple cider vinegar by following these general guidelines: Limit your intake. Start with a small amount and gradually work up to a maximum of 2 tablespoons (30 mL) per day, diluted in water, depending on your personal tolerance.