Apple cider vinegar, or ACV, is a popular natural remedy for various health problems. You can drink it or apply it to your skin to enjoy its benefits. However, before you use it, you should be aware of the possible side effects of apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar is not a magic potion that can cure everything. It has some drawbacks that you need to consider.
For example, if you drink apple cider vinegar without diluting it, you may experience throat irritation, low potassium levels, and slow digestion.
This is because apple cider vinegar has a high concentration of acetic acid, which can harm your skin and other organs if used excessively.
Therefore, it is advisable to mix apple cider vinegar with water before using it. This way, you can reduce the risk of adverse effects and enjoy the benefits of apple cider vinegar safely.
In this article, you will learn more about the seven side effects of apple cider vinegar and how to avoid them.
Seven Side Effects Of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural product that many people use for health and beauty purposes. But it also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of before you try it.
Here are seven side effects of apple cider vinegar that you should know.
#1: It Can Burn Your Skin
Some people apply apple cider vinegar to their skin to make it look better or to treat skin conditions like eczema. They claim that apple cider vinegar can cleanse the skin, balance its pH, and reduce inflammation.
However, this can also backfire and cause skin burns, irritation, redness, and pain. This is because apple cider vinegar is too harsh for the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin or skin problems like acne or eczema.
To avoid this, always dilute apple cider vinegar with water before you apply it to your skin.
#2: May Cause Esophageal Burns
Apple cider vinegar is very acidic because it contains a substance called acetic acid. This acid can help with some health problems, but it can also harm your throat or esophagus if you drink it without diluting it with water [1].
To prevent this, always mix apple cider vinegar with water before you drink it. You can also buy apple cider vinegar that is already diluted at the store, but make sure it is organic and unfiltered for the best quality.
#3: May Lower Your Potassium Levels
Apple cider vinegar has many minerals that are good for your body, such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, sodium, copper, and manganese. But it can also have a negative effect on your potassium levels, which are important for your heart, muscles, and nerves.
There is not much evidence that apple cider vinegar can lower your potassium levels in humans, but some animal studies have shown that it can. This can be dangerous if you have kidney disease or take medications that affect your potassium levels.
To be safe, talk to your doctor before you use apple cider vinegar if you have any of these conditions.
#4: It May Slow Down Your Digestion
Your body needs food to work well and stay healthy. But sometimes, food can take too long to leave your stomach and go to your small intestine. This is called delayed stomach emptying.
Apple cider vinegar can cause this problem, according to some studies. This can make you feel sick, bloated, and have heartburn.
This problem can be worse for people with diabetes who have a condition called gastroparesis. This means that their stomach nerves don’t work properly and their food stays in their stomach for too long.
This makes it hard to control their blood sugar levels with insulin. They need to time their insulin doses with their meals, but that’s not easy when their digestion is slow and unpredictable.
More research is needed to see how apple cider vinegar affects people with gastroparesis.
#5: May Lead to Stomach Irritation
Drinking apple cider vinegar without mixing it with water can cause throat burn, but that’s not the only problem. It can also irritate your stomach because of the acetic acid in it. This acid can help with some health issues, but it can also hurt your stomach lining.
You can also take apple cider vinegar pills if you don’t like the taste of the liquid, but they can also cause stomach problems. You might feel stomach bloating, have stomach pain, or feel nauseous.
These side effects are usually mild and go away after a while. But if they don’t, you should see a doctor. Stomach problems can affect your appetite and your energy levels.
#6: Risk Factor with Some Medications
Apple cider vinegar can also affect some medications that you might be taking. For example, if you have diabetes and take insulin, you should be careful with apple cider vinegar. It might lower your blood sugar levels too much, but more research is needed to confirm this.
You should also avoid apple cider vinegar if you take diuretic medications. These are drugs that make you pee more and get rid of excess water and salt from your body.
They can also lower your potassium levels, which are important for your heart, muscles, and nerves. Apple cider vinegar can also lower your potassium levels, so taking them together can be risky.
If you have kidney disease, you should also talk to your doctor before you use apple cider vinegar. It might affect your kidneys and make your condition worse.
Always check with your doctor before you use apple cider vinegar if you have any health problems or take any medications.
#7: May Harm Your Teeth
Apple cider vinegar can also harm your teeth if you use it too much or don’t dilute it. It can erode your tooth enamel, which is the hard outer layer of your teeth.
This can make your teeth sensitive, discolored, and prone to cavities. Any dentist will warn you about the dangers of acidic drinks for your teeth.
To protect your teeth, you should always dilute apple cider vinegar with water before you drink it. You can also use a straw to avoid direct contact with your teeth.
This can help prevent tooth enamel erosion from the acid in apple cider vinegar.
Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has many benefits, but it also has some side effects. You should be aware of both before you use it at home. Here are some of the ways apple cider vinegar can help your health.
#1: May Benefit Your Hair
It is a good idea to have some organic apple cider vinegar at home. It can do wonders for your hair. Apple cider vinegar is not well-studied, but some people swear by it for hair care.
If you have a dry and itchy scalp or brittle hair, you can try apple cider vinegar as a natural solution. Apple cider vinegar has acetic acid, which can balance your hair’s pH. Sometimes, your hair can be too alkaline, which makes it dull and frizzy. Acetic acid can fix that.
Apple cider vinegar can also help with infections that cause itchiness on your scalp. But you should always see a doctor if you have a serious infection.
Apple cider vinegar can also nourish your hair and make it stronger. It has vitamin C, which can boost collagen production. Collagen is a protein that helps your hair grow and stay healthy. Apple cider vinegar also has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe your scalp, especially if you have dandruff.
#2: May Help You Lose Weight
Many people want to lose weight, and some of them try drinking apple cider vinegar to do it. There are some diets that only involve drinking apple cider vinegar.
This may sound tempting, but it is not enough. You also need to eat well and exercise. You may also want to take a supplement that supports weight loss.
Apple cider vinegar can help you lose weight by making you feel less hungry. If you drink it after a meal, you may not want to eat as much. This can help you reduce your calorie intake and lose weight.
But this effect may not last long. We don’t know if apple cider vinegar can keep you feeling full for a long time.
#3: May Improve Skin Health
You can also use apple cider vinegar on your skin to make it healthier. Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy that some people use for skin problems like eczema. If you apply diluted apple cider vinegar on your skin, it can reduce itching and dryness after an eczema flareup.
#4: Anti-microbial Properties
Apple cider vinegar can also help your skin by killing bacteria. It has antibacterial properties that can help treat skin conditions like acne. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can calm your skin.
You can use apple cider vinegar to clean wounds and prevent infections. It can also help your wounds heal faster. But you should always follow your doctor’s advice, especially for wound care and acne treatment.
#5: May Help in Blood Sugar Control
Another benefit of apple cider vinegar is that it can lower your blood sugar. This can help people with type 2 diabetes who need to monitor their blood sugar levels.
One of the problems that people with diabetes have is insulin resistance. This means that their body does not respond well to insulin, which is a hormone that lowers blood sugar. Apple cider vinegar can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar in people with insulin resistance.
How To Consume Apple Cider Vinegar Safely
Apple cider vinegar is a popular drink for health reasons, but you need to be careful with it.
To drink apple cider vinegar safely, you should add a teaspoon to a glass of water. This way, you can avoid hurting your throat and teeth. You can also prevent skin problems from putting apple cider vinegar on your face.
Another way to take apple cider vinegar is by using pills or gummies. These products can help you skip the sour taste of the drink. Just make sure you follow the directions and amounts on the label when you use them.
The Bottom Line
Apple cider vinegar can cause problems like throat pain, stomach upset, low potassium, and slow digestion. It can also burn your skin if you don’t dilute it first. Don’t drink or use apple cider vinegar that is not mixed with water.
Therefore, it is always recommended to be cautious because it can have side effects
Apple cider vinegar can also have some benefits. It may help you lose weight and control your blood sugar. Talk to your doctor about how to use apple cider vinegar for your health.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it safe to drink apple cider vinegar?
ACV is generally safe to consume daily in small amounts, such as 1–2 tablespoons (tbsp.), or 15–30 milliliters (mL), diluted in water.
However, drinking too much or too often can cause side effects, such as tooth erosion, throat irritation, low potassium levels, and delayed stomach emptying.
Always consult your doctor before taking ACV for medical purposes, as it may interact with some medications.
Who should not take apple cider vinegar?
People who have certain health conditions or take certain medications should avoid or limit ACV intake. These include people with diabetes, gastroparesis, low potassium, kidney problems, or ulcers.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also be cautious, as there is not enough evidence on the safety of ACV for them.
Does apple cider vinegar improve skin health?
ACV may have some benefits for skin health, such as balancing the skin’s pH, exfoliating dead skin cells, reducing acne, and soothing sunburns.
However, ACV is very acidic and can irritate or burn the skin if not diluted properly. It is recommended to use a 1:10 ratio of ACV to water and do a patch test before applying it to the skin.
ACV should not be used on open wounds, eczema, or sensitive skin.
What is the best way to drink apple cider vinegar?
The best way to drink ACV is to mix it with water and consume it before or after meals. This can help prevent or reduce the side effects of ACV on the teeth and throat.
Some people also add honey, lemon, or other ingredients to improve the taste or enhance the benefits of ACV.
The amount and frequency of ACV intake may vary depending on the purpose and the individual’s tolerance. Generally, 1–2 tbsp. (15–30 mL) per day is sufficient.
Is apple cider vinegar good for my hair?
ACV may help improve hair health by removing product buildup, balancing the scalp’s pH, reducing dandruff, and adding shine. ACV can be used as a hair rinse by mixing 2 to 4 tbsp.
(30 to 60 mL) of ACV with 16 oz. (473 mL) of water and applying it to the hair after shampooing and conditioning. ACV should be rinsed out thoroughly after a few minutes and used no more than two to three times a week.
What happens when you start drinking apple cider vinegar regularly?
Taking ACV may have some positive effects on your body, such as lowering blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity, aiding weight loss, reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, and boosting digestion.
However, these effects are not guaranteed and may depend on other factors, such as diet, lifestyle, and medical history. ACV is not a magic cure-all and should not replace a balanced diet and regular exercise.
DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!
Amelia Johnson, as a dedicated fitness enthusiast, believes that a strong body and a sound mind go hand in hand.
Her journey began when she discovered the transformative power of exercise and clean eating. Her love for fitness extends beyond mere physical activity—it’s a lifestyle. She pours her heart into writing about holistic health, nutrition, and wellness. Her articles are a blend of science-backed advice, personal anecdotes, and practical tips.
