Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for decades in flavorings, food dressings, and preservatives, and is considered a home remedy for many health issues. According to a recent review, apple cider vinegar has components that may help manage various disorders and diseases like obesity, heart disease, cancer, and bacterial infections. Its consumption may also support gut health due to its natural bacteria and yeast.
However, there is limited knowledge about the extent to which ACV consumption is beneficial and the daily amount to avoid adverse effects. This article discusses the different apple cider vinegar side effects when consumed extensively and offers tips on how to consume ACV safely to avoid these side effects.
Top 8 Side Effects of Over Consuming Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is typically well-tolerated when consumed in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet. However, caution should be exercised with higher doses and topical applications, as they may pose potential risks. Small amounts of apple cider vinegar are usually safe and healthy, consuming too much can be harmful and even dangerous. Here are the 8 side effects you need to be aware of.
Apple cider vinegar side effects are:
- Tooth decay
- Hypoglycemia(Low blood sugar)
- Low potassium
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Esophageal and skin burn
- Interaction with other medications
- Bone loss
- May harm your kidneys
Learn more about these side effects and how to use apple cider vinegar safely.
1. Tooth decay
Apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature. Our teeth are made up of enamel and the overconsumption of acidic food and beverages can affect the enamel structure leading to decay.
According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, it is important to keep an eye on the symptoms of tooth decay. Usually, people don’t realize the damage that happens to the tooth on overconsumption of acidic food and beverages but once the enamel is damaged our teeth become sensitive to sweet food and hot and cold beverages.
Tooth decay happens when one consumes ACV undiluted on a daily basis, to reduce the risk one should dilute the ACV or should consume it as a part of a food ingredient.
2. As a risk factor for hypoglycemia, when used with insulin
Research suggests that people with type 1 diabetes should be careful while using ACV in their diet. ACV is been linked to delayed gastric emptying in patients with diabetic gastroparesis. If gastric emptying is delayed, it gets difficult to control blood sugar leading to more low-blood-sugar episodes.
Irrespective of the type of diabetes you have, it is recommended that you should consult a healthcare professional before using ACV in your diet.
3. Low potassium
It’s been reported that ACV is responsible for causing low potassium levels. A low potassium level in the body is termed hypokalemia People with hypokalemia may or may show any symptoms but if the condition worsens some symptoms like muscle weakness and paralysis may appear.
If you are consuming undiluted ACV on a regular basis and experiencing such symptoms you should immediately consult your healthcare professional.
4. Gastrointestinal issues
As mentioned earlier, it is been reported that ACV helps in slowing down the rate at which food leaves the stomach suppressing appetite by making a person feel fuller for longer. However, keeping food in the stomach for a longer period of time can cause unwanted side effects like nausea, and vomiting. A study reported many participants felt nausea and indigestion after drinking vinegar at the breakfast, in which the potential of vinegar to control appetite was being studied. Consumption of undiluted ACV may cause stomach ulcers and acid reflux.
5. Esophageal and skin burn
Because of the acidic nature of ACV, overconsumption of undiluted ACV may lead to throat irritation and burn in the esophagus. It is not recommended that you should apply undiluted ACV on your skin because of its acidic nature as it may cause burns and irritation. There are reports in which people suffered serious burns on the skin after the application of ACV that required medical attention.
6. Interaction with other medications
Apple cider vinegar may interfere with other medications like diuretics, laxatives, and insulin. It is always recommended that you should consult your healthcare professional before using ACV in your diet if you are taking these medications.
7. Bone loss
There are reports that overconsumption of undiluted ACV may cause bone loss. ACV might cause the leaching of calcium from bones buffering the acidity of the blood. It may also cause high acid levels that inhibit the formation of new bones.
8. May harm your kidneys
People with pre-existing kidney issues and immunocompromised kidneys should be careful while consuming too much ACV as ACV is highly acidic it may cause irreversible damage to the kidneys. Please consult your doctor before adding ACV to the diet if you have kidney issues.
How to Safely Use the ACV
- Keep the daily consumption of vinegar to the minimum
- Avoid direct contact of skin with undiluted ACV
- Always consume diluted ACV, you can dilute it with water
- Limit the direct contact of ACV with teeth, you can use a straw while drinking it
Read more about the health benefits of apple cider vinegar.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while apple cider vinegar offers potential health benefits, it is crucial to be aware of its side effects. Overconsumption can lead to various issues such as tooth enamel erosion, digestive discomfort, and potential interactions with medications. To safely enjoy the benefits of ACV, it is recommended to dilute it with water and limit intake. Always consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating apple cider vinegar into your routine, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications. Being informed about apple cider vinegar side effects helps ensure its safe and effective use.
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Disclaimer – The information given in this article is true to our best knowledge, still, we will recommend that you should consult your doctor before using ACV in your diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
A daily consumption of 15 ml of vinegar may be sufficient to gain the potential benefits of apple cider vinegar.
Diluted apple cider vinegar is safe to drink to safe daily.
No, there is no alcohol present in ACV.
Apple cider vinegar contains small amounts of potassium, about 73 mg per 100 ml of ACV.
Apple cider vinegar should not affect the function of the kidneys but it is recommended that you should always consume diluted ACV.
References
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tooth-decay#symptoms
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/apple-cider-vinegar-diet-does-it-really-work-2018042513703
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15983536/
https://www.poison.org/articles/vinegar-164
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