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Drinking too much apple cider vinegar can cause stomach upset, erode tooth enamel, and more.
Apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apple juice. It is acidic, pH 4.2. Drinking too much can cause side effects such as stomach irritation, slower digestion, acid reflux, tooth enamel wear and skin irritation.
1. Burning in throat and stomach
Eating or drinking highly acidic foods can irritate the throat and stomach. Apple cider vinegar is acidic, so drinking it directly can burn your throat and stomach. This burning sensation can also feel like heartburn.
You can mix apple cider vinegar with water to reduce irritation.
2. Slower gastric emptying
Apple cider vinegar can slow down the emptying of the stomach, so food stays there longer. This can cause some people to feel full or uncomfortable.
Slower gastric emptying can also lower blood sugar after meals, especially in diabetics.
3. Acid reflux
Apple cider vinegar can increase stomach acidity. It can relax the valve between the stomach and esophagus (the tube between the stomach and the throat), allowing stomach contents to flow back up. This causes acid reflux.
Drinking apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach is more likely to cause acid reflux, especially for people with sensitive stomachs.
You can mix apple cider vinegar with water or take it with food to reduce this risk.
4. Damage to tooth enamel
Acidic drinks can slowly wear away your enamel (the outer layer that protects your teeth). Eating or drinking foods that are too acidic can cause mineral loss, making teeth weaker, more sensitive and more likely to decay.
In a 2022 study, researchers exposed extracted teeth to various acidic beverages, such as fruit juice, soda, and vinegar, for days. Soda and apple cider vinegar caused the most damage to teeth.
However, the study kept teeth on 200 milliliters of these drinks for days, much longer than typical eating or drinking. Moderate use of apple cider vinegar is unlikely to cause the same level of damage.
You can also protect your teeth by rinsing your mouth with water after consuming highly acidic foods or drinks.
5. Skin irritation
Some people apply apple cider vinegar to their skin to treat acne because it has antibacterial properties. It is also used as a natural exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. However, apple cider vinegar can irritate the skin. This may cause redness or a burning sensation.
6. Liver damage
Liver damage is not a common side effect of apple cider vinegar, but it is possible. High amounts or long-term use can damage the liver in some people.
7. Low potassium and bone loss
An old case study showed that consuming too much apple cider vinegar over a long period of time caused low potassium levels and bone loss in a 28-year-old person. The researchers suggested that this happened because the body can lose minerals from the bones in an attempt to balance the acidity.
However, low potassium levels and bone loss from using apple cider vinegar are considered rare.
8. Possible drug interactions
No research has shown that apple cider vinegar directly affects how medications work. However, apple cider vinegar can slow gastric emptying and increase stomach acidity. These factors can affect the absorption and timing of some oral medications.
Apple cider vinegar may interact with some medications, such as:
- Diabetes medicines: Apple cider vinegar can lower blood sugar. This may change how much diabetes medicine you need or when you should take it. It can also cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in diabetics.
- Water pills (diuretics): An old case study showed that consuming large amounts of apple cider vinegar over a long period of time can lower potassium levels. Many water pills also lower potassium. Using both together may increase the risk of potassium deficiency.
How to safely add apple cider vinegar to your diet
Here are some ways to reduce side effects when using apple cider vinegar:
- Limit usage: There are no standard guidelines for taking apple cider vinegar. Drinking large amounts every day can cause serious side effects. Small amounts are safer to use in salad dressings, sauces or mixed with other drinks.
- Reduce acidity: Mix apple cider vinegar with water, other drinks or foods. You can also add it to sauces and marinades to reduce acidity.
- Add it to food instead of drinking it straight: Drinking apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach can cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as acid reflux. Mixing it with food or liquids can help.
- Use a straw when drinking: Acid can damage tooth enamel. The straw helps keep the vinegar away from your teeth.
- Rinse your mouth afterwards: Rinse with water after using apple cider vinegar to remove some of the acidity.
- Talk to your doctor if necessary: Apple cider vinegar can affect some medications. Talk to your doctor if you have a medical condition or are taking medication.
Frequently asked questions
What should you avoid when using apple cider vinegar?
Avoid using apple cider vinegar in large quantities. Use small amounts to avoid side effects such as throat burning, upset stomach, acid reflux or tooth enamel damage. You can mix it with water or other liquids before drinking to reduce acidity and minimize side effects.
Is it safe to drink apple cider vinegar every day?
It is safe for most people to use small amounts daily. However, you may feel discomfort or a burning sensation after drinking apple cider vinegar. If this happens, try to use smaller amounts or drink it less often.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar Lower Potassium Levels?
Apple cider vinegar can lower potassium levels, but this is very rare. An older case study has reported this effect.