Apple cider vinegar has many amazing effects on health and beauty. But if you use it regularly, apple cider vinegar also has a lot of unwanted side effects
When mentioning apple cider vinegar (ACV), we know that it provides many health benefits such as detoxification, lowering blood pressure and lowering blood cholesterol levels, treating digestive problems. Besides, it is also used by many women for weight loss and beauty.
While there are many great effects, regular consumption of apple cider vinegar has many negative side effects.
Right now, we will learn about side effects that apple cider vinegar has.
12 Unexpected Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar You May Not Know
Damaging tooth enamel
Some studies show that the strong acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar can damage tooth enamel.
According to a laboratory research, apple cider vinegar lost up to 20% of the dental minerals after 4 hours of testing. Another study also found that serious tooth decay happened to a 15 years old girl by taking 237 ml of this undiluted drink every day to lose weight.
Gastric damage
Another side effect is to lower the rate of the food left the stomach to enter the digestive tract more slowly.
Absorbing food into the blood gets slow down when you drink apple cider vinegar too much. However, for gastroparesis, it can cause the worse symptoms, especially, those who are suffering diabetes (type 1). When having gastroparesis, the stayed-in-stomach food is longer because of the working of the nerves in the stomach improperly.
Gastrointestinal discomfort
Continuing considering studies, the acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar can reduce appetite and reduce the number of calories needed. However, research also shows that those who drink 1 cup of water containing apple cider vinegar (25 grams) may have no more appetite, but more nausea instead.
Also, some people who take this food experience heartburn, diarrhea, indigestion, stomach ache … due to the amount of acid in apple cider vinegar not neutralized in the body.
These are very common gastrointestinal discomfort and occur in many people, especially those who consume too much apple cider vinegar. If you have ever encountered this problem, reduce the dose or stop using it completely. If you have not used apple cider vinegar and still experience the above symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Reduce the amount of potassium in the blood and osteoporosis
In 1998, there is a study pointed out that consuming too much apple cider vinegar can lead to low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia) and low bone density. This can easily lead to osteoporosis.
Potassium blood works to maintain the balance of the environment inside the body. Any increase or decrease in blood potassium can be dangerous to health. If the amount of potassium in the blood is reduced, the muscles no longer function as they should, causing paralysis. In the case of mild hypokalemia, you can adjust it with an oral solution.
A burning throat
Because of being a “strong caustic”, consuming apple cider vinegar causes a burning sensation in the lining of the throat. We do not recommend stomach ulcers use it.
Skin burns
Never apply apple cider vinegar to the skin. Why? Because its strong acidity can cause burns.
For a practical situation, a 14-age girl’s nose got burned after dropping a little apple cider vinegar for removing her mole. Another one is a 6-age boy who suffered a burn in his leg because of using apple cider vinegar to treat treated her foot infection.
Keep in mind, don’t apply apple cider vinegar on our skin anywise.
Drug interactions
Apple cider vinegar might interact with certain medications, such as digoxin (heart medication), diuretics such as Lasix (furosemide), prescription laxatives, and insulin. of the medications you are taking, may even cause a reaction leading to side effects when taking both at the same time.
Tissue damage
For either liquid or tablet form, we do not recommend consuming too much apple cider vinegar. The high levels of citric acid in ACV can damage the stomach lining, esophagus, and enamel. Indirect contact with the skin, apple cider vinegar can cause irritation, rashes, and burning.
To prevent these side effects, it’d better mix apple cider vinegar with water, baking soda, honey, or juice before use.
Hypoglycemia
Despite beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes, abuse of apple cider vinegar can cause hypoglycemia, cutting off glucose supply to the brain makes users unconscious and even comatose. Because of these problems, people with diabetes must be extremely careful when using vinegar.
For the best, you should consult a doctor carefully before using apple cider vinegar for medicinal purposes.
Itchy skin and acne
Apple cider vinegar can help the body detoxify. However, drinking too much apple cider vinegar can also cause acne to appear on the skin as toxins released from the body can clog pores. You should dilute apple cider vinegar with water before drinking.
Reduction of mineral content
Drinking apple cider vinegar too much can eliminate the essential nutrients for health from your body.
We advise you to take a multivitamin and other supplements if you drink apple cider vinegar every day. Eating bananas daily can also help supplement the loss caused by this drink.
Headache and nausea
Not only does it damage your stomach but taking too much apple cider vinegar can also make you have a headache or nausea. This is because apple cider vinegar helps the body detox, and it also helps the brain to release toxins – if massively released it will cause a headache. So avoid drinking plenty of apple cider vinegar in the morning when you wake up as our bodies are just out of deep sleep. Mix apple cider vinegar with water as diluted as possible before drinking.
Note when using apple cider vinegar
You need to tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have diabetes. As known, blood sugar levels will likely be reduced by apple cider vinegar. So, you’d better monitor blood sugar levels closely.
Here are some notes for you when using apple cider vinegar:
- You should dilute when using apple cider vinegar. Because of sour taste, drinking apple cider vinegar directly can damage your digestive tract and esophagus.
- Don’t inhale apple cider vinegar. Several studies have shown that inhaling apple cider vinegar can harm the lungs and may cause a burning sensation in the airways because apple cider vinegar is highly acidic.
- Avoid drinking apple cider vinegar if you are suffering a stomach ulcer. Highly acidic apple cider vinegar can irritate a stomach ulcer and make it worse. Therefore, you should only use it when the ulcer has healed.
- Mix apple cider vinegar with another liquid (water, juice, etc.) for external use. Pure apple cider vinegar, can irritate sensitive skin and hair.
You need to weigh the benefits of using apple cider vinegar and the potential risks before taking it. Consult a physician or physician before using this medicine.
Although used in skincare, hair, weight loss, and many other health benefits, if not used properly, apple cider vinegar can still cause health problems. Hopefully, after reading this article, you have partially understood the side effects of apple cider vinegar if you do not use it. Be a smart user to bring benefits to the body. Ideally, you should use it as directed by an expert to be safe for health.