Apple cider vinegar is regarded by many as a ‘super product’ for health care, boasting numerous benefits from beautifying skin and hair to detoxifying the body and aiding in weight loss. However, overusing apple cider vinegar can have specific impacts on the body and lead to undesirable side effects.
Eliza Savage, a licensed dietitian based in New York (USA), notes that consuming apple cider vinegar is advertised as a positive health practice with the potential to help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce cholesterol. However, overusing apple cider vinegar can cause severe indigestion in some individuals.
Below are nine side effects you may experience if you consume too much apple cider vinegar, according to licensed nutritionists in the USA:
Quickly get a stomachache when drinking apple cider vinegar.
Leslie Bonci, a nutritionist based in Pittsburgh, explains: “Because apple cider vinegar is acidic, some people do not tolerate it well. Not everyone will have this problem, but individuals with colitis, gastrointestinal inflammation, or those who are prone to stomach aches should avoid apple cider vinegar.”
Apple cider vinegar stimulates intestinal motility.
Eliza Savage states that because apple cider vinegar is made from fermented apples, it contains pectin—a soluble fiber that acts as a natural gelling agent. The pectin in apple cider vinegar helps to increase stool bulk, promotes the growth of good bacteria in the gut, and aids in reducing inflammation. However, those who consume too much apple cider vinegar may overstimulate bowel motility, leading to diarrhea.
Drinking apple cider vinegar can harm the kidneys.
Nutritionist Amanda Baker Lemein, based in Chicago, warns that people with kidney issues should not consume apple cider vinegar.
According to expert Amanda, foods with a higher acid content are associated with the progression of kidney disease. If you still want to try apple cider vinegar, consult your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Drinking too much apple cider vinegar causes uncomfortable bloating.
Apple cider vinegar consumption can slow down the stomach-emptying process. This reduces the speed at which food leaves the stomach and enters the lower digestive tract, meaning you will feel full for longer. Savage says that sometimes, this slow stomach emptying can lead to temporary weight loss, but it can also cause severe bloating and nausea in some cases.
Apple cider vinegar exacerbates the symptoms of acid reflux.
Amanda Baker Lemein advises anyone suffering from acid reflux to be cautious with highly acidic foods, including apple cider vinegar. According to the nutritionist, apple cider vinegar ranges from 2-3 on the acidity scale of 0-7 (with 0 being the highest level of acidity).
Nutritionist Eliza Savage explains that adding more acid into one’s diet can negatively impact an existing condition. More apple cider vinegar means more stomach acid, and an increased amount of stomach acid can enhance the burning sensation for those who have previously experienced heartburn or reflux.
Drinking apple cider vinegar increases appetite.
People believe apple cider vinegar is an appetite suppressant and leads to weight loss. Replacing a high-calorie condiment like mayonnaise with apple cider vinegar can help you cut some calories.
However, according to nutritionist Leslie Bonci, those who drink a lot of diluted apple cider vinegar instead of a snack may become hungrier because vinegar has too few calories.
Apple cider vinegar can damage tooth enamel.
Apple cider vinegar is commonly passed around for its oral cleansing effects and its ability to whiten teeth. However, studies have shown that diets high in acidic foods such as fruit juices and citrus fruits have been proven to damage tooth enamel potentially.
Dr. Soma Mandal, an internist at Summit Medical Group in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, says that because apple cider vinegar is acidic, excessive consumption can lead to enamel erosion. It would be better for your teeth if you only drink apple cider vinegar or fruit juices with meals. It’s best to dilute them with 1 part juice/vinegar to 10 parts water and remember not to add sugar.
Drinking apple cider vinegar can interact with certain types of medication.
Dr. Mandal states that since apple cider vinegar slows stomach emptying, there could be significant issues if you take certain medications that must pass through the body and be absorbed within a specific timeframe. Therefore, extreme caution is necessary if you take diuretics, insulin, blood pressure medication, and laxatives. This is particularly relevant for people with diabetes types 1 and 2, as gastroparesis can lead to difficulty in controlling blood sugar levels.
Using apple cider vinegar reduces potassium levels in the body.
According to Dr. Mandal, hypokalemia is another potential side effect to be aware of, which occurs when potassium levels fall too low. Hypokalemia can lead to arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. Dr. Mandal notes that you may also experience muscle cramps, weakness, and fatigue when potassium is low. This is even more concerning for people taking blood pressure medication such as diuretics, which also reduce potassium levels.
Erin Palinski-Wade, a nutrition expert based in Sparta, New Jersey, adds that apple cider vinegar can lower your potassium levels, especially if you overuse it. Suppose you’re worried or have low potassium symptoms such as muscle twitching, cramps, dizziness, frequent urination, etc. In that case, it’s best to stop consuming apple cider vinegar and consult a doctor for a check-up.
Despite the many benefits of apple cider vinegar, such as enhancing skin beauty, aiding in weight loss, and improving digestion, overconsumption can lead to side effects like stomach pain, digestive issues, enamel erosion, and medication interactions. To enjoy the advantages of apples without these risks, visit Farm to Plams supermarket to purchase Sweetest Apples and high-quality apple-based products like apple cider vinegar, … supporting your health safely and effectively.