Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects

Some wonder if it is too early to call apple cider vinegar a wonder liquid! As this liquid is obtained by fermenting apple juice, it is only natural to assume that this liquid would have some, if not all health benefits of apple. There are numerous health benefits of apple cider vinegar. However, most of these have been reported by those who use the vinegar. More research is required to give stronger scientific backing to the purported uses for apple cider vinegar. But just as its many uses, a couple of side effects have also been reported. Besides that use of this liquid in certain conditions raises some concern for the very fact that despite its many benefits it is still chemically an acid.

Side Effects

Effect on Teeth Enamel: Apple cider vinegar can corrode one's enamel. It poses maximum threat to the enamel when it is taken raw. To protect your teeth, rinse your mouth with cold water immediately after consuming it. Avoid brushing your teeth unless you have rinsed your mouth as brushing with some vinegar still on the teeth can further harm the enamel.

Lowering of Potassium Levels: Another reported side effect is that of lowering potassium levels in one's body. The first case of such side effect came to light in 1998 when a woman who had been taking high doses of the acetic acid was diagnosed with critically low potassium levels. This also led her to suffer from osteoporosis. As lack of potassium affects bone density, those who are prone to weak bones or osteoporosis must avoid consuming apple cider vinegar altogether. Long term consumption also raises concerns about its possible side effects on strength of bones.

Effect on Skin: Like already said, apple cider vinegar is an acid. One of its raw side effects is its potential to burn skin or cause skin irritation. However, this directly depends on the concentration of the liquid. Hence taking it raw is strongly advised against. Always dilute it with water if taking directly for its health benefits. There was a case when a woman suffered from burnt esophagus when an apple cider vinegar tablet got stuck in her throat. Hence one should drink lots of water when taking such pills.

Interaction with Drugs: For those who are keen on making the most of the many benefits by drinking apple cider vinegar, side effects like that of the liquid interacting with certain drugs raises considerable concern. Bumetanide, furosemide, chlorothiazide, chlorthakidone, metolazine and ethacrynic acid are just some of the drugs that can form harmful combination with the vinegar.

Precautions

People suffering from certain health conditions should be very careful about consuming apple cider vinegar. This is specially true for those who suffer from diabetes as this vinegar contains chromium that can affect insulin levels in one's body. Another condition that requires caution while one plans to consume apple cider vinegar is pregnancy. Not that any harmful side effect has been reported in pregnant women but the concern stems from the fact that not enough study has been done to study the effect of this liquid on the health of pregnant mothers and their babies. Similarly nursing mothers are also advised against consuming it for the fear that acid entering the child through breast milk may be too strong for his system.

There is a major concern of apple cider vinegar side effects on those who have been on this liquid for long. All this worry stems from the fact that it is an acid. Besides its long-term use, side effects, raw apple cider vinegar can have a corroding effect on skin and the membrane of the digestive tract as well.