Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects

Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects

197 User Reviews
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Posted by Ali (Newry, United Kingdom) on 10/23/2010

Hello All, found this site few weeks ago & am loving it. Started on ACV, it having all the good stuff in it, ie, Organic & Mother! Thing is, since I started my sleep patterns, which were very bad, are now impossible. The only things I have changed in my diet (which is good) is my introducing ACV & Coconut Oil. Sleep won't come. Any thoughts?

Replied by Carly
(Seattle, Wa - Usa)
10/23/2010

Hi Ali -

I bet it is the VCO (virgin coconut oil) keeping you awake. It really makes me energetic, which is why I take it in the morning, and only then - so that it has worn off by the time I go to bed. If you are taking it later in the day you may want to reconsider... Or cut back on how much you are taking for a few days to see if this is what is doing it. Also - I have been taking 3mg of melatonin at night, about 30 mins before bed... And I sleep like a baby! You might want to try it, or read about it. Good luck! Carly :)


Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Marilyn (Oswego, Il) on 10/02/2010

I take 1 tab. Of Apple Cider Vinegar a day for about a year now. But am having bleeding problems. My blood is not clotting fast enough when cut or injury. Could this be from the ACV. PLEASE someone help and answer me, I am 61 and scared. Thank you for any help.


Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Aellen (Charlotte, Nc) on 10/02/2010

Re: ACV, enamel, kids- I've been giving my kids 1 tsp in Apple cider as they don't want to take it in water. Will this be effective? Do I need to worry about effect on tooth enamel when it is diluted to this degree?


Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Bg (Columbus, Oh) on 09/30/2010

I tried the Apple Cider Vinegar drink; 2 teaspoons in grapefruit juice, 2 x a day.... It constipated me so badly I could not believe it... When I finally 'went' it was the bursting of the dam, so to speak.... I stayed off it for 2 weeks, then back on, again the same thing happened.... Again, off 2 weeks, then tried a THIRD time; same results... I have no idea why this is happening, but am afraid I'll never be able to use the ACV drink again.. Any thoughts? or similar experiences?? I am really shocked that this happened to me....

Replied by Lily
(Brisbane, Australia)
10/05/2010

Hi Bg, try 2tblspns of apple cider vinegar with 1/4tspn of baking soda in it, that will help with the constipation, it may even make you go a little faster than normal. Don't do this before you go out, do it when you are home for a while just in case. Lily.


Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Anne (Johannesburg, South Africa) on 09/25/2010

My husband was experiencing extreme pain in his side and to his lower back together with nausea. We went for blood tests, X-ray and cat scan - nothing. I was so happy to find this site. We started 1TBSP ACV daily with teaspoon of honey. The attacks stopped for 2 1/2 weeks and on Thursday he had another one but this one did not stop: nothing I tried helped and eventually 4pm Friday he was admitted into hospital as we could not stop the nausea or the pain: he was dehydrated. They put a camera down into his stomach which they say is red and inflamed and that ACV is too acidic. I have since read that you recommend less and to put a little in your water all day. DO YOU THINK IT IS AT ALL POSSIBLE THAT IT COULD HAVE DONE THIS TO HIS STOMACH? We are still headed for an MRI, ultra sound and a bone scan. I am feeling really guilty if the ACV could have done this to his stomach. I will continue using the site for myself because I think it is amazing but not for my husband. I really would appreciate comments from Ted or anyone else who may be able to help. Thank you.

Replied by Jesgrate
(Encino, Ca)
08/02/2011

A friend takes ACV and said it will make my body PH alkaline. I tried it many times and put it on my salad as well. However, I do not see how a strong acidic product can make you more alkaline. I tend to have an acidic urine (5) and need to move it more towards alkaline (7). I suffer from burning stomach, acid reflux, etc. I am not so sure ACV is good for me as too much acidity can cause uric acid and/or gout and form uric acid stones. When I take ACV too much, my system starts to burn and hurt so I really think everyone's system is different.


Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Sara (Mumbai, India) on 09/25/2010

Hi Ted I was drinking 2tbsp of ACV in 8 ounces of water 2 times a day. Now my both knees have started paining a lot- its too painful 2 walk pls rply as to why this problem has occured was I using the correct amt of water n ACV.

Replied by Emily
(Alameda, Ca)
06/02/2012

Sara.. The recommended dosage is only 2 tea spoons.. That might be the problem! You never want to take too MUCH of something as even a good thing can get REALLY bad ;/


Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Chandra (Raleigh, Nc) on 09/14/2010

When I drank my ACV with water it made me feel lightheaded and my blood pressure got too low! Was I drinking too much? How much do you suggest I use. I used _____s.


Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Evelyn (San Antonio, Tx, U.s.a.) on 08/29/2010

Love to read your site, spend hours reading it. Have learned a lot. One question seems to bother me. I seem to notice that the ACV is getting me very constipated. I tried the BSM but I will stop it because of the sugar content. Has anyone had this problem? I haven't seen it posted. What do you all suggest that I do? Thanks for your feedback! I'm 80 yrs. old. Evelyn


Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Patrice53 (Modesto, Ca) on 08/09/2010

Anyone have sore gums after using apple cider vinegar! Mine have been, and red, and you can see my teeth though my red gums! .. P

Replied by Leslie
(New Castle, Pa)
08/09/2010

Response to Patrice53.... Try drinking your ACV and water through a straw. ACV is very acidic and can irritate the teeth and gums. Good luck to you!


Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Sara (Sacramento, Ca, Usa) on 08/06/2010

I love taking Apple Cider Vinegar, but it gives me Acid Reflux. If I take it with Baking Soda then I get a Stomach ache. Please tell me how to take Apple Cider Vinegar. Thanks, Sara

Replied by Shary
(Centennial, Co)
08/30/2010

Hi Sara. It seems to me that if you're having side effects with ACV, or anything else, for that matter, then the sensible thing is to quit taking it. What works for some doesn't work for everyone, so the best thing you can do is listen to your body.

Replied by Kendra
(Hobbs, Nm)
02/27/2011
6 posts

It's best to take the ACV with 1/8 tsp of baking soda added to it. Let it bubble up for 20 seconds and then I add apple juice to it (All natural, unsweetened. ) It's too acidic by itself and needs to be buffered with the baking soda. If it (baking soda) makes you retain too much water, try adding lemon or lime juice to it (1 tsp) instead. It also neutralizes the ACV.

Replied by Lorraine
(West Islip, Ny, Usa)
11/14/2011

Finally linked my way to this website while seeking a connection between constipation and baking soda/baking powder... my problem; and more common than you might think. so, to all those that experience this side effect, I suggest eliminating the baking soda - instead use lemon juice - and push yourself through what may be die-off symptoms.


Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Pb (Cape Breton, Ns) on 07/10/2010

Hi folks - I'd love your thoughts on this one! I recently began taking 2 tbsp organic ACV daily, I'd "shoot" it then chase it with water. Last weekend I got the first yeast infection in YEARS (i'm not on the pill, eat fairly well, not on probiotics though). I wondered, as ACV has an alkalizing effect when taken internally, could it have changed my ph to the extent that a yeast infection was able to start (bc yeast do better in a more alkaline environment)?? I've been infection free for so long and this was the only thing I'd done differently lately that I could think of that might have caused it.

Replied by Francisca
(Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France)
07/13/2010

I started taking 1 tbspoon of ACV in water every day after visiting this site for the first time and also reading a book on the subject. After a few days, like you, I had a yeast infection. As soon as I stopped it went away. Now I only use it in salads and if I think that I need to take it like a few days ago because I was starting to have a bladder infection I only take 1 tspoon also because I tend to loose weight fast. It didn't help with my bladder infection though so I am taking the usual penicillin for three days. Too bad...

Replied by Cheska
(Wayne, Mi, Usa)
07/16/2010

Did you get your yeast infection after taking the antibiotics for your bladder infection? I have one now, after taking antibiotics for a bladder infection. Mine is under my breasts and where my thighs attach to my body. I just started rubbing iodine on the tender itchy spots. Our weather had been in the 90's for the last 2 weeks.


Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Carolina (Nyc, Ny) on 07/06/2010

I have had an awful acid reflux condition along with irritable bowel syndrome for the past 4 years non-stop. I lived my life with 24 hours nausea, diarrhea (4 times a day or sometimes more) pain, unsuferable pain. In short, I was going mad. I started 5 days ago to take 2 TBS of ACV 3 times a day as suggested here after reading pretty much all your site, which is fabulous and informative! Thanks so much! The first night in 4 years that I don't wake up in the middle of the night in pain and about to puke. I could not believe my eyes and bow down to the bottle of ACV. My only problem and here lies my question, is that in day number 3, I started to experience super uncomfortable bloating (but no gas) that turned into pain afterwards. Now my back hurts and sitting down feels unconfortable, and yesterday and today I experienced nausea again. Less nausea, I must say, but I started to freak out. Am I doing something wrong? How long should I consume the 2TBS conconction in order to totally heal my "problems"? I also started, at the same time, to take probiotics pills once a day. Please help! I am at a loss here :(

Replied by Amit
(London, Uk)
10/24/2010

Well, I would start taking ACV in very small doses to begin with after reading the side effects, maybe half or 1 teaspoon a day for few days to check myself, diluted in bottled water or some mineral water or any other form of plain clean drinking water instead of tap water which can contain chemicals. After that may be 2 or 3 times a week as it will all depend. All this teaches us to be very careful in consuming anything. When natural things can harm, what about alchohol, cigarettes, bottled and packed foods with chemicals and preservatives, they can do much harm to our natural body. Try to be as much natural as possible without stressing yourself that we have to be only natural. Do it in moderation but if one can then try to be away from crap foods and drinks and things that we use for our body. Exercising, walking, relaxing, being happy and spending quality time will benefit ourself more then anyone else. Get ourselves checked medically once a while to see if everythings ok just to be safe. Eyes, hair, skin, body, etc. Prayers help me and calm me a lot. Many do not believe in GOD, I do believe and love him though I havnt seen him. Just like kids do their bit but still depend on parents or guardians and be a bit careless or chilled about things, we can try to be chilled and leave things on our GOD, but still do our bits as everything is provided to us all, its just how we do with it and where to find it. Sorry for this long comment. I hope it helps us all. All the best in GODS name.


Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Deirdre (Atlanta, GA) on 06/20/2010

In addition to the side effects I reported recently re Hyaluronic Acid, a new sensitivity to apple cider vinegar has developed after many, many years of drinking it on and off. I am becoming quite sensitive as I age, I guess.

I recently had to stop taking my favorite remedy on Earth Clinic due to multiple and at times severe side effects: heart palpitations, dizziness, vertigo, light headedness, anxiety, and panic attacks in the car (due to feeling dizzy). Hard to believe these side effects were caused by a benign home remedy such as vinegar, but it's true. I know other people on the site have reported similar symptoms over the years and I am wondering if they were also drinking apple cider vinegar!

It took me many months to figure out that apple cider vinegar (acv) was the cause of these symptoms because I only took it intermittantly. As soon as I'd start having symptoms, I'd stop drinking acv, caffeine and any food or drink that I thought might be causing the issues. What threw me for a loop however, was that a few of my symptoms (light headedness, dizziness) would continue for another 7-10 days. That's how long it took to leave my system! I knew it had to be something I was eating, drinking or taking (supplements, home remedies, etc), but the exact trigger eluded me.

My doctor finally had me wear a heart monitor for 2 days to figure out what was going on. I was told to try and trigger the palpitations. That was very easy... all I did was drink 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in water and the palpitations (pre-atrial contractions to be exact) began 20 minutes later. Once the palpitations started after drinking the acv, I exacerbated my symptoms with cardio exercise, caffeine, and an acupuncture session where needles were placed in the heart meridian. All confirmed with my heart monitor test. Alone, neither caffeine nor acupuncture nor exercise caused any symptoms. However, in conjunction with acv, big problem.

I haven't touched acv other than topically in 6 weeks and guess what, absolutely no symptoms! What a relief to finally know the cause.

I love this remedy. In fact as you many of you know, it was the very first one on Earth Clinic. I am saddened to have to stop taking what I believe is one of the best home remedies on this site. However, I wanted people to be aware of potential side effects. Thankfully, I had a 20 year run of drinking apple cider vinegar regularly without any side effects!

Replied by Pee
(Florida, Usa)
06/20/2010

Try Aloe juice now! Still contains most of minerals and nutrients ACV has! Also try the B---g's Amino acids!

Replied by Pat
(Athens, Al, Usa)
06/20/2010

I use aloe capsules, wouldn't that be the same thing? I use B----'s Amino's when i make stir fries and stuff. How would I take it on a regular basis? Sounds yucky straight, but I'm open to ideas and how long would it take to see some benefit? Also if the aloe capsules aren't good enough, where would I find regular aloe juice in Alabama? Thanks.

Replied by Dorothy
(Emerald City, Oz)
06/20/2010

I've read, not sure where, perhaps on Earth Clinic, too much vinegar depletes iodine. So glad that you are okay!

Wishing you and Earth Clinic well every day!

EC: Thank you so much for your kind thoughts, Dorothy!

Replied by Annie
(Harrisburg, Pa)
09/27/2010

This response is to Deirdre from Earth Clinic. I'm curious if the ACV is depleting your iodine? The symptoms you describe sound exactly like what I was experiencing until I figured out I was iodine deficient. Somewhere along the way, I've read that ACV depletes some of the body's iodine stores. Probably here on EC...

EC: Hi Annie,

Thanks for your response. Interesting! I had been taking Lugol's iodine (or potassium iodide) intermittently, so that never crossed my mind. So glad to hear you figured out what was causing your symptoms.

Best,
Deirdre

P.S. Haven't touched acv in months and I haven't had any more symptoms, thank goodness!

Replied by Ella
(Calgary, Alberta)
05/22/2011

It looks like you experience palpitation, as a result of gerd (it could be a silent gerd) too much vinegar for too long probably did that. I get palpitation and asthma as a complication associated with gerd.

Replied by Michael
(London)
01/03/2018
★★★★★

Finally I have found an explanation. Had been having Acv in salad dressings but r centky started Keto way if eating and bought supplements and Acv. Took supplements and then drank half a pint of water with half a tablespoon of Acv. Suddenly had this weird feeling and panic attack - felt like low blood sugar or low blood pressure. Thought it was maybe interaction with the supplements so cut the supplements and next day had a few drops with avocado and boom - heart racing - heart rate up - panic attack - no more Acv for me.

Replied by Julie
(Wisconsin)
04/04/2018

I'm so glad to have seen this. I downloaded a recipe from Pinterest that called for 2TBSP of ACV per glass of water and advised to drink every day.

After one week I started feeling dizzy, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. I got so nervous I even went to the ER. When they couldn't find anything wrong I did my research and saw this post along with others regarding ACC side effects. I've stopped drinking it and understand it will take about 7-10 days to get this stuff out of my system.

So much for this amazing home remedy!

Replied by Gabrielle
(North Carolina)
05/31/2021

Hi Deirdre,

I had the same reaction with vinegar as you. I wanted you to know that in my case, it is the histamine in the vinegar that Made me have the nervousness, dizziness, panic attacks and heart palpitations. I couldn't figure out why I was "allergic" to shrimp and dairy And nightshades...its histamine!

I hope this helps.

Deirdre
(Connecticut)
06/09/2021

hi Gabrielle,

Thank you so much for your reply to my 11-year-old post!

Yes, a number of years ago someone wrote in about high histamine reaction from vinegar and it was a eureka moment! I studied up on it and then made an ACV side effects video for Earth Clinic. Taking potassium and magnesium supplements daily definitely helps when I do drink ACV.

Thanks again!

Replied by Jan
(St Joseph, Mi)
06/02/2021

What are you doing for your histamine intolerance? I started having panic attacks and I'm wondering if it is caused by the histamine.

Cindy
(Illinois, USA)
06/03/2021
422 posts

After suffering near fatal dehydration, I suspect heart palpitations are the FIRST sign of fluid in the heart sack which becomes more and more recognizable as such, as time passes, without water.

Personally, I suspect palpitations and fluid in the heart sack is the body's way of increasing the blood pressure and speeding up the heart beat in its efforts to pump a low blood volume up to the brain to keep you conscious and give you time to find water without falling over and getting eaten by a tiger.

I also suspect most illness is due the body's sacrifice of less important systems and organs to maintain blood flow to the brain in a sick society where more than half of the population is dehydrated.

It can take years to get properly hydrated, as the body adjusts itself to the availability of water, rebooting organs and systems it had been shutting down, repairing damage and clearing toxins that have built up due to what water it had been forced to use being just plain dirty but one will begin to feel a whole lot better right away.

The old representation of a person CRAWLING through the desert to get to water isn't only due to weakness but also to the fact that lowering the head allows the heart to get blood to the brain to keep one conscious. In the same way it renders one unconscious to put them flat out on the floor so blood can get to the brain to keep them alive.

Histamine, headaches, dizziness, indigestion/GERD/hiatal hernia, kidney stones, all aspects of dryness and all illness caused by acidity are all symptoms of dehydration and most people are chronically dehydrated.

And this is why indigestion can be remedied with the super simple remedy of two glasses of water. Yes, it "dilutes the acid" but that's water's most important job - carrying things, keeping blood volume optimal and pH CONTROL - to protect the body from the acidity of its own waste - I.e. "buffering" aka alkalizing aka raising pH.

If you don't want to drink water every two hours, then add a little pinch of sea salt and call it a dose of trace minerals or medicine or oxygen or food or whatever it takes to get your mind onboard but DO it.

Charity
(faithville, Us)
06/03/2021

According to DR Batmanghelidj, Histamine is a dehydration/ mineral imbalance warning signal. So if one mineral is out of balance or you are low on liquid, then you produce histamine and all hell breaks loose. Blessings, Charity

I know for me this proved to be the truth.

Replied by KT
(Usa)
06/03/2021

Have you thought about looking into pomegranate juice? Just a thought ❣️


Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Katherine (Kodiak, Alaska) on 05/24/2010
★★★☆☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I too, have experienced side effects from taking the ACV. The good side-effects were some weight loss and appetite suppression. I also overcame my sugar addiction, and nipped an oncoming UTI in the bud before it became a problem! (A couple of Tbs of Organic ACV in a pitcher of water with some raw honey, sipped several glasses of it and felt wonderful within an hour or so!) I was expecting to see the doctor in the morning, but was back up walking around before bedtime - I even proceeded to bake a loaf of bread that night!

However, the negative effects included raw looking gums that appeared to have receeded somewhat. They were already receeding somewhat to begin with, but after the first week or so I developed a very sensitive spot at the gumline. I immediately stopped my daily glass of 1 tsp-1 Tbs of organic ACV in a tall glass of water and filled my dental trays with organic virgin coconut oil and then oil pulled for the next few days which took away my sensitivity and appeared to repair my gums as well. I had also developed heartburn from the ACV which subsequently cleared up when I quit drinking the ACV tonic. It's been about a month since I quit, and my problems have disappeared, so I have begun, over the past few days reintroducing it with a pinch of baking soda to neutralize the acid, which hasn't given me any of the same problems I had previously.

My question though, is: does neutralizing the acid reduce it's effectiveness for overall health benefits? I love ACV and all that it does for us, but am afraid of ruining my teeth! Heartburn is no fun either :(

Replied by Joany
(Talent, Oregon, Us)
03/18/2011

Hi Katherine, I had heard that ACV can ruin the enamel on the teeth. So I've been trying 1 tsp of ACV in1/2 cup water, but instead of putting the baking soda directly in with the ACV, I've been using it as a mouth wash after the ACV. (like you, I wasn't sure if mixing the 2 would take away the effect of the ACV) So far so good. My gums seem fine and the enamel seems fine. Best of luck.

Replied by Jean
(Mebane, North Carolina, Usa)
04/01/2011

Ted recommends that you mix the baking soda with the ACV.


Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Mariya (Tabuk, North, Saudi Arabia) on 05/21/2010

Would like to know your spin on this...i have tried two types of acv one of which is recommended on your site, and on both occassions became very light-headed and drowsy with diahorea. i took about 1tbsp in a large glass of water. i also had burning in my stomach with reflux. it took me about 2-3 days to feel normal again !

Replied by Sue
(Silver Spring)
06/16/2012
★☆☆☆☆

I also become very drowsy after taking ACV. Not the other symptoms, but no one has responded? Everyone else has so much energy?



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