Apple cider vinegar might have some pretty awesome uses, but it can also have some nasty side effects, too. On its own, apple cider vinegar has long been used as a natural remedy for everything from preventing fungal infections to losing weight. While there is no clear scientific evidence for many of these claims, plenty of people swear by apple vinegar cider. Either way, one thing that is clear is that apple cider vinegar isn’t for everyone. If you’re taking any of the following medications, apple vinegar cider might not be the best idea.
A brief note before continuing: Always consult your doctor on issues regarding medication. If you’re ever in doubt about whether something isn’t right, you need to see a doctor. The following is for informational purposes, and shouldn’t be considered a substitute for a trip to the doctor’s office.
1. Insulin
One of apple cider vinegar’s biggest claims to fame is its ability to prevent diabetes. However, if you’ve already been diagnosed with diabetes, then apple cider vinegar should probably be avoided. That’s because diabetes drugs like insulin work by lowering your blood sugar level. Combined with apple cider vinegar, your blood sugar levels could get dangerously low, and lead to hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include dizziness, confusion and weakness. If untreated, it can lead to seizures and unconsciousness.
2. Diuretics or water pills
Diuretic medication can be used to treat a variety of health problems, such as bloating. Basically, it’s medication that makes you pee a lot. Diuretics are also used by some people to lose weight, though this practice is controversial. One thing that isn’t controversial is that diuretics and apple cider vinegar don’t mix well. Apple cider vinegar affects potassium and sodium levels. In turn, these affect the body’s water levels. So if you’re already losing a lot of water, apple cider vinegar can leave you severely dehydrated.
3. Heart medication
Some heart medications can interact badly with apple cider vinegar. For the most part, we’re talking about diuretics, for the same reasons as listed above. Digoxin (also sold as Lanoxin), is one heart medication in particular that shouldn’t be used with apple cider vinegar. When combined, Digoxin and apple cider vinegar can induce vomiting and diarrhea, vision problems, dizziness and mood swings.
People that should avoid apple cider vinegar
Along with anyone taking the above medications, anyone in the following categories should keep away from apple cider vinegar as well:
Children
Apple cider vinegar is powerful stuff, and most people who use it take a while to settle on a suitable dosage (too much and you can seriously damage your stomach lining). For children, determining the dose is even harder. Moreover, there’s been very limited research on the suitability of apple cider vinegar for kids. So, don’t take risks, and don’t give children apple cider vinegar without consulting a doctor first.
Pregnant women
Because apple cider vinegar hasn’t been proven to be suitable for children, it’s likewise not a good idea for pregnant or nursing mothers to use the stuff. Use apple cider vinegar correctly, and only start taking it after you’ve completely finished breastfeeding.
Anyone at risk of bone density problems
Apple cider vinegar can lower potassium levels, which isn’t a good thing for anyone at risk of bone density problems, or at risk of osteoporosis. Postmenopausal women in particular should avoid apple cider vinegar for this reason.
Anyone at risk of bladder cancer
There’s some evidence to suggest regular consumption of apple cider vinegar might increase your risk of bladder cancer. If you’re already at risk of bladder cancer, then toss apple cider vinegar aside.
How much ACV is right for you?
Apple cider vinegar is strong, and can damage your stomach lining, mouth and teeth if used incorrectly. Generally, doctors recommend dosages of just one or two tablespoons of heavily diluted apple cider vinegar each day. However, you should consult your own doctor before trying a dosage for yourself.
To start reaping the benefits of ACV, try mixing one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into a glass of room temperature water first thing in the morning (before food), then work your way up from there.
— Ryan Mallett-Outtrim