Apple Cider Vinegar is becoming one of the most common ingredients in everyone’s diet. It has a bunch of benefits and the most popular one is that it helps in losing weight but there is not much proof to believe it. It is used as a dressing in salads, for flavoring, and as a preservative. But since it has acetic acid, it should be consumed in a certain way and in a certain amount.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Yeast and apples are combined to create Apple Cider Vinegar, also known as ACV. Alcohol is produced when yeast ferments apple sugar. The mixture is then combined with bacteria, which causes the alcohol to ferment into acetic acid. 5-6% of apple cider vinegar is acetic acid. Although it’s categorized as a “weak acid,” when concentrated, it nevertheless exhibits quite powerful acidic qualities. Vinegar also contains water, traces of other acids, vitamins, and minerals, in addition to acetic acid.
Acetic acid and apple cider vinegar have been linked to better cholesterol levels, reduced blood sugar levels, increased insulin sensitivity, and weight loss in both humans and animals, according to several studies. Sadly, few human studies support the regular consumption of apple cider vinegar, and additional study is needed.
Here are the risks of drinking too much apple cider vinegar:
Digestive issues
The regular consumption of apple cider vinegar slows down the rate of the food leaving the stomach and reaching the digestive tract. Keeping the food in the stomach for a longer duration results in indigestion which in turn can cause a feeling of nausea, acid reflux or stomach ulcers, bloating, and loss of appetite.
Dental erosion
ACV is acidic and like all acidic foods; this also affects dental health. It erodes the dental enamel and if it is taken undiluted the risk of damage increases.
Irritate the throat
Esophageal burns can also be caused by the regular intake of apple cider vinegar due to acetic acid present in it. The ACV tablets can irritate the throat.
Interferes with medication
Intake of ACV with certain medications affects the health very negatively.
- Diabetes Medicines – Vinegar consumption and insulin or insulin-stimulating drug use can result in dangerously low potassium or blood sugar levels.
- Digoxin (Lanoxin) – Your blood potassium levels drop when you take this drug. If you take it along with apple cider vinegar, your potassium levels can drop too low.
- Certain diuretics – Your body excretes potassium when you take some diuretics. Avoid taking these medications with a lot of vinegar to avoid potassium levels getting too low.
Decreased potassium level
Having ACV in large amounts decreases the potassium levels in the body. the situation leads to muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, weakness, and constipation. It can lead to more serious health issues for people who already taking certain diuretics to treat high blood pressure.
ACV can be consumed but only in a limited amount. Start with a small dose and gradually increase the amount. You can up to 30 ml of ACV daily, diluted in water. Once done, rinse your mouth thoroughly to prevent tooth decay. Also, consult your doctor before starting the consumption and adding it to your routine.