In the natural living movement, the effects of Apple Cider Vinegar have been nothing but laudatory. It’s a miracle worker of sorts, with a wide range of uses from aiding weight loss, to relieving acid reflux and as a toner for both your hair and skin.
What we don’t see often are the negative side effects. Here are some of them.
It can erode your tooth enamel
Apple cider vinegar is very high in acidity. It has a pH level of about 2.8. the pH scale measures levels of acidity and runs from 1-14 in order of decreasing acidity. So that makes apple cider vinegar very acidic. When it comes into contact with your teeth, it can erode your enamel and make you more likely to develop cavities.
If you want to prevent this, dilute apple cider vinegar with water and drink it through a straw to minimise the contact.
It can cause burns
Some people use apple cider vinegar as a toner or as a component of face masks. Apple cider vinegar’s pore shrinking abilities make it a great astringent for your skin. After regular usage, users have reported visibly smoother skin.
For those with sensitive skin, the acetic acid proves to be too strong and it can lead to mild burns and an unbearably stinging sensation.
You can prevent this by using apple cider vinegar on your face once a week or by simply finding an alternative toner that is milder.
It has a negative interaction with drugs
Apple cider vinegar delays the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates into the bloodstream. Carbohydrates are responsible for the level of sugar in our bloodstream and it’s what gives us energy.
People who suffer from type 1 diabetes have a problem with producing sufficient levels of sugar. That is why they take insulin to help maintain a constant amount of sugar in their bloodstream. Since ACV slows down the digestion of carbohydrates, it may be harmful for people who have this type of diabetes.
You can prevent this by consulting with your doctor before introducing ACV into your diet.
It can be unsettling to your stomach
I have read a few articles about how ACV can help lower acid reflux by helping to balance stomach acids. For other people, it can aggravate the acidity and even lead to diarrhoea.
You can prevent this by diluting ACV before ingesting it or if you have a sensitive stomach, avoiding it altogether.