Apple cider vinegar is an ancient remedy that has transitioned into mainstream popularity. Whether you have come across it as part of a weight-loss diet or a detox program, chances are that you are well aware of its benefits. Apple cider vinegar is known to be a cure-all potion for many conditions, including diabetes, obesity, asthma, and arthritis.
Adding apple cider vinegar to your diet is fine but only a handful of people actually know that too much may have a negative effect on your health. Take a look at the following negative side effects of apple cider vinegar.

What Are the Dangers of Apple Cider Vinegar?

Following are some of the most common apple cider vinegar side effects.

• Digestive Effects Excess of apple cider vinegar can disrupt normal eating patterns by greatly reducing satiety. It can also lead to diarrhea, heartburn, and indigestion. Most of these side effects can be attributed to the strong acidic nature of apple cider vinegar. Due to its unpleasant taste, the side effects of apple cider vinegar can also cause nausea and vomiting.
  
  
• Drug Interactions
  Despite having immense benefits, apple cider vinegar is not for everyone. Drug interactions are included among the most common apple cider vinegar side effects. Apple cider vinegar can react with the following drug categories:
  
  Diabetic Medications: Any medicine with insulin, or those which behave like insulin, can react with apple cider vinegar. The combined effects may drop the blood sugar levels to extremely low values.
  
  Digoxin: This potassium-lowering medicine is usually prescribed to heart patients. When taken with apple cider vinegar, digoxin can lower potassium to a dangerously low level.
  
  Diuretics: These medications are used to get rid of water and potassium from the body. The use of apple cider with diuretics is prohibited to prevent excessive potassium wasting or hypokalemia. Low potassium may manifest in the form of repeated diarrhea, vomiting, muscle weakness, cramps, and muscle twitching.
  
  
• Bone Loss
  Bone loss is considered one of the most harmful apple cider vinegar side effects. It can deplete all the minerals leaving behind fragile bones that fracture easily. Long-term consumption of apple cider vinegar can cause bones to become brittle and weak and it can even stop the formation of new bones in the body.
  
  
• Damage to Tooth Enamel
  Just like bones, teeth are also prone to damage by apple cider vinegar. It has the potential to destroy tooth enamel, which is the outer layer that protects the tooth from decay and sensitivities.
  This means that excessive oral consumption of apple cider vinegar can destroy the teeth and increase dental sensitivity too. Teeth may acquire a yellowish hue and will hurt more as you consume hot or cold food items.
  
  
• Throat Burns
  The acidic pH of apple cider vinegar can be extremely dangerous for the throat. Acetic acid, a component of apple cider vinegar, is considered to be the most common cause of throat burns in children. The symptoms of throat burns due to apple cider vinegar include inflammation, irritation, and a burning sensation in the throat.

How Much Apple Cider Vinegar Is Safe?

The healing properties of apple cider vinegar warrant its use in everyday life but can also lead to an overdose. The best way to reduce the risk of apple cider vinegar side effects is by limiting its daily intake. So, how much apple cider vinegar a day should you consume? The quantity actually varies according to your needs.

• Weight Loss
  For weight loss benefits, it is recommended to use no more than two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in one glass of water per day. This will be sufficient to improve metabolism, cut down on fat storage, and reduce appetite.
  
  
• Inflammatory Problems
  For problems such as asthma, laryngitis, and catarrh, one to two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar is sufficient. Four teaspoons of apple cider vinegar are sufficient to suppress a cough.
  
  
• Sleep-related Disorders
  Two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water are sufficient to fall asleep at night, especially if you suffer from insomnia.
  
  
• Skin Diseases
  To reduce the acidic properties of apple cider vinegar on the skin, it is advisable to dilute it by adding rosemary and water. It is advisable to spread apple cider vinegar into multiple doses and drink it before having a meal.

Take Home Message

The benefits of apple cider vinegar are anecdotal but so are its side effects. Overconsumption of this agent can cause tooth decay, bone demineralization, and throat burns. It can reduce potassium in the body causing muscle weakness and twitching. However, all these side effects of apple cider vinegar can be prevented by carefully monitoring the total daily intake.
Before including apple cider vinegar into a daily diet plan, it is important to check how much is necessary for a particular problem. Generally speaking, one to two teaspoons will provide all the benefits while keeping side effects at bay. To learn more information about apple cider vinegar side effects, please click here.