Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
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!
