The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Shelly (Virginia) on 05/02/2024 6 posts
Can Topical Use of ACV Cause Diarrhea?
I'm using ACV diluted for a rash on the skin around my anus and vaginal area. After starting this treatment, there is less itching but now I have diarrhea. Any connection???
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by MICHELLE (Eastern North Carolina) on 05/22/2023
This is very interesting. I tried taking ACV but every day I got diarrhea. One time I tried for 4 days straight but still diarrhea and when I stopped I ended up with a white coated tongue that is still there over a week later. What to do?
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Mary (Pine City) on 02/20/2023
Grapefruit seed extract nasal spray with xylitol cures a sinus infection. I'd use that since ACV seems to have detrimental side effects for you. I read that most sinus infections are caused by a fungus and GSE kills it.
I came down with diverticulitis recently. ACV took away the pain and bloating. Good side effects for me were more sound sleep and greatly reduced swelling in my arthritic fingers. No detriment after just two weeks of taking it daily. I'll keep an eye on other symptoms some people can experience.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Cindy (Illinois, USA) on 02/12/2023 523 posts
Perhaps ACV would be better viewed as "medicine" - I.e. as a remedy - rather than as some sort of food or supplement?
In the wild, animals eat things that aren't food - presumably for the medicinal effects - that they obviously don't consider food. Which makes perfect sense. I'm going to stop drinking my sours everyday. See what happens. I'm not losing hair but since I've been drinking it everyday for a couple weeks, I should be able to detect some effect of stopping.
I'm also going to slow down and rearrange my iodine dosing, based on my state of being, as there's no point to rushing a non-lethal detox to the point of creating disorder. I LIKE feeling good and DON'T like feeling so sleepy.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Hollyhock (America ) on 02/11/2023
So glad to see this post! I've been drinking ACV every day for several months and was losing hair like crazy, but never put two and two together till reading this! I also added a little ACV to my shampoo as well. Thank you!
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Asma (NSW) on 02/10/2023
It's happening same with me.
The scalp produces natural oils to maintain cleanliness and shine. The apple cider vinegar not only strips away leftover products, it strips away the natural oils. If this is done too much, it can lead to thinning and breakage of hair.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Asma (NSW) on 02/10/2023
Yes, I am having badly hair fall and dandruff after ACV.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Mama to Many (TN) on 11/14/2022
Dear EB,
I think post-menopausal bleeding from apple cider vinegar is not very common. It seems like it would be more likely in women who have other risk factors that would make them prone to post-menopausal bleeding.
I am post-menopausal and still use it as needed. (Which is less than I used to need it.) It has never caused an issue for me.
(Progesterone cream, for the record, did cause post-menopausal bleeding for me, but that resolved immediately when I stopped using it.)
If you are new to using apple cider vinegar, try just a modest amount - maybe 1-3 teaspoons a day. That is often enough to solve many issues or for general health. It seems like taking that amount daily would be no more likely to cause bleeding than would taking a glass of apple cider or drinking a glass of wine on a daily basis.
I hope you find it wonderfully helpful!
~Mama to Many~
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by EB (England) on 11/12/2022
A question for "Mama to Many"
You mentioned that you have taken apple cider vinegar for years. I would like to take it but some side affects written on this site included unexpected vaginal bleeding in post menopausal women.
What is your opinion on this, how likely is it to happen and how much ACV would one have to consume before worrying about that side affect?
Thanks in advance for your answer.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Mark (Cookeville, TN) on 11/12/2022
If your potassium is low or you're taking any diuretic meds, apple cider vinegar will cause an increased heart rate which happened to me last night.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by WENDY (Portland, OR) on 07/03/2022
I can't take this remedy either. I get a lot of puzzled looks but it just doesn't agree with my body. Thank you for the side effects page!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Ella (London) on 06/05/2022
Thank you for reporting apple cider vinegar's side effects.
Some people are genetically sensitive to tyramines, which apple cider vinegar contains. Unfortunately, ACV causes me to experience panic attack symptoms.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by August (NY) on 03/30/2022
Works amazing in what ways, topically or internally? I thought so too but now am cutting it out to see. I loved loving-it but that doesn't actually mean it's good for me.
I am type A and have been really trying to find n answer about this. I also did VIOME and they Suggested I Minimize APCV too...
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Trista (Sydney, Australia ) on 03/07/2022
I just wanted to add to this in case others experience the same blood spots.
Both acetic acid and sodium bicarbonate are anticoagulants.
Eating high vitamin K foods helps coagulation of the blood. Which in theory should counter the issue.
There could be too many anticoagulant foods and drink in your diet. There are soo many and are supposed to be healthy.
Green tea, cranberry juice, tonic water, chamomile tea, herbs like thyme and oregano, fish oil... I would google search the supplements, food and drink you consume often and check if they are anticoagulants or blood thinners.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Tamara (GA) on 08/11/2021
Yes! I was taking 1 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar daily with water, and I am losing hair too!!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Deirdre (Connecticut) on 06/09/2021
hi Gabrielle,
Thank you so much for your reply to my 11-year-old post!
Yes, a number of years ago someone wrote in about high histamine reaction from vinegar and it was a eureka moment! I studied up on it and then made an ACV side effects video for Earth Clinic. Taking potassium and magnesium supplements daily definitely helps when I do drink ACV.
Thanks again!
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Charity (faithville, Us) on 06/03/2021
According to DR Batmanghelidj, Histamine is a dehydration/ mineral imbalance warning signal. So if one mineral is out of balance or you are low on liquid, then you produce histamine and all hell breaks loose. Blessings, Charity
I know for me this proved to be the truth.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Cindy (Illinois, USA) on 06/03/2021 523 posts
After suffering near fatal dehydration, I suspect heart palpitations are the FIRST sign of fluid in the heart sack which becomes more and more recognizable as such, as time passes, without water.
Personally, I suspect palpitations and fluid in the heart sack is the body's way of increasing the blood pressure and speeding up the heart beat in its efforts to pump a low blood volume up to the brain to keep you conscious and give you time to find water without falling over and getting eaten by a tiger.
I also suspect most illness is due the body's sacrifice of less important systems and organs to maintain blood flow to the brain in a sick society where more than half of the population is dehydrated.
It can take years to get properly hydrated, as the body adjusts itself to the availability of water, rebooting organs and systems it had been shutting down, repairing damage and clearing toxins that have built up due to what water it had been forced to use being just plain dirty but one will begin to feel a whole lot better right away.
The old representation of a person CRAWLING through the desert to get to water isn't only due to weakness but also to the fact that lowering the head allows the heart to get blood to the brain to keep one conscious. In the same way it renders one unconscious to put them flat out on the floor so blood can get to the brain to keep them alive.
Histamine, headaches, dizziness, indigestion/GERD/hiatal hernia, kidney stones, all aspects of dryness and all illness caused by acidity are all symptoms of dehydration and most people are chronically dehydrated.
And this is why indigestion can be remedied with the super simple remedy of two glasses of water. Yes, it "dilutes the acid" but that's water's most important job - carrying things, keeping blood volume optimal and pH CONTROL - to protect the body from the acidity of its own waste - I.e. "buffering" aka alkalizing aka raising pH.
If you don't want to drink water every two hours, then add a little pinch of sea salt and call it a dose of trace minerals or medicine or oxygen or food or whatever it takes to get your mind onboard but DO it.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by KT (Usa) on 06/03/2021
Have you thought about looking into pomegranate juice? Just a thought ❣️
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Jan (St Joseph, Mi) on 06/02/2021
What are you doing for your histamine intolerance? I started having panic attacks and I'm wondering if it is caused by the histamine.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Gabrielle (North Carolina) on 05/31/2021
Hi Deirdre,
I had the same reaction with vinegar as you. I wanted you to know that in my case, it is the histamine in the vinegar that Made me have the nervousness, dizziness, panic attacks and heart palpitations. I couldn't figure out why I was "allergic" to shrimp and dairy And nightshades...its histamine!
I hope this helps.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Mama (TN) on 03/24/2021
Dear Eleana,
When my go-to remedies for a gallbladder attack do not work, usually a castor oil poultice with a heating pad will calm things down. See this page for more info: https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/castor_oil.html
But if I am having frequent attacks, it means I am due for a gallbadder flush/cleanse.
I hope you feel better soon. I know it is miserable.
~Mama to Many~
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by eleana (sweden) on 03/24/2021
I am about to buy this - but need it from another country - England and god knows when it will arrive then.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by eleana (sweeden) on 03/24/2021
please elaborate.
I've just started the AVC again - having gallbladder attacks on and off. I have exploding diarrhea. I will stop it now.
I also drink celery juice and just had this morning. So will celery juice stop the gallbladder pain? Has not for me today.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Lynn (CA) on 12/11/2020 4 posts
For some people: Be careful of celery juice. I was drinking it daily for a week and noticed my tongue was getting numb. During the 2nd week, my mouth was numb inside too. The only thing I changed was adding the celery juice (4 stalks with some water) daily. I did some research and found out that celery naturally contains eugenol which is an an anesthetic. This does affect a lot of people but not all. So if you notice any numbing inside your mouth after drinking celery juice, it's not in your head. I had to quit drinking it.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Caitlin (Georgia) on 10/10/2020
You can drink celery juice instead!
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Anna (Minnesota) on 02/11/2020
I used apple cider vinegar for years and then I noticed my legs and ankles hurting, I thought it was me just getting old. I stopped taking the acv and the pain went away. When I tried it again the pain came back, so I know it was the acv.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Michelle (Europe) on 04/04/2020
WATCH OUT!
Apple cider vinegar is extremely acidic and it pickles the liver. The liver cells struggle to stay balanced and perform as they fight for oxygen, because vinegar steals oxygen from the bloodstream and the liver. ACV (like any vinegar) comes into the stomach extremely acidic. The liver must put a halt to it immediately and use its every reserve to try to alkalize or at least neutralize it. The ACV fights back, and its acidic nature is so strong that the stomach loses the battle many times over. Instead of alkalizing your gut, it does the opposite. It weakens hydrochloric acid and breaks down gastric juices and heads down the pike still acidic. It's basically an assault on the stomach and intestinal tract. For more information on the effects of apple cider vinegar on the liver, see book "Liver rescue" from Medical Medium Anthony William.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Mimi (Georgia ) on 11/06/2018
Hi, Zanybees. I can relate, however not personally. I recommended apple cider vinegar (without the maple syrup) to a family member and felt horrible when she told me she experienced hair loss! She did achieve health benefits also; losing a few stubborn pounds and gained more energy, but I am still curious as to why this happened. I don't think it should be used on a daily basis by everyone.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Zanybees (Westfield ) on 11/06/2018
For 2 mos. I was drinking 1 tlbs. of ACV and 1 tlbs. of Maple Syrup in a glass of water, daily. I loved the way it made me feel but then I started noticing my hair was falling out. Has anyone had any issues with this happening?
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Lou (Montreal, Canada) on 08/09/2018
My experience is that I get nausea whenever I add baking soda, otherwise, it is just fine with 1 tbsp of ACV and equal amount of lemon juice in 8 once's warm water.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Tim (Georgia (Rep.of)) on 07/08/2018 21 posts
Hi. Kelly
Stop consuming ACV for a week - start with 1-2 drops of ACV in 1oz of water after meal - increase the dose by 1 drop so as water by 1 oz each week - find your dose - start to use before meal when you have a succesfull try - otherwise reduce the dose and return to recent use - needs no additives as it is self-sufficient to treat and is suitable for long term use unlike soda(good for 1 month use) - wash your whole oral with water diluted peroxide/or water (1:1) each time.
Good luck.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by KT (Usa) on 07/07/2018
Hi Marilyn,
Maybe not adding the BS to the ACV would help. I would try taking the BS separately, thirty minutes or so after you have a meal.
KT
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Teena (Melbourne, Australia) on 07/07/2018 233 posts
Marilyn, a couple of things for you to try to continue taking the Apple Cider Vinegar and bs, you can either attempt for a one week period taking only the baking soda, then slowly reintroduce the acv, at a smaller dose, or simply cut your dosage in half until you find what works for you. Eg. If you now do one half teaspoon of bs twice a day cut down to 1/4, then 1/8,1/16 etc, if you get down to a pinch then so be it, you have to find what works for you. You can always increase later. You can also alternate lemon/ lime with the bs. I believe you have toxins which explains the diaorrhea. Best to you
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Marilyn (Warner Robins, Ga) on 07/07/2018
I was taking ACV for a number of health conditions. I was taking it at 1/2 to 1 tsp in 8 oz water and 1/4 tsp baking soda and a little honey. I started having uncontrollable and very painful exploding diarrhea. It was like the drink was going straight through me so I switched to the capsules of AVC thinking it may have been hard on my stomach but the same thing happened. I love the way ACV helps my depression and blood pressure and pains but I can't handle the diarrhea. What other forms are out there and what else can I use or do?
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Vt (Ny) on 07/06/2018
I have started taking ACV 2 tsp in warm water on an empty stomach and have noticed my urine staring to smell bad. Is this a normal side effect?
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Tyb (Tx) on 06/29/2018
I recently started drinking the ACV detox and my skin is breaking out and my discharge has a light scent of apple cider vinegar..is that normal? Does anyone know why or how to stop it?
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Charity (Faithville, Us) on 06/04/2018
I drink tsp a day in cup of water with a straw...how much did you drink? Stones will break down with Chanca piedra herb....
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Vicky (Los Angeles) on 06/02/2018
After drinking apple vinegar with mother, I was seriously constipated for two days like stones.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Breasia (United States ) on 05/04/2018
The same thing happens to me. I'm confused and trying to find answers.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Mario (Tx) on 04/21/2018
For some reason, ACV aggravated my constipation and made it worse.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Astranger (New Delhi) on 04/20/2018
So..someone suggested me to take apple cider vinegar in the morning (empty stomach) for reducing belly fat and I started doing that since last couple of weeks. Today I missed to take it and what I realized is that my ankle pain is very mild today than what it was yesterday and day before. (I have mild ankle pain from a year or so.) Yesterday, the pain was more and I was able to notice it when I started driving. That's why I started searching on google to see if Apple Cider Vinegar is responsible for my increasing my ankle pain. But everywhere on internet I see it reduces such pain.
Confused.. I will try to monitor for next few days and I guess that is the only way I will get the right answer..
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Saydee (Cape Town) on 04/19/2018
I have been taking apple cidar vinegar with lemon juice and cinnamon and honey and at first I would go to the bathroom first thing, but now I feel bloated and nasuaes during the day especially in the morning. Is this normal or what?
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Mary (Nj) on 04/20/2018
I would just like to quick add that yes Apple Cider Vinegar does really seem to help some people, it is soooo the opposite for me. *It is not one size fits all! * In my home 2 of us do NOT handle Apple Cider Vinegar well & the other 2 of us are fine & helped. Just because you, your relative, or your neighbor has success with Apple Cider Vinegar does not mean that all others will. FYI ours is the organic kind, in a glass bottle, & of course with the "mother". Also worth noting, Apple Cider Vinegar was bad for the health of one our black labs, but our other lab is perfectly fine with it. ---My negative reactions (that I am aware of) are as follows: my mineral count gets all messed up, my PH actually drops pretty badly, my body temp drops significantly, joints get very painful, general unwell feeling, can be constipating, & some serious tummy/gut pain. It is a shame, because I want it to help with x/y/z, but I wind up worse.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by A (Florida) on 04/10/2018
I have the same exact problem. I have been taking ACV for a while now for the health benefits and everything I read on it, but now I have issues swallowing certain foods. Not red meat necessarily but I can relate with the rice part. I also have issues these days with meats or anything that is somewhat dry in substance. I went to the gastroenterologist and they requested I do a swallow rest, which of course came back incocnclusive. I'm waiting on the next steps but they are trying to tell me I have GERD. I still feel that the only correlation I can see is the ACV and now seeing someone else with a similar issue makes me wonder. Let me know if you have come to a resolution of some kind on this.
Thanks
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Julie (Wisconsin) on 04/04/2018
I'm so glad to have seen this. I downloaded a recipe from Pinterest that called for 2TBSP of ACV per glass of water and advised to drink every day.
After one week I started feeling dizzy, heart palpitations, and shortness of breath. I got so nervous I even went to the ER. When they couldn't find anything wrong I did my research and saw this post along with others regarding ACC side effects. I've stopped drinking it and understand it will take about 7-10 days to get this stuff out of my system.
So much for this amazing home remedy!
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Jeannie (Fargo) on 03/27/2018
Try switching shampoos they have lots of hormones in them... I went to baby shampoo to test it... and all this time it's really the shampoos that cause breakouts in my case.....
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Todd M. (Sacramento, Ca) on 03/02/2018
Cream of Tartar for canker sores -use it a few times daily-canker will go away.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Dawn (Virginia) on 02/21/2018
Hello. I read your comment regarding Jogging in a Jug and I would like to share the recipe with you.
1 quart 100% Concord Grape Juice
1 quart 100% pure Apple Juice
1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (such as Bragg's)
Mix all ingredients in large container and drink 2 ounces per day.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Rskorj (Ga) on 02/17/2018
I doubt that BPV is brought on by Taking apple cider vinegar. If you were diagnised correctly - You may have bumped your head somehow to cause the crystals to move out of their correct place. My husband got BPV from trying to get the water out of his ear after showering by hitting the side of his head repeatedly. BPV can be fixed by special manouvers that get the crystals back into place. There are videos on you tube that show you how to do it.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Tom (Usa) on 02/01/2018
WE need hydrochloric acid in the stomach for optimum digestion. .As we age, the acid diminishes and digestion is impaired, which gives rise to a host of illnesses. Apple cider vinegar helps to increase the acid and this enables proper digestion. Vitamins like the b-complex, specially the b8 and the b12 can only be absorbed if the proper amounts of HCL are present. Some of us might experience sensitive teeth or burning throat from drinking the vinegar. Dilute it or use the pills.
and b12
