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 PEA (Santa Barbara, California) on 06/24/2009
Don't put the wrong amount of ACV in the 8oz water!!! Ive noticed all that have issues with this remedy or adverse effects are people putting WAY TOO MUCH ACV in the water. They all complain it doesn't work but, they are putting 1 or 2 Table Spoons of ACV! The REMEDY IS 2 TEASPOONS!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Healthy248 (Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada) on 01/08/2011
Where did you get the exact dosage, the first one I got said 1tbls ACV, 1tbls distilled water, 1tbls of honey ?? What should it be. Thank you
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by REKHA (PUNE, INDIA) on 06/13/2009
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been regularly reading your website,thank you, its truly informative &lucid. I have been having varicose veins, &controlled diabetes, i took ACV and felt much better, but i feel i'm loosing weight, while my doc insists i should gain atleast 2 kgs--- please guide and advise, my husband suddenly had gout, has been taking ACV for the past 2 days, though the pain is less, the swelling has not yet gone., please guide.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Wrldtrvlr (Orlando, Fl) on 10/04/2009
I have been taking 2 tblespns of ACV with a dash of honey and chasing it with 8 oz. of water for 7 days for gout after I gave out of the Rx from my physician and the pain returned 2 days later. The ACV dulls the pain, but I too still have the swelling and can't put weight on the foot. I have also eliminated everything except chicken and a few veggies like broccoli from my diet, It seems ACV may just be a temporary fix. Has anyone had better results with Gout?
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Kathy (Dubois, Pa) on 10/04/2009
A sovereign remedy for gout is cherries. It used to be thought that it had to be sour cherries, but it turns out that any kind of cherries will do. You can get sour ("pie") cherries canned in water in just about any grocery store in the U.S. Just make sure it is not "cherry pie filling", where the cherries are swimming in a starchy, sugary glop. What you are looking for is plain cherries canned in water. The ingredient list on the back of the can should say "ingredients: cherries, water", and NOTHING else. Start by eating about 3/4 cup of cherries a day, and then cut back to 1/4 to 1/2 cup after awhile, once you start to feel better. Adding cherries to your diet on a more or less continuous basis ought to keep the gout away.
p.s. some people just make more uric acid than others and so are prone to gout.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Candy (Fort Madison, Iowa, Usa) on 10/04/2009
try some transdermal magnesium. you just soak your feet in it for about 20minutes. works.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Alain (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) on 10/07/2009
Answer to REKHA from PUNE, INDIA about husband's gout
See my post(s) in EC https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/gout.html
I basically mentioned about using pH paper to measure urine's pH. The less acidic the urine, the more uric acid will be eliminated through the urine. Drinking more water will help. Fresh and good quality veggies and less protein will also help. Alkalizing foot baths will help.
Check https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/alkalizing_formulas.html for some alkalizing suggestions. If swelling or water retention, Reduce sodium intake.
You can contact me at alainwiel[at]yahoo(dot)ca if you have questions.
Good Luck
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Healthy248 (Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada) on 01/08/2011
Hello there! I have read almost every thread, and finally got to a place that addressed my concern, which is Gout that I have on and off for a few years now. A few days ago I started using Black Strap Molasses in a drink 2 times a day, on the second day after only one hit of this, my big toe on my the right foot started acting up, first question is will BSM aggravate gout, if not would the iron in it cause a similar reaction in a person already prone to gout, could I have to much iron in my system, and could it cause a gout attack. I have recently started the ACV & Honey & Distilled water regimen, but the gout is still here after 2 days, in defense of ACV I had a few purine rich items recently and also fish today and just read that haddock is a no no, especially if your in the middle of an episode of gout, is there an iron over abundance issue with either of these and could it cause a gout flare up as well. Now that being said I was told that my uric acid levels were high, can I assume they were not lying to me, I don't trust Doctors to much, they seem to push pharmaceuticals far to easy, and never offer up a holistic approach. Forgive the long windedness of my article.
Thank you for any advise you might give
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Serenity (Oswego, IL) on 05/28/2009
Can acv cause an uti? would the detoxing acv does make the urine full of toxins and thence place bacteria in the urine? I am at wits end here with a terrible uti and antiboitics so far isnt doing the job totally. I was using acv before the infection and now just so sick. Please....i need help
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Sally (Ogden, UT) on 05/29/2009
Serenity, try D-mannose for your uti/bladder problems. In my circle of users, it is 100% effective. They take 700-1400mg a day. It is a simple sugar which attaches to bugs in the bladder and carries them out in urination. Google for full explanation. Can be obtained from any health food store or one of the many catalog/on-line vitamin vendors on Google. Please let us all know how it does for YOU.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Sangeetha (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands) on 05/29/2009
Hi: I get yeast infection every time I start ACV after a gap...I don't know the reason, but the same ACV helps relieve it too. For the relief, I use 2 tbsp. of the organic ACV in a jar of water and rinse the affected part with it. I have also tried soaking a face cloth in water and ACV and applying to the effected part for a few minutes. Do this 2-3 times a day for 2 to 3 days and you might be rid of it.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Serenity (Oswego, Il) on 05/30/2009
Thank you for your response. Me also..seems like when I stop and then start again I get the infection. Right now they took me off of microbid cause of horrible reactions. dont know what i will do now. I am trying d-mannose to see if it willl help. I will try the application like you said. If anyone has anymore suggestions PLEASE email me. I need all the help I can get now. Thanks and God bless!
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Pamm (Alabaster, Alabama) on 05/15/2009
I have Addison's Disease and I have tried taking ACV on several occasions and yes it does help with all kinds of problems allergies, headaches, and arthritis. What I have noticed while taking my Organic Acv is swelling in my fingers soon after and my fingers are very red and shiny and alot of discomfort. It only happens when I take Acv so how can I find out why the Acv is doing this and what can I do to get the swelling to go down in my fingers. My urine Ph was very acidic this morning after taking Acv 3x times yesterday. 2 tablespoons in water. Does it have something to do with lowering the potassium levels? I want to take Acv w/o the swelling in my fingers. Please help..
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Julie (Tallahassee, Florida) on 05/03/2009
Hi everyone. I'm 18 years old, in good health, but I get terrible hay-fever and cat allergies. I just started taking ACV for my allergies, 2 teaspoons in 8 ounces of water three times a day. The first night I got a rash on the top of my left hand, tiny itchy red bumps, and less on my right hand. The next morning I felt itchy all over my body (the rash had gone down though, no spreading), but at least my allergies were completely better. I mean VERY itchy... on my arms, hands, back, neck, legs... everywhere. I decided that day to just have 2 teaspoons in 8 ounces of water once instead of three times, but now it's the next morning and I'm more itchy than ever! The one serving yesterday wasnt enough for my allergies either, as they are very bad now. Do I have to choose between having allergies and being completely itchy? I don't know what to do, but I really want to get rid of my allerigies and if anyone thinks this is a temporary side effect, I'm willing to try to wait it out and keep taking the ACV. Oh, and it's ___s organic, raw, unfiltered ACV, with the "mother." I'm about to major in voice, singing classical music, but I can't do that if i'm having allergies all of the time! Help, please?
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Don (Gardena, Ca) on 01/22/2010
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Sangeetha (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands) on 05/03/2009
I stumbled upon your website sometime in December 08 while I was surfing the net for home remedies for a small kidney stone. I tried the lemon juice olive oil recipe, but it didn't work (maybe because my stone might not be calcium oxalate). Then I read about the ACV remedy and I started it not just for my kidney stone but also for my food alleries. I started with IGA brand, went on to Heinz and finally to _____ when I found it in the stores here. For quite some time I took 2 tbsp in a big glass of water twice a day. Later I realised it is supposed to be 2 tsp (not 2 tbsp) so I changed to 2 tsp in a big glass of water twice a day. I always added a dash of salt, pepper and lemon juice to improve the taste. When I would skip it for a couple days (weekends) or more and then have the first glass, I would feel like I am drunk (I never drink) and wouldn't understand clearly what was going on for around me for a couple of hours. In around mid March I reduced to just 1 glass a day (as I would get headaches on weekends, after drinking ACV thru the week, I never get headaches otherwise, except after too much exposure to sun) and after a couple weeks I reduced it to just 1 tsp in 1 big glass of water. While it helped me a lot with my kidney stone and allergies, I didn't feel quite right - like I would feel drunk if I drank it after a gap. I have stopped drinking it for 2 weeks now as I started realising that I haven't been feeling myself. I have been working as a secretary for the last 23 years and I am excellent at my work. But for the last few weeks, I have been forgetting to do things at work, that come just naturally to me. I have been forgetting to do important things. I work as a secretary, so work done wrongly due to my forgetfulness is being notice by my boss and our clients. I have never ever been like this. I never have had to make an effort to remember anything and can multi task like my second nature. But remmebering to do the routine work has now become a burden for me and I am worried that don't know what will I do wrong at work next. ACV is the only thing I have done different in these months, so I am wondering if it is ACV that has caused the memory loss (and lack of concentration) in me. One of my colleagues had mentioned that I should not be mixing lemon juice with ACV as one is alkaline and the other acidic (I don't know which is which). Why has this happened to me? Has ACV either alkalized or acidified my body too much? Which one of the two it has done? And how can I get my body being back to the state it was before? How can I nullify the effects that ACV has done on my body.
I would greatly appreciate solution to this as it is effecting my work and my self-esteem. I just don't feel myself anymore.
Sangeetha
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Ingrid (Lawndale, California, USA) on 05/04/2009
Dear Sangeetha,
All fermented fruits will have the alcohol effect, tha's why you feel like you are drunk, the side effects will not last very long, drink a lot of water, and if you can get a hold of a fresh coconut, drink a lot of the water, there is nothing better for UTI, and UT related anything. COCONUT water, good, natural refreshing won't cost much $$$ either. Please let me knw how you feel afterword, and regarding your work, it might not even be related with what you took, it might just be the stress of what you were going through.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Sangeetha (Gramd Cayman, Cayman Islands) on 05/05/2009
Hi Ingrid
Thank you for your response. I doubt if we get fresh coconut water here in the Cayman Islands (though I do see plenty of them on the trees), but we do get the canned ones. However, I am allergic to coconut and generally try to avoid it. Stress may be a part of my work related, but it doesnt make you feel drunk and numb all day. I I am feeling drunk and numb even this morning and problems at work have gotten worse and I am seeing my doctor today to understand what's happening to me and to find a cure.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Sangeetha (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands) on 05/06/2009
Further to my below post, I must add that I have hypothyroid which seems to have been affected by ACV. I have done blood test for thyroid and the results will come out shortly. The condition I described in my earlier (below) post is called brain fog as stated Cathy's post in the link below:
https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/hypothyroidism.html#COCONUTOIL_22517
I have the exact same condition and have had problems at work due to forgetting, not able to concentrate, etc.
So I guess while ACV did wonders with my kidney stone and food allergies, those with thyroid (in my case hypothyroid) must tread with fear or consult their doctors before using ACV. If I didn't have thyroid, I guess I might have continued taking ACV.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Cat (Austin, Tx) on 10/03/2009
I too have taken 1-2 TAB of ACV, _____'s brand and at first it was great; lost 4 pounds, had clear skin, more energy, no joint pain, eyesight improved etc.. Then, I began noticing that I get dizzy when I take it and got a candida rash on my face. Both went away when I stopped using it. Tested it again one morning and found I was dizzy, my blood pressure and blood sugar shot up, I itched; this was just 1 tablespoon in a huge glass of water. By nightfall, the candida rash was back around the nose and mouth. Conclusion: ACV is great for some but not for all, or all the time. I test it - realized it - eliminated it's DAILY use. Now, I use it only as a medicine when eating badly and when seasonal allergies cause symptoms. Candida is kept very active with VINEGAR plus sugar and wheat in all its forms. I now know that as a life-long carbo addict with thyroid, candida and pre-diabetic issues my DIET had to change. When I'm consistently low carb for at least 2 weeks, my itching, moodiness, hard dry feet, shoulder pain, etc.. diabetic/candida/thyroid symptoms disappear. AND, my eyesight and voice get better. Low carb for me means eating the following daily:
6-8oz of meat or fish
egg yolks (allergic to whites),
raw salad with olive/coconut oil & spices (no vinegar)
unlimited cooked veggies
1 fruit
Gallon of water a day
On this diet I turn into SUPER WOMAN! with consistent weight loss, great memory and energy, AND, no pains or allergies. When seasonal allergies occur or I over-carb, 1 "teaspoon" of ACV before bed eliminates symptoms, but, I get right back on my low carbo diet the next day. Research and test what you are putting into your body and don't be afraid to cut back or eliminate what does not work for YOU ....peace out...CAT
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Andrea (Kalamazoo, MI/USA) on 04/24/2009
I tried ACV for 2 weeks and found my BM had turned pale yellow. A bit disturbing so I quit. Is this typical?
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Anonymous (Bergen, NJ) on 04/16/2009
ACV also makes me very constipated. Seems to dry me out. Tried various brands/types, w/ and w/o baking soda, miniscule amounts to tablespoons, numerous times, and all had same constipating effect. Anyone with an explanation? Also, it makes me cold (lowers blood pressure - maybe the reason?) & did the same to a friend who tried.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Renee (Kampala, Uganda) on 04/09/2009
after reading this site about the wonders of ACV. I was eager to try it to lose weight. i bought american garden ACV because it is the only one available here. i take 10ml in 500ml of water and sip all day. however i feel very tired all the time and i have these bad headaches.so i started taking it at once in the evening but i felt worse. these side effects subside when i stopped taking it. i felt better in my stomach when i was taking it. when i stopped the bloating and acid reflux returned.
i would really like to continue taking it. is there any advice you can give me on how to reduce these side effects? i have searched the site but dont see any remedies for the headache side effects. thank you
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Che (Roxas City, Phil) on 04/10/2009
Ted said any brand will do as long as its made from apples. Continue taking it and observe for a few days. Maybe your system is on transition period or healing crisis. Goodluck hope it works.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Cess (Nairobi, Kenya) on 09/08/2009
Dear Renee
Sorry I read your question much late (4months after you posted it) as I was researching on side effects of ACV. I made the same mistake i think sometimes early this year and bought the American's Garden ACV because it is the first thing I saw in the supermarkets. I had not done much research on ACV
My advice (hope it is not late) would be that you look for natural ACV. If I remember well the one I got had 5% citric acid (natural ACV has 5% natural acidity)and i guess it was distilled (of course i did not realize that until i took it and my whole body started aching especially in the joints). With more info I started looking for natural ACV in the few health shops we have here in Nairobi. The one I found is OK and I would therefore advice you to look for health shops in Kampala, you might get lucky to get natural ACV. I do not take it regularly though because it makes me loose weight and I am very petite.
I was however confused because I saw one in one shop labeled "_____s" but the word "organic" was canceled manually with a marker everywhere it appeared on the label. Hope you get the right ACV and all the best. Cess
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Mj (Los Angeles, Ca) on 12/28/2009
Just wondering if large doses of apple cider vinegar (2 Tablespoons 2-3 times a day) will make a person smell like vinegar, much like garlic does? I work with the public and do not want to be offensive! Thanks for your help!
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Debbi (Anaheim, CA) on 04/02/2009
I've been drinking 2tbsp of ACV in water throughout the day for the last week. Yesterday I gave myself a paper cut & when I licked the blood off my hand I noticed it had a very strong metallic smell & taste (something like pennies or rust). Today I can smell that same smell on my skin (hands mostly) and taste it in my mouth (been sensing that part for a few days now)... is this caused by the ACV?
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Georgia (Chicago, IL/USA) on 03/31/2009
Apple Cider Vinegar for Acne- Question & Side Effect:
Yesterday evening I drank 2 teaspoons in 8 oz of water w/organic herbal tea and used the 50/50 ACV (_____s) w/distilled water as a toner at night after I cleansed my face by hand w/Out of Africa's shea complexion bar and before I placed Jason Vitamin E 25000 I.U. cream on. Side effects: My skin seemed fine, but soon after became blotchy, red, and stingy, this is after the cream was placed on face. I have some redness due to acne, and for a couple of weeks prior to this new ACV regime, I used BC aspirin mask w/honey, so this ripe face of mine is a discouragement and frightened me since it looks like a sunburn, never this red ever.
Question: Should I use the aspirin cream, if so, when? Or is aloe vera gel good? What should I do do about my flared up face? It calmed throughout the day, but I still feel stingy and it looks red and tight even after I washed my face this morning.
Today I drank 2 teaspoons of ACV in 8 oz of water twice. Organic herbal tea w/honey separately. Side effect: My throat burns a little and I had a bit of a throw up-hick up too. Tonight I'm only going to use the toner I made last night w/o the vitamin E cream (to see which is the aggressor- the soap, cream, or ACV). I'm still using the soap, and based on my test tonight, I'll either go with or without it tomorrow morning and evening.
My question is, am I to feel SICK? I feel weird sensations like a fever, headache, and exhausted. But during the day I was pretty well and energetic. I also find myself going to the bathroom more than usual, like all the time. What's up? Am I allergic or having a bad reaction? Are these warning signs? Or just toxins leaving my body? I've never cleansed myself w/ACV before so I may just be a bit sensitive or is this a red flag for extreme sensitivity?
Thanks in advance! (: Appreciate this awesome site!
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Georgia (Chicago, IL/USA) on 04/03/2009
Once I stopped the vitamin E cream, my face stopped it's rash/sunburn symptoms. I have noticed I am more energetic, but my face is breaking out more! And it's oily! I use to have dry skin. Is it the shea butter soap doing this? Is this suppose to occur? Still drinking the ACV twice daily and using the toner now with BC (aspirin) powder in the mix to help exfoliate and die down the redness and doing this once to twice daily depending how my face feels. Should I wash it off after a few minutes, or keep letting it sit on my face?
What face creams do you recommend with ACV for acne remedy? I have scars already too. ):
TY if anyone can assist me. (:
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Adriana (Diamond Bar, California) on 03/29/2009
ACV and RLS?
My mother and I began taking ACV yesterday, 2 teaspoons 3x's a day. I have noticed some very positive results from this, including clearer skin and the disappearance of an infection I have had for over 12 months. However, both my mom and I had terrible leg cramps and pain at bed time last night. I am wondering if anyone else has had this minor annoyance occur after ingesting ACV? I am a 23 year old female and my mother is a young 50, both of us are very healthy, average build, but neither of us are very active. I read about putting a bar of soap at your feet when you sleep to help with Restless Leg Syndrome. I am going to try that tonight. However, I do not know if that is what me and mom are suffering from. If this is just a side effect from the ACV how long should we expect to experience this? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by T (Maryland, USA) on 03/29/2009
My first thought was that you might be low in potassium, but as this effect happened to both of you under the same circumstance at the same time, then I wonder if it is indeed the ACV. Are you using an organic type with the "mother" in it? If not, try the organic, and also start smaller - just a teaspoon or two once a day to see how your body handles it, then you can increase it a bit. Please let us know how it goes as it could be relevant to someone else down the line :)
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Wrldtrvlr (Orlando, Fl) on 10/04/2009
I too have been experiencing extreme leg cramps at night since beginnin ACV, which frightened me. I assumed it might be an extension of the gout for which I was taking acv.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Cat (Austin, Tx) on 12/07/2010
Sounds like low magnesium to me... Try magnesium citrate and make sure to keep up your potassium. I've noticed that some people get low iron with ACV and thyroid problems. I believe Ted's original suggestion of 1-2 tsp. Is a great way to start, but for those now experiencing these awful symptoms like memory loss, anemia, leg cramps, etc... I would suggest backing off ACV for a month, then trying again with added minerals like magnesium etc... ACV may cause detox, but if it is painful, lower the dose or stop completely for a few. Peace out, Cat
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Laurie (Wolverine, Michigan) on 03/26/2009
Hekp, I love taking acv; I take 1 TBLSP daily, but I get a swollen tongue when I take it. I tested this by getting off it and it cleared up. I really like taking the acv it helps me in every other way, energy, skin looks good, eyes clear, more focused. Any recommendations?
laurie
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Amy (Ohio, US) on 03/23/2009
I have been taking acv for a few days 1tlb. acv, 1tlb.honey some warm water It seems that I get a headache after I take it my head also feels all stuffed up. Like the opposite of what should happen. I'm using regular store acv, getting the organic as we speak. It almost feels like it has raised my blood pressure that is why I have the headache. Any suggestions?
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Ruby (Perth, WA Australia) on 03/18/2009
I suffer with gallstones and anxiety attacks, I started using ACV on Saturday, I used to take it years ago with no problems.
I was taking 1 tblsp with honey and warm water. Monday night I had what was close to a gall stone attack, and vomited, though I had not eaten anything to affect this. By Tuesday morning I was nauseous with hot and cold chills and had to leave work early.
I still took it Tuesday lunchtime thinking it was just the detox taking affect (that's what I wanted it to be anyway). Felt a bit better Tuesday night, but a very bad headache and still hot, cold and clammy. I have not taken ACV today as I feel that it must be the cause.
Tonight my anxiety levels are very raised, hard to tell if its a side effect or not. I have been reading that I may be taking too much, should be 1 tsp not 1 tblsp. I will wait till I feel better and give it another go (maybe). Please let me know if anyone else has had the same side effects and what the outcome was.
Thanks
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Anna (New Canaan, Connecticut) on 03/18/2009
To Ruby, Hi Ruby I take apple cider vinegar to cure gall bladder attacks. Is it possible that the honey may be contributing to your side effects? I have a bad reaction to honey sometimes even though it wasn't a problem a few years ago. I would try less acv and no honey next time.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Louis (Portales, New Mexico) on 07/23/2016
This is about the individuals that are having reactions to honey. If you buy honey in your local grocery store you may be getting honey that comes two or three foreign countries blended together. Always read the labels. Here is another thing about honey. Some of the honey comes from plants that are genetically altered. Why should that be a problem? Well the bees collect the pollen from these genetically altered plants and bring at back to the hive and it is made into honey. That kind of causes people to have allergic reactions. If the honey is local honey it may not be a problem depending if the bees are getting their pollen from plants that are genetically altered or not. Genetically altered plants are not recognized by your body and that honey is not recognized either. I got a hold of some local honey once that was from Mesquite trees. The Trees/bushes have flowers. Fortunately these are not genetically altered and probably won't be/bee.
