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 Erin (Minneapolis, Mn) on 07/07/2014
Hi, I just started drinking ACV with some lemon juice and dried ginger (day 2). I have been feeling bloated and was wondering if that will go away with time? Is there any other things that might happen to a new user that would be helpful to know?
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Mily75 (Ontario, Canada) on 01/14/2014
HI, I have been dealing with constipation & hemorrorids all my life, I'm 38 years old. Recently had a colonoscopy and all was clear with no issues.
Doctor said add water & more natural fibers and 1 teaspoon of metamucil to your diet which I did. It helped my constipation but the side effects were brutal extremely gassy and sensation to go all the time but nothing would come out just the sensation was there. it was horrible
So I stopped taking natural fiber & metamucil. I heard apple cider vinegar was a natural remedy for this so I started having it for 8 days. The first 2 days I had 1 or tablespoons raw and straight not diluted in anything. After that I had 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar with 1 tablespoon of honey in 1 glass of room temperature water first think in the morning. It def helped my constipation making me go daily, but on the 7 day of drinking this I woke up nauseous and stayed like that the whole morning. Then afternoon developed a bitter saliva taste in my mouth. I stopped the APC and the next day I was fine. Decided to take it every other day. So waited 1 day and took it the day after, and the next day I had nausesous and bitter saliva which has lasted for 3 days now.
My questions are as follow:
- Is the nauseousness and bitter saliva a side effect of the ACV?
- If so, is this permanent side effect or will it go away? The reason I'm asking I had the ACV on Saturday and today is Tuesday and still dealing with the bitterness saliva
Please advise. Thanks in advance.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Hotlava (Seattle) on 10/18/2013
Side Effect:
I started drinking ACV in larger doses (6T/day in tons of water) after developing a nasty bladder infection.. It worked wonders on reducing the infection (I was happy I still went to the doctor to get antibiotics! ), but my joint pain/discomfort skyrocketed and would worsen the more ACV I drank. It disrupted my sleep unfortunately, which doesn't help w/ fighting infections. (I get the same kind of joint discomfort when I am sick with the flu and when I eat nightshade vegetables.)
I used to be a strict ACV follower, as it helped reduce my body fat and increased my energy (lost 20 lbs w/o trying! ), but then I noticed that it worsened a scalp condition, facial acne, and tonsil stones/halitosis. I was using an organic, unfiltered, unpasturized, popular gold labled brand of ACV.
Now that I am drinking the ACV again, while it is helping reduce the UTI/bladder infection, the joint pain increased and the scalp flared up too. I get similar effect when I drink Kombucha and unfiltered beer.. I consider the side effects to be too burdensome to bear as a "detox", and so cut out the ACV.
However, I am wondering, could the Mother and yeasts be part of why I experience side effects? Has anyone who's reacted to motherized-ACV experimented with organic, unfiltered (or not), PASTEURIZED ACV to reduce their reactions?
I am a big fan of probiotics and enzymes and such, but am not worried of loosing those health properties by using pasturized ACV as I can find those in other foods. I think that the major benefits of ACV are the acetic and malic acids, mineral content, and phytochemicals, all which are unaffected by pasteurization.
I appreciate any thoughtful responses!
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Charlotte (Texas) on 05/15/2017
Your comments about adverse side effects of ACV are similar to my experiences. I started taking 1 Tsp ACV in 8 oz. Hot water daily for arthritis pains about 2 wks go. I now have acne on my chin that seems to be spreading. I've also had stomach bloating and maybe a little weight gain. God help us.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Sunny (Los Angeles, Ca, Usa) on 06/30/2013
I have been drinking ACV and I have been pooping dark green is this supposed to happen? (I have not been taking anything else). Thanks!
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Tana (Orange, NSW) on 04/03/2013
Greetings, I would like to ask a question - I commenced taking 2 teas. ACV in water with honey, each morning, approx 1 year ago. As time has passed I now get horrible indigestion & acid reflux, burning right up to base of my throat. Particularly at night when I lay down.
The Dr. put me on medication for 30 days, which settled it down. Now, without medication it is starting up again. I had my gallbladder out 18 yrs ago.
I loved taking ACV, however, am now wondering if it actually has caused this problem? Rather reluctant to commence again. Would really appreciate advise.
Kind Regards.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Jnell (Lumby, Bc, Canada) on 04/04/2013
Hmm, just thinking it could be something else you are eating or drinking, dairy or meat maybe? ACV is actually a very common cure for Acid Reflux. Also you could try mixing about 1/4tsp of baking soda in 6-8oz of filtered water and sipping that when your having discomfort :) Good luck
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Sharon (Coburg, Vic) on 02/03/2013
Can apple cider vinegar cause bloating of the stomach?
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Yoj (Lawrenceville, Ga, Usa) on 05/30/2012
Hi! I am new to the site but I am really enjoying it here! I have just started the ACV and so far have only taken it 2x in 24 hrs. I am taking 2 tsp in 8oz cranberry juice. I already have a canker sore on the back of my tongue. I know this is common but should I cut back on the ACV or maybe the cranberry is too much acid? Just wondering the cause and if anyone else has had the same issue and solved the problem.
Thank you!! Yoj
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Maggie (Lansing, Mi) on 05/02/2012
My husband has been taking apple cider vinegar for about 6 months, and olive leaf extract for two months. Suddenly his body is like a sebaceous cyst factory. They are popping up everywhere. He has had 3 removed, we got rid of the infected one with castor oil and manuka honey, and just today he showed me a new cyst on the back of his neck. These cysts have just appeared on stage and I wonder if the vinegar and OLE have created a detox or cleansing thing in his body and the toxins are coming out as cysts. What do you think?
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Laz (Bloomfield, New Jersey, Usa) on 02/27/2012
I am wondering if anyone out there can give me some feedback. Here is my story (I'll try to keep it brief): In June, 2011 I started losing my voice and have experienced various stages of hoarseness ever since. It is Feb. 27, 2012 as I write this. I went to an ENT physician, who examined my throat/vocal cords (not a pleasant experience) and he told me my vocal cords were "red and puffy, " and he believed the cause was that I was experiencing "Silent Acid Reflux" (i. e. , I don't have heartburn, but he said that stomach acid was traveling up my esophagus and burning my vocal cords). I also have noticed an off-and-on tangy taste in my mouth, plus often smell what I can only describe as "cigarette smoke" right after I eat -- but of course no one is smoking around me. Very weird. I thought that possibly I was smelling my own stomach acid churning around in my stomach.
So, I did my own research on the Internet and discovered all sorts of rave reviews about apple cider vinegar being a wonderful cure for acid reflux (even though, according to the ENT doc, mine was "silent. ") Since mid-January of 2012 I have religiously been drinking _____'s ACV (one tablespoon in a glass of filtered water) every day. So far I have not noticed any changes, but then again, I don't expect my hoarseness to go away immediately. The ENT doc said it takes several months for the "burned" vocal cords to get back to normal. (By the way, the ENT doc told me to start taking Prilosec -- but I was most reluctant to do this, as I experienced a side-effect of an irregular heartbeat about six years ago when I DID have heartburn -- so I stopped taking it and my heartbeat returned to normal). So, I did not do as he said, and did not start on the Prilosec. BUT... I found ACV, and was most hopeful this would work.
Today I went to a gastroenterologist to confirm (or not) what the ENT doc said he thought was my problem. I was "knocked out" and had an endoscopy of my stomach. The preliminary report (until the biopsy samples come back from the lab) is I have a hiatal hernia -- and this means that indeed stomach acid COULD get through my LES sphincter to travel up my esophagus and singe my vocal cords. However, the gastro doc said my esophagus had NO burns, and he was not sure yet that stomach acid was the culprit. BUT... He showed me photos of my stomach, and parts of my stomach were red/inflamed (many patches of red color). He asked me if I was taking lots of aspirin, and I told him "no" -- only one or two per week (neck pain), and he said the aspirin was probably not the cause for all the red patches in my stomach. So I started wondering: could apple cider vinegar POSSIBLY have a side-effect of causing inflammation in the stomach? I CANNOT for the life of me think of any other reason. I eat a healthy diet -- zero spicy foods, no red meat, no alcohol or coffee.
And so, if ANYone out there has any feedback/ideas/experience if ACV ever caused inflammation in their stomach lining, please get back to me here. At this point I am going to stop drinking the ACV until I can figure this thing out. Many thanks.
God bless you all, "Laz"
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Mary (Kildare, Ireland) on 02/05/2012
I have osteoporisis and low blood pressure. Would apple cider vinegar be a suitable remedie for me to treat repeated urinary tract infections. It seems to work for so many people and I would love to try it but am worried about lowering my BP. Also cant get my head around the acid or alkaline issues of ACV.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Teresa (Worksop, Nottinghamshire Uk) on 02/06/2012
I have recently started taking 2-3 tablespoonsful of ACV daily as I bought it for my cat and as the recommended organic one is fairly expensive, thought I would give it a try. I do not have any health problems (apart from frequent heartburn which, surprisingly, the ACV has not made any worse) but I have noticed that I have had no hot flushes since starting this. Of course, this could be a coincidence but would be interested if anyone has had any experience of this.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by La Coneja (Paterson, New Jersey) on 01/28/2012
I don't mean to disgust anyone but I just recently started drinking ACV this month and my menses won't stop. I put 2 cap fulls in a 16oz bottle of water. Since drinking this I have been very heavy & only when I skip does it "slow down. " Is there something wrong with me?
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Jen (Bozeman, Mt, Us) on 01/30/2012
La Coneja, You should be taking a multi vitamin. ACV can deplete your body of such vitamins as potassium, zinc, calcium, and iron. All very important to balancing your blood and hormone levels. Make sure you are taking a multi vitamin while taking the ACV and try taking a little extra zinc for a few days during your period. You don't want to take too much though or it will knock other vitamins out of balance so just stick with about 15 mg added per day for a few days. I take about 25 mg twice a week and this keeps my period under control but I also take the opposing vitamins and minerals to make sure I am not causing an imbalance with the zinc. I also drink the ACV daily only I can't handle the diluted water all day so I take a shot twice a day with a little water added. Short and sweet, or rather sour but it gets it down:)
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Cmb (Decatur, Ill) on 08/03/2012
I am also considering starting ACV as I am tired of the side effects of amplodine (you know; makes gums swollen and the other meds made me quite constipated). My mother use to buy this juice called "Jogging in a Jar" feel free to look it up... I use to have some but its been years, but I believe it was apple juice, cranberry juice as well as ACV; was a little pricey but it was good/tangy. I believe this is a good result of the ACV. Best of Luck!!
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Special01 (Indianapolis, In, Usa) on 12/18/2011
Has anyone else experienced choking while taking ACV and eating red meat? I was taking ACV daily for all the benefits it offers. I developed a cough which seems to have developed into choking when eating certain foods. I can no longer eat any rice at all. I love rice but it gets caught in my throat and the only way I can get it out is to vomit it up. If anyone has a remedy please help!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 01/08/2012
Hi Special01 from Indianapolis, Try putting magnesium under your tongue to be absorbed sub lingually when this happens or even if you suspect it is about to happen. Mag Oxide powder or Mag Citrate or Epsom Salts all work well and let it dissolve without swallowing. When you swallow the taste should be gone due to it being absorbed under the tongue. It may also pay to increase your daily magnesium. All the best.
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 Kalki (Mumbai, India) on 11/24/2011
ACV has worked for me on separate occasions for a completely blocked nose and for sticky bowel movement. Both times, the welcome difference was felt by the 3rd day. I took 2 tbsps of ACV in 1 litre of water and drank it throughout the day.
Last month, I took 2 tbsps of ACV in 8 oz of water, 3 times a day as recommended as I felt a severe cold building up. The cold was stopped in its tracks but mild, more or less dormant facial dermatitis (on neck too) flared up like anything. The rashes started first. After 3 days, my face started swelling and kept it up.
And the itching.... Horrible is too mild a word for it! Only aloe vera juice directly from the leaf helped with the itching. Stopped it within 5 minutes [after a few days of experimenting with a lot of remedies including ACV (with water 1:1) topically]. Till then it was difficult to even sleep.
After a few days of putting up with the rashes and swelling (I had reduced all my allergies previously by diet control), I went on a sprouts and fruits only diet (only one item at a time and only 4 items a day. Yes! ) to help my body recover. I stopped ACV at that time. I do not apply anything but natural stuff on my skin due to previous allergies.
It's 2 weeks later now on my diet, and my skin is limping back to normal. I still look like I have a medium case of sunburn, with dry flaky, bumpy skin. Thankfully not itching from the inside. Some discomfort remains due to the dryness. The skin on my face and neck in the affected parts is noticeably very much darker. It looks like a line drawn all around the base of my neck and one side's dark brown and the other light brown.
Can ACV do this?Was it a healing crisis? Was it the concentrated dose? Even if so, does it take 2 weeks , and continuing, for it to leave the body? Will this change or remain like this? My family and I have had many good experiences with ACV. I want to continue but am scared of a worsening of all this. Confused... Any help will be appreciated.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Baldev (Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) on 11/24/2011 184 posts
Hi Kalki, Apple Cider Vinegar cannot be the reason for your skin problem. However you can use coconut oil , it should help you in this situation. Drink more water.
Baldev
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Tammi (Sutherland, Ne Usa) on 10/27/2011
I was using ACV to detox @ 2tsp per 24oz of water per day also was oil pulling each morning with different kinds of oil. Coconut, sesame, castor oil.... I use the ACV about 2 wks before noticing I was getting a raging vaginal yeast infection. Used acidophilus both internally and externally and got relief. Started ACV again and notice the yeast infection symptoms again. Could this be from die off or what is your opinion? Has anyone else experienced this reaction? Should I use ACV again after I get it under control?
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Captnjackhammer (Kallangur, Queensland , Australia) on 10/13/2011
I have just tried 2 teaspoons of ACV in 8 ounces of water. I sipped the mixture and I got a very bad reaction. It went thru me like a colonic and I had feelings of nausea. Is this a normal reaction?
