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 Pam (Marlborough, Ct, Usa) on 12/03/2010
Hi I have tried the Apple Cider Vinegar and it works well for my hands that I have been having problems with but, it gives me a lot of gas. I take it with water, does anyone have this problem or a suggestion to make it not as gassy thanks, Pam
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Geri (Southern Ca, Calif) on 12/04/2010
When the body reacts to something like ACV, it is called a Healing Crisis. The body throws off toxins, junk, pollutants, etc., the Easiest way it knows. For some it could be via the sinuses, others the skin, etc.. Look up Bernard Jensen in regard to this.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 11/19/2010
Dierdre from earth clinic: a while ago you wrote that you had to stop taking Apple Cider Vinegar after having used it for a long time. Why did you stop? do you think starting out with a splash or so (less than 1/2 teaspoon) twice a day, might not have made you stop?
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Ixst4now (Lethbridge, Ab) on 11/13/2010
Hi, I just started taking Apple Cider Vinegar about four days ago. I have never had a problem with body odour before but tonight I have noticed the Apple Cider Vinegar smell coming from me. Is this to be expected? Why is it happening and and how does it work?'
Thank you,
Eric
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Ali (Newry, United Kingdom) on 10/23/2010
Hello All, found this site few weeks ago & am loving it. Started on ACV, it having all the good stuff in it, ie, Organic & Mother! Thing is, since I started my sleep patterns, which were very bad, are now impossible. The only things I have changed in my diet (which is good) is my introducing ACV & Coconut Oil. Sleep won't come. Any thoughts?
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Carly (Seattle, Wa - Usa) on 10/23/2010
Hi Ali -
I bet it is the VCO (virgin coconut oil) keeping you awake. It really makes me energetic, which is why I take it in the morning, and only then - so that it has worn off by the time I go to bed. If you are taking it later in the day you may want to reconsider... Or cut back on how much you are taking for a few days to see if this is what is doing it. Also - I have been taking 3mg of melatonin at night, about 30 mins before bed... And I sleep like a baby! You might want to try it, or read about it. Good luck! Carly :)
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Marilyn (Oswego, Il) on 10/02/2010
I take 1 tab. Of Apple Cider Vinegar a day for about a year now. But am having bleeding problems. My blood is not clotting fast enough when cut or injury. Could this be from the ACV. PLEASE someone help and answer me, I am 61 and scared. Thank you for any help.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Aellen (Charlotte, Nc) on 10/02/2010
Re: ACV, enamel, kids- I've been giving my kids 1 tsp in Apple cider as they don't want to take it in water. Will this be effective? Do I need to worry about effect on tooth enamel when it is diluted to this degree?
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Bg (Columbus, Oh) on 09/30/2010
I tried the Apple Cider Vinegar drink; 2 teaspoons in grapefruit juice, 2 x a day.... It constipated me so badly I could not believe it... When I finally 'went' it was the bursting of the dam, so to speak.... I stayed off it for 2 weeks, then back on, again the same thing happened.... Again, off 2 weeks, then tried a THIRD time; same results... I have no idea why this is happening, but am afraid I'll never be able to use the ACV drink again.. Any thoughts? or similar experiences?? I am really shocked that this happened to me....
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Lily (Brisbane, Australia) on 10/05/2010
Hi Bg, try 2tblspns of apple cider vinegar with 1/4tspn of baking soda in it, that will help with the constipation, it may even make you go a little faster than normal. Don't do this before you go out, do it when you are home for a while just in case. Lily.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Anne (Johannesburg, South Africa) on 09/25/2010
My husband was experiencing extreme pain in his side and to his lower back together with nausea. We went for blood tests, X-ray and cat scan - nothing. I was so happy to find this site. We started 1TBSP ACV daily with teaspoon of honey. The attacks stopped for 2 1/2 weeks and on Thursday he had another one but this one did not stop: nothing I tried helped and eventually 4pm Friday he was admitted into hospital as we could not stop the nausea or the pain: he was dehydrated. They put a camera down into his stomach which they say is red and inflamed and that ACV is too acidic. I have since read that you recommend less and to put a little in your water all day. DO YOU THINK IT IS AT ALL POSSIBLE THAT IT COULD HAVE DONE THIS TO HIS STOMACH? We are still headed for an MRI, ultra sound and a bone scan. I am feeling really guilty if the ACV could have done this to his stomach. I will continue using the site for myself because I think it is amazing but not for my husband. I really would appreciate comments from Ted or anyone else who may be able to help. Thank you.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Jesgrate (Encino, Ca) on 08/02/2011
A friend takes ACV and said it will make my body PH alkaline. I tried it many times and put it on my salad as well. However, I do not see how a strong acidic product can make you more alkaline. I tend to have an acidic urine (5) and need to move it more towards alkaline (7). I suffer from burning stomach, acid reflux, etc. I am not so sure ACV is good for me as too much acidity can cause uric acid and/or gout and form uric acid stones. When I take ACV too much, my system starts to burn and hurt so I really think everyone's system is different.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Emily (Alameda, Ca) on 06/02/2012
Sara.. The recommended dosage is only 2 tea spoons.. That might be the problem! You never want to take too MUCH of something as even a good thing can get REALLY bad ;/
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Chandra (Raleigh, Nc) on 09/14/2010
When I drank my ACV with water it made me feel lightheaded and my blood pressure got too low! Was I drinking too much? How much do you suggest I use. I used _____s.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Evelyn (San Antonio, Tx, U.s.a.) on 08/29/2010
Love to read your site, spend hours reading it. Have learned a lot. One question seems to bother me. I seem to notice that the ACV is getting me very constipated. I tried the BSM but I will stop it because of the sugar content. Has anyone had this problem? I haven't seen it posted. What do you all suggest that I do? Thanks for your feedback! I'm 80 yrs. old. Evelyn
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Patrice53 (Modesto, Ca) on 08/09/2010
Anyone have sore gums after using apple cider vinegar! Mine have been, and red, and you can see my teeth though my red gums! .. P
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Leslie (New Castle, Pa) on 08/09/2010
Response to Patrice53.... Try drinking your ACV and water through a straw. ACV is very acidic and can irritate the teeth and gums. Good luck to you!
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Shary (Centennial, Co) on 08/30/2010
Hi Sara. It seems to me that if you're having side effects with ACV, or anything else, for that matter, then the sensible thing is to quit taking it. What works for some doesn't work for everyone, so the best thing you can do is listen to your body.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Kendra (Hobbs, Nm) on 02/27/2011 6 posts
It's best to take the ACV with 1/8 tsp of baking soda added to it. Let it bubble up for 20 seconds and then I add apple juice to it (All natural, unsweetened. ) It's too acidic by itself and needs to be buffered with the baking soda. If it (baking soda) makes you retain too much water, try adding lemon or lime juice to it (1 tsp) instead. It also neutralizes the ACV.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Lorraine (West Islip, Ny, Usa) on 11/14/2011
Finally linked my way to this website while seeking a connection between constipation and baking soda/baking powder... my problem; and more common than you might think. so, to all those that experience this side effect, I suggest eliminating the baking soda - instead use lemon juice - and push yourself through what may be die-off symptoms.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 07/13/2010
I started taking 1 tbspoon of ACV in water every day after visiting this site for the first time and also reading a book on the subject. After a few days, like you, I had a yeast infection. As soon as I stopped it went away. Now I only use it in salads and if I think that I need to take it like a few days ago because I was starting to have a bladder infection I only take 1 tspoon also because I tend to loose weight fast. It didn't help with my bladder infection though so I am taking the usual penicillin for three days. Too bad...
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Cheska (Wayne, Mi, Usa) on 07/16/2010
Did you get your yeast infection after taking the antibiotics for your bladder infection? I have one now, after taking antibiotics for a bladder infection. Mine is under my breasts and where my thighs attach to my body. I just started rubbing iodine on the tender itchy spots. Our weather had been in the 90's for the last 2 weeks.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Carolina (Nyc, Ny) on 07/06/2010
I have had an awful acid reflux condition along with irritable bowel syndrome for the past 4 years non-stop. I lived my life with 24 hours nausea, diarrhea (4 times a day or sometimes more) pain, unsuferable pain. In short, I was going mad. I started 5 days ago to take 2 TBS of ACV 3 times a day as suggested here after reading pretty much all your site, which is fabulous and informative! Thanks so much! The first night in 4 years that I don't wake up in the middle of the night in pain and about to puke. I could not believe my eyes and bow down to the bottle of ACV. My only problem and here lies my question, is that in day number 3, I started to experience super uncomfortable bloating (but no gas) that turned into pain afterwards. Now my back hurts and sitting down feels unconfortable, and yesterday and today I experienced nausea again. Less nausea, I must say, but I started to freak out. Am I doing something wrong? How long should I consume the 2TBS conconction in order to totally heal my "problems"? I also started, at the same time, to take probiotics pills once a day. Please help! I am at a loss here :(
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Amit (London, Uk) on 10/24/2010
Well, I would start taking ACV in very small doses to begin with after reading the side effects, maybe half or 1 teaspoon a day for few days to check myself, diluted in bottled water or some mineral water or any other form of plain clean drinking water instead of tap water which can contain chemicals. After that may be 2 or 3 times a week as it will all depend. All this teaches us to be very careful in consuming anything. When natural things can harm, what about alchohol, cigarettes, bottled and packed foods with chemicals and preservatives, they can do much harm to our natural body. Try to be as much natural as possible without stressing yourself that we have to be only natural. Do it in moderation but if one can then try to be away from crap foods and drinks and things that we use for our body. Exercising, walking, relaxing, being happy and spending quality time will benefit ourself more then anyone else. Get ourselves checked medically once a while to see if everythings ok just to be safe. Eyes, hair, skin, body, etc. Prayers help me and calm me a lot. Many do not believe in GOD, I do believe and love him though I havnt seen him. Just like kids do their bit but still depend on parents or guardians and be a bit careless or chilled about things, we can try to be chilled and leave things on our GOD, but still do our bits as everything is provided to us all, its just how we do with it and where to find it. Sorry for this long comment. I hope it helps us all. All the best in GODS name.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Pee (Florida, Usa) on 06/20/2010
Try Aloe juice now! Still contains most of minerals and nutrients ACV has! Also try the B---g's Amino acids!
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Pat (Athens, Al, Usa) on 06/20/2010
I use aloe capsules, wouldn't that be the same thing? I use B----'s Amino's when i make stir fries and stuff. How would I take it on a regular basis? Sounds yucky straight, but I'm open to ideas and how long would it take to see some benefit? Also if the aloe capsules aren't good enough, where would I find regular aloe juice in Alabama? Thanks.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Annie (Harrisburg, Pa) on 09/27/2010
This response is to Deirdre from Earth Clinic. I'm curious if the ACV is depleting your iodine? The symptoms you describe sound exactly like what I was experiencing until I figured out I was iodine deficient. Somewhere along the way, I've read that ACV depletes some of the body's iodine stores. Probably here on EC...
EC: Hi Annie,
Thanks for your response. Interesting! I had been taking Lugol's iodine (or potassium iodide) intermittently, so that never crossed my mind. So glad to hear you figured out what was causing your symptoms.
Best,
Deirdre
P.S. Haven't touched acv in months and I haven't had any more symptoms, thank goodness!
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Ella (Calgary, Alberta) on 05/22/2011
It looks like you experience palpitation, as a result of gerd (it could be a silent gerd) too much vinegar for too long probably did that. I get palpitation and asthma as a complication associated with gerd.
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 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 KT (Usa) on 06/03/2021
Have you thought about looking into pomegranate juice? Just a thought ❣️
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Joany (Talent, Oregon, Us) on 03/18/2011
Hi Katherine, I had heard that ACV can ruin the enamel on the teeth. So I've been trying 1 tsp of ACV in1/2 cup water, but instead of putting the baking soda directly in with the ACV, I've been using it as a mouth wash after the ACV. (like you, I wasn't sure if mixing the 2 would take away the effect of the ACV) So far so good. My gums seem fine and the enamel seems fine. Best of luck.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Jean (Mebane, North Carolina, Usa) on 04/01/2011
Ted recommends that you mix the baking soda with the ACV.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Mariya (Tabuk, North, Saudi Arabia) on 05/21/2010
Would like to know your spin on this...i have tried two types of acv one of which is recommended on your site, and on both occassions became very light-headed and drowsy with diahorea. i took about 1tbsp in a large glass of water. i also had burning in my stomach with reflux. it took me about 2-3 days to feel normal again !
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Susan (Clifton, Nj) on 05/07/2010
I threw off my body's ph by drinking 1-2 TBS ACV (Heinz brand) & 1-2 TBS regular honey mixed into a class of water 2-3X a day. I drank it because it was supposed to give you a feeling of well being, and I began to like it.
Only after a while of doing this, and never immediately after I drank it, my reaction began. My lips felt burned. Days later, they turned red and swollen. Then days later, got tiny blisters all over them that would heal surprisingly fast (within days) and new ones would appear, but the effect was my entire lips but not near the outer edges.
I freaked out, thinking I caught something. Doctors incorrectly said it was dermatitis or herpes (which I've never had and doesn't appear on a person's entire lips) and gave me medicine that didn't work. I suffered for 10 months, trying lactobacillus acidophilus pills that had to be refrigerated and were expensive. I tried OTC products. Evenutally, it diminshed on it's own (that must have been when I stopped the daily overdose ACV because I thought the benefits were non-existent). At the time, I incorrectly thought it was a food allergy, when I noticed that it got worse from eating salads, then I narrowed it down to just the tomatoes (wrong), it was the vinegar. I had stopped my daily drink for a long time, and now, every time I had vinegar, within an hour, my lips got that burn, and if I ate more, they went all the way to becoming red and swollen.
I did nothing except stay away from vinegar for a few months, and my body returned to normal, but this had been going on for 10 months!!
Now that my body is normal again, I can eat vinegar whenever I want with no adverse reaction, but I will never have the quantity (2-4 TBS a day) that caused this ph imbalance.
Please condense this and let your readers know that this is a possible effect of too much ACV per day. I had no idea that there could be negative reactions, and since a book recommended 1-2 TBS a day, I figured that if some is good, more is better (wrong).
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Kyra (Cortlandt Manor, Ny) on 05/09/2010
You must also remember Heinz ACV is not the same as Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother. It will not produce the same effects.
Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Posted by Sweyah (Richmond, Va) on 03/27/2010
I started taken ACV for my allergies & cough. Will this affect my weight? ...I don't want to lose any weight just started gaining my weight back...also, how do I check my RDA for energy sometimes I'm drained? ....thnxs.
