The 6 Kinds of People Who Should NEVER Use Apple Cider Vinegar

We hear it all the time from people who say apple cider vinegar is great for this and great for that. But did you know that taking this magical spoonful can also have some serious side effects?

While apple cider vinegar has numerous potential health benefits, it’s also essential to be aware of its potential risks and side effects. Topical application of undiluted apple cider vinegar can lead to burns, irritation and discomfort due to its high acidity. And for those with stomach ulcers, consumption of acidic foods, like apple-cider vinegar, can exacerbate the condition.

Consumption of ACV may result in lower potassium levels, reports a 2020 review in the European Journal of Nutrition, which can result in heart-health concerns. ACV may also interact with certain types of drugs, potentially altering their effects on the body. Particularly, it may affect diabetes medications, diuretics and certain heart disease medications, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Before we get into who and when you shouldn’t take it, let’s find out what’s really in ACV.

What’s In Apple Cider Vinegar?

Raw apple cider vinegar contains:

Acetic acid, which can kill harmful bacteria. ACV is about 5% to 6% acetic acid.
Natural probiotics (good bacteria), which can improve your immune system and gut health.
Antioxidants, naturally occurring substances that can prevent damage to your body’s cells.

Both pasteurized and raw apple cider vinegar are sold in stores, but for health purposes, most people use the latter — the kind that’s a little bit cloudy. The cloudy sediment in the bottom of the bottle, sometimes known as “the mother,” contains more natural bacteria and yeasts.

Who Should Not Take Apple Cider Vinegar?

Certain groups of people should exercise caution when considering the use of apple cider vinegar. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, for instance, should use it sparingly since there’s insufficient research to confirm its safety during these periods. Individuals with diabetes, particularly those on insulin or other glucose-lowering medications, should monitor their blood sugar levels closely due to the vinegar’s potential to reduce blood sugar. People with a history of gastric ulcers or acid reflux may find that apple cider vinegar exacerbates their symptoms.

6 Times You Should NOT Take Apple Cider Vinegar

Here are 5 times you should never take apple cider vinegar.

1. If You Are Having Trouble Swallowing

The inside of the mouth, the throat and the esophagus, the tube that leads to the stomach, are lined with mucus membrane, a type of tissue that can burn when exposed to acid.

Taking apple cider vinegar every day, especially if you don’t drink enough water when taking it in tablet form or if you don’t adequately dilute the liquid, can cause throat pain and make it difficult to swallow.

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There have been reports that apple cider vinegar tablets can cause burns, which can cause permanent damage to the throat or esophagus.

Heartburn and nausea are also possible side effects.

2. If Your Potassium Level Is Low

Apple cider vinegar can cause potassium levels to fall. Low potassium, medically termed hypokalemia, can cause heart arrhythmias, muscle weakness or breakdown, constipation, fatigue or paralysis that can interfere with breathing. If you take medications that can cause low potassium levels, such as diuretics, do not take apple cider vinegar without talking to your doctor first.

3. If You’re Taking Diabetes Medication or Supplements

Apple cider vinegar can lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Research suggests this effect may be because it slows down gastric emptying (how quickly your stomach empties). Apple cider vinegar may also improve how well your body absorbs carbohydrates, which further affects blood sugar levels.21

Taking apple cider vinegar with other medications that lower your blood sugar may increase your risk for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).1

Examples of blood sugar-lowering medications include:

Glucophage, Riomet, or Glumetza (metformin)
Glucotrol (glipizide)
Insulin
Ozempic or Wegovy (semaglutide)

Herbs and supplements that can lower your blood sugar include:

Cinnamon
Green tea
Momordica charantia (bitter melon)

Cardiac glycoside herbs and supplements are used to treat heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation or heart failure. These supplements are related to the prescription drug digoxin and have similar side effects. Examples of these herbs include foxglove, oleander, and lily-of-the-valley.

Similar to digoxin, taking high doses of apple cider vinegar with cardiac glycosides can lead to dangerous side effects (digitalis toxicity) related to low potassium levels.

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4. If You Have A History Of Blood Clots Or Diabetes In Your Family

While apple cider vinegar has benefits, it could also cause an increase in episodes of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, in diabetics.

If you have diabetes, ask your doctor about how to take apple cider vinegar and monitor blood sugars carefully to avoid hypoglycemia.

If you already take blood thinners or if you have problems with blood clotting, do not take apple cider vinegar without your doctor’s approval.

5. If You Have Gastrointestinal Problems

Since ACV is high in acidic content, it can cause serious diarrhea, indigestion and heartburn.

If you’re using ACV for detoxification, these side effects are very common. According to experts, consuming unrefined ACV with a Ph level of 5-7 restricts these side effects.

If these side effects do not seem to evade overtime, discontinue or lower your dosage.