What Are The Dangers Of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has long been used as a folk remedy for dandruff and sunburn. This product of fermentation is also touted to help you lose weight and ease arthritis pain, health claims yet to be substantiated by science. However, there are known but less publicized dangers associated with the long-term use of apple cider vinegar, especially if you have a history of esophageal disease, gastric ulcers or diabetes.

Hypokalemia

According to a Natural Standard review published in the July 2005 issue of the "International Journal of Naturopathic Medicine," the acetic acid content in apple cider vinegar may cause potassium depletion with long-term use. In an article published by Medscape.com in 2006, author Carol S. Johnston, a registered dietitian, described a case report in which a 28-year-old woman developed hypokalemia, a potentially life-threatening metabolic disorder that occurs when there is a significant decrease in serum levels of potassium. The woman reportedly consumed about 250 ml, or 8.45 oz. of vinegar every day for six years.

Blood Pressure Effects

The patient in the case report referenced in the Medscape.com article also suffered from hyperreninemia, according to the original report published in 1998. This means she had excessive levels of an enzyme produced by the kidneys called rennin, which is released to facilitate the eventual conversion of angiotensinogen to angiotensin II and the subsequent release of aldosterone from the adrenal glands. Because these agents are potent vasodilators, they restrict blood flow to the kidneys, which triggers the release of more rennin. In short, this cascade of events sets up a repetitive cycle that leads to long-term arterial high blood pressure.

Blood Sugar Effects

Studies show that including vinegar with a meal decreases glucose levels in healthy people and improves insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes due to delayed gastric emptying. However, a study published in the December 2007 issue of "BMC Gastroenterology" reports that apple cider vinegar increases the delaying effect in people with type 1 diabetes even further, making glucose management more difficult.

Throat and Stomach

Swallowing apple cider vinegar from a spoon or glass may irritate tissue in the esophagus and intestinal tract, although any damage is usually repaired within a few days. If you have a gastric ulcer, however, your immediate reaction might be akin to receiving lemon juice in a paper cut. Also, Dr. Keith Wrenn related a frightening real-life experience in the "Annals of Emergency Medicine" in 2006, in which his brother-in-law aspirated on vinegar from the cucumber salad served at dinner. After a severe coughing fit, he surrendered to laryngospasm and then vasovagal syncope. In other words, the man lost his breath and passed out. Fortunately, he regained consciousness a moment later and the situation resolved itself. This doesn't mean you should avoid cucumber or other vinegar-based salads, but be aware that the accidental inhalation of vinegar could duplicate this rare event.