It's tempting to see out quick fix remedies when you're trying to lose weight. However, they more often than not don't work. One such remedy is the apple cider vinegar diet. Though it may have some limited effects on reducing your appetite, it won't burn fat and it won't cause you to burn more calories. Should you try to follow the diet anyway, be warned: It can cause many unpleasant side effects.
The Diet
One of the earliest references to the apple cider vinegar diet is in a book by D.C. Jarvis, M.D. called "Folk Medicine." In the book, Jarvis instructs people to drink two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar prior to a meal to reduce the appetite and to help people lose weight.
Purported Effects
Apple cider vinegar has been shown to cause a few positive effects in the body. According to a review published in "Medscape General Medicine" by Carol S. Johnston, Ph.D., apple cider vinegar does not help people lose weight, but it may reduce the appetite and increase satiety after eating. Likewise, studies referenced in the review showed vinegar to reduce cholesterol and blood pressure in limited trials conducted on lab animals or small groups of people.
Stomach Problems
Following the apple cider vinegar diet could cause stomach irritation. According to MayoClinic.com, drinking vinegar, which is very acidic, could burn your mouth, throat, and esophagus, cause nausea and stomach upset. It may also irritate ulcers.
Drug Interactions
Sticking to the apple cider vinegar diet could also interfere with medications. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or low potassium levels, you should avoid drinking vinegar because it could increase the effects of certain medications like diuretics and insulin. It's best to avoid taking vinegar as a supplement and stick to losing weight in more traditional ways, like eating healthfully and exercising regularly, says MayoClinic.com.
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