Apple cider vinegar is a folk remedy made from crushed, fermented apples. It is a home remedy for a number of conditions including acne, bladder infections, vaginal infections and diabetes. As with any treatment, there are potential side effects, and the possibility exists that the treatment may make you ill. Consult with a doctor regarding potential side effects and drug interactions before you use apple cider vinegar.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Vinegar was discovered accidentally during the process of making wine. Vinegar, from Anglo-French "vin egre," means "sour wine." The juice of crushed apples ferments first into alcohol and later into acetic acid. Bacteria naturally settle in the vinegar and form a thick, harmless sludge, commonly known as "mother"; the bacteria are removed by pasteurization.
Uses
Apple cider vinegar is a controversial cure, advertised to support weight loss, aid digestion, assist in diabetes management, cure bacterial vaginosis, assist in managing symptoms of arthritis and the list goes on. Generally, using apple cider vinegar is safe. Research has linked consuming vinegar to lower glucose and insulin responses, reports "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Another study, published by "Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry," showed that apple cider vinegar may reduce body fat, weight and triglyceride levels.
Side Effects
MayoClinic.com suggests that use of apple cider vinegar as a cure might be risky, highlighting that it is highly acidic and an irritant. Apple cider vinegar may be harmful to your throat, teeth and digestive system if consumed undiluted. A July 2005 article published in "Journal of the American Dietetic Association" reported significant variations in "tablet size, pH, component acid content, and label claims" among brands of apple cider vinegar; the article indicated that, in some instances, it was questionable whether the product contained apple cider vinegar at all. Apple cider vinegar decreases levels of potassium in the body, leading to symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, constipation, fatigue, breakdown of muscle fibers, muscle weakness and paralysis.
Drug Interactions
Consult with your doctor prior to taking any apple cider vinegar supplementation, as it may interact with a number of medications, leading lead to serious complications. Apple cider vinegar may interact with the heart medication digoxin; it also may interact with insulin, a potentially dangerous situation for diabetics. Apple cider vinegar interacts with diuretics, which are used to treat water retention.
References
- Apple Cider Vinegar Weight Loss: Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
- MayoClinic.com; Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss: Effective?; Katherine Zeratsky; April 2010
- EMedTV: Apple Cider Vinegar Drug Interactions
- Nutrition Forum; The Sour Truth About Apple Cider Vinegar ...; Beth Fontenot; November-December 1997
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; Esophageal Injury by Apple Cider Vinegar Tablets...; L.L. Hill, et al.; July 2005
- "European Journal of Clinical Nutrition"; Vinegar Supplementation Lowers Glucose and Insulin Responses and Increases Satiety ...; E. Ostman, et aI.; June 2005
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