Vinegar & Water For Weight Loss

When you've tried every diet and exercise program, trying a diet that only involves drinking a vinegar and water solution might seem like a refreshing alternative. But not only is drinking vinegar for weight loss not scientifically proven to work, it could also cause side effects. Talk to your doctor before drinking a vinegar and water solution to lose weight.

History

The use of vinegar for weight loss has been popularized on the Internet, and in books such as "Apple Cider Vinegar Miracle Health System" by Paul Chappuis Bragg and "Folk Medicine" by Dr. D.C. Jarvis. The exact details of each diet system vary, but usually involve drinking apple cider vinegar before meals to curb the appetite and burn fat instead of storing it in the body.

Sample Instructions

Most versions of the apple cider vinegar diet involve drinking 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar mixed in a glass of water. In his book, Bragg recommends adding 2 tablespoons raw honey to the mixture. Dieters drink the mixture three times a day, usually before meals. Bragg recommends eating only 1,200 calories per day while following his diet, while Dr. D.C. Jarvis does not describe any additional dietary modifications, besides drinking the vinegar mixture.

Results

It is not scientifically proven that drinking apple cider vinegar and water burns fat, curbs the appetite, or helps you lose weight, says Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. in the article "Apple Cider Vinegar For Weight Loss: Effective?" Instead, dieters should eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein and follow a daily exercise routine to effectively lose weight and keep it off.

Side Effects

Apple cider vinegar is fine in moderation, but drinking it could cause potentially serious side effects. Apple cider vinegar is an acidic liquid that could cause throat and stomach irritation, especially if you're drinking it three times a day. Consuming apple cider vinegar on a regular basis could also interact with prescription medications, such as insulin and some diuretics, and lead to low potassium levels in the body, says Zeratsky. Talk to your doctor before consuming any amount of apple cider vinegar to prevent harmful side effects.