For centuries, apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been known due to its wide range of crazy-good health benefits. It is filled with raw enzymes and beneficial bacteria that help fight various diseases. However, if used in the wrong way, ACV can potentially be unhealthy and dangerous.
Ignoring The Teeth
Since it is highly acidic, taking undiluted apple cider vinegar can weaken the enamel of our teeth which can lead to cavities, tooth decay, and sensitivity. To lessen these effects, it is recommended that we should drink it through a straw so that it doesn’t make contact with our teeth.
Also, Elizabeth Abel, MS, a licensed dietician, nutritionist, and creator of freeandabel.com says that we should avoid brushing our teeth for at least 30 minutes after taking apple cider vinegar.
“The tooth structure is weak and you could cause erosion. Instead, rinse your mouth out with water to remove residual acids.”
Breathe It In
Though apple cider vinegar is good for our digestive tract and heart, we should avoid smelling or breathing it when drinking. Its smell can cause a burning sensation in the lungs and can do more harm. Just drink it.
Taking It Undiluted
Yes, it’s true that apple cider vinegar can boost our health in different ways. However, we should never drink it on its own and then immediately eat or drink something else to mask its bitter taste.
Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, owner of Weik Fitness, LLC says that:
“Due to the [acidic] nature of ACV, you risk the ACV severely irritating and causing damage to the esophagus and stomach.”
Maria Zamarripa, MS, RD, recommends that:
“Have one tablespoon in a large glass of water that you drink with meals. If the flavor with just water alone is too strong for you, try mixing it with other healthy ingredients like lime or lemon juice, honey, cayenne and ginger.”
Drink It Right After Eating
For best results, apple cider vinegar should be taken on an empty stomach. It may become less potent if we consume it right after a meal.
According to experts, we should wait for at least 20 minutes before eating something after we take ACV. We can also have it as part of our meal.
Applying It Directly On The Skin
Apple cider vinegar is beneficial for the skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help with skin breakouts, and can also balance the ph level of the skin, remove dandruff, ease sunburns, and other health benefits. However, we should also make sure that we use it in diluted form on the skin.
Caleb Backe, a health and wellness expert for Maple Holistics says that:
“Prolonged exposure to the highly acidic vinegar can actually kill skin cells, erode your skin, and even leave you with semi-permanent chemical burns.”
Again dilute one part of vinegar with ten parts of water.
Drink It Right Before Bed
It’s not a good idea to take apple cider vinegar (even if it is diluted) before sleeping. According to health experts, ACV can harm our esophagus if the acid comes into contact with it while we are lying down. To ensure that there is no reflux and irritation to the esophagus, have a gap of 30 minutes before drinking ACV and sleeping.
Start By Drinking Lots Of It
See to it that you are not taking too much apple cider vinegar because it can actually cause problems like irritation and stomach upset.
Caitlin Hoff, a health and safety investigator for consumersafety.org advises that:
“Even when you dilute it in water, limit your intake to two tablespoons to protect yourself against harmful or uncomfortable side effects.”
With regular and proper intake, we can enjoy ACV’s numerous health benefits.
Taking It If You Have H. Pylori
If taken properly, apple cider vinegar can seriously boost our digestive health. However, there are certain stomach conditions wherein consumption of ACV is not recommended.
According to Elizabeth Abel, MS, a licensed dietician, nutritionist, once ACV is used against Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria linked to ulcers, it will only cause more irritation.
