Apple cider vinegar has been used for many years to cure a variety of illnesses.
Even though apple cider vinegar has a lot of healthy qualities, it can have negative health effects when used with certain drugs.
The Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is usually used for weight loss. It empties the stomach and makes you feel satiated for a longer period of time, which in turn reduces your appetite.
A Chinese study showed that apple cider vinegar can reduce the risk of esophageal cancer by 37%.
It has potent antibacterial and antifungal properties and can treat yeast infections and athlete’s foot
Acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar can reduce blood pressure and the levels of bad cholesterol, thus reducing cancer risks.
Apple cider vinegar can be very beneficial for diabetics. It has anti-glycemic properties and can prevent the digestion of starches which cause the blood sugar levels to increase.
We all know that apple cider vinegar provides many health benefits and can treat a number of medical issues, right? However, when combined with some medications, apple cider vinegar can cause side effects and lead to serious problems.
Taking apple cider vinegar interacts with certain medications can lower the potassium levels in the organism.
If you are taking any of these medications, you should not combine them with apple cider vinegar.
Digoxin or Lanoxin
This medication is used for treating heart diseases. Combined with this medication, apple cider vinegar can obstruct the absorption of potassium in the organism, thus increasing the risk of side effects such as mood swings, vomiting, vision problems, dizziness, and diarrhea.
Diuretics – Diuril, Lasix, Microzidea and Thalitone
These medications are usually used in the treatment of bloating since they stimulate the body to remove the accumulated liquids.
Potassium can maintain the balance of water in the body. As we said before, apple cider vinegar lowers the levels of potassium, which will result in dehydration.
Insulin
Insulin is a medication used to balance the blood sugar levels in the body and it is usually used by diabetics.
Even though apple cider vinegar can control the blood sugar levels, some studies showed that you should never take it in combination with insulin. The combination of these two can significantly lower the potassium and blood sugar levels.
Be very careful while using apple cider vinegar. The long term use of ACV can cause low potassium levels in the body, thus leading to other health problems. For instance, consuming 8 oz. of ACV a day for a few years can cause osteoporosis!
Other Groups of People Who Should Not Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers
Pregnant women are recommended to avoid taking ACV since there are not enough evidence how ACV affects the body and the fetus during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding mothers should also avoid apple cider vinegar because it can have a negative effect on the newborns.
Postmenopausal women
Postmenstrual women are more likely to have reduced bones density. As we said before, apple cider vinegar lowers the potassium levels in the body. This means that the high amounts of ACV can lead to osteoporosis.
Diabetics
Those suffering from diabetes should be very careful when taking apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar lowers the levels of blood sugar, so if you are taking medications just adjust them if you want to include apple cider vinegar.
Insulin and apple cider vinegar can lower the potassium levels in the
body. In other words, taking the apple cider vinegar and insulin
simultaneously can lower the potassium levels in the body extremely!