ACV is generally safe when consumed in moderation — no more than 1 to 2 tablespoons (tbsp) daily. But drinking excessive amounts of ACV can decrease potassium to hazardous levels. ACV may interact with some medications (including diuretics, laxatives, and certain medications for diabetes and heart disease).
Common dosages range from 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 mL) to 1–2 tablespoon (15–30 mL) per day mixed in a large glass of water. It's best to start with small doses and avoid taking large amounts. Too much vinegar can cause harmful side effects, including tooth enamel erosion and potential drug interactions.
Teeth Damage
Vinegar can be as much as 7% acetic acid, which can cause serious dental damage. Acids carry away the minerals in your teeth, weakening enamel and potentially leading to cavities and other problems. Habitual drinking of straight vinegar may be problematic for this reason.
While vinegar is a common household item and has several advantages, it may prove fatal if ingested in large quantities.
Most people can safely consume reasonable amounts of apple cider vinegar by following these general guidelines: Limit your intake. Start with a small amount and gradually work up to a maximum of 2 tablespoons (30 mL) per day, diluted in water, depending on your personal tolerance.
Apple cider vinegar is safe for the body in small doses (up to 2 tablespoons per day for adults), but taking large amounts is not recommended.
Drinking apple cider vinegar may support weight loss goals, lower your blood sugar and insulin, and fight bacterial and fungal infections. However, these benefits don't necessarily require drinking it right before bed.
The use of vinegar has been shown to be harmful to the liver and to the kidneys. Vinegar is also an irritant to the central nervous system. Regular consumption of vinegar can cause low potassium levels and lower bone density. Studies have shown that vinegar contributes to Candida overgrowth.
Is there any harm in trying vinegar, though? Vinegar is fine to use on food and when mixed with water, juice, or another liquid is safe to drink. However, with a pH between 2.4 and 3.3, vinegar is acidic enough to erode tooth enamel, inflame the esophagus and stomach, and trigger nausea and acid reflux.
Vinegar is not intended to be ingested in significant amounts and can cause stomach distress resulting in nausea and vomiting. If ingested by someone who has stomach ulcers, vinegar can worsen the symptoms instead of helping.
1. It helps support good digestion and our immune systems. Studies show that fermented foods, like vinegar, inhibit the enzymes that help you digest starch, leaving enough starch to feed and encourage the growth of healthy gut bacteria--which is what you want (think better digestion and stronger immune systems).
Apple cider vinegar may give some people indigestion or make them feel nauseated. Don't drink it on an empty stomach, and if you feel sick or throw up after you take it, stop using it. ACV can also interact with some drugs, such as diuretics, laxatives, and insulin.
The Many Uses of Vinegar
It's natural and non-toxic.
ACV is generally safe when consumed in moderation — no more than 1 to 2 tablespoons (tbsp) daily. But drinking excessive amounts of ACV can decrease potassium to hazardous levels. ACV may interact with some medications (including diuretics, laxatives, and certain medications for diabetes and heart disease).
Drinking ACV right after a meal can delay digestion. Thus, it's best to have it before a meal or empty stomach to maximise its health benefits.
Large doses of vinegar are known to trigger reflux in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and aggravate peptic ulcers. So, it is better to dilute it with water and then drink it or avoid it if you suffer from these conditions.
Based on a study published by the American Chemical Institute, scientists suggested that vinegar could improve cognitive function and could slow down dementia. It's the acetic acid found in vinegar that we need to thank for this.
“Apple cider vinegar may reduce the level of potassium in your body, so if you're using both, you may have low potassium levels, which can negatively affect how your heart and muscles function.” Be mindful if you're taking certain heart medications as well, specifically those for arrhythmia.
As a guide, take 1-2 teaspoons or 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar per day mixed in a glass of water. How often? It is recommended to take it no more than twice a day to prevent side effects such as nausea and erosion of tooth enamel.
Drinking apple cider vinegar before meals or right before bedtime may benefit your blood sugar levels the most. For example, one study in people with type 2 diabetes found that taking 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of apple cider vinegar at bedtime for 2 days reduced fasting blood sugar levels by up to 6% ( 7 ).
How much apple cider vinegar should I drink for kidney stones? Mix 2 tablespoons into 6 to 8 ounces of water for best results, and drink it all day.
“Extra caution needs to be taken if you're taking diuretics, insulin, blood pressure medication and laxatives,” says Dr. Mandal. “This is especially concerning for people with type 1 and 2 diabetes, since gastroparesis can lead to difficulty controlling blood sugar,” she says. Is there a safe way to consume ACV?
Dosage and Choosing a Supplement
The research that currently exists suggests that 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) per day of liquid apple cider vinegar diluted in water appears to be safe and have health benefits ( 3 , 7 ).