Results showed that consumption is linked to improved fasting plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1C concentrations a measure of your average blood sugar over three months. While results did not show that ACV impacts fasting insulin, the authors did conclude that ACV appears to be a safe natural supplement that may help control blood sugar.

It is important to note that, while promising, these effects should not be considered a replacement for medical treatment in individuals with diabetes. In addition to its potential role in blood sugar regulation, apple-cider vinegar is often touted for its beneficial effects on digestive health.

Probiotics support digestion and may even enhance nutrient absorption, according to a review in Cureus in While many people report improvements in digestive health when consuming apple-cider vinegar, scientific studies on these effects are limited and more research is needed.

Apple-cider vinegar is often cited as a natural tool for weight loss. The thought behind this claim primarily revolves around the presence of acetic acid, which some research, such as a review in Nutrients in , says may suppress appetite.

A meta-analysis in Current Developments in Nutrition evaluated short- and long-term studies conducted on apple-cider vinegar and appetite and calorie intake. Results showed four of the six short-term studies reported that vinegar suppressed appetite.

However, none of the long-term studies reported any appetite-suppressing benefit. Apple-cider vinegar can complement a balanced diet and regular exercise to potentially support weight-loss goals.

Apple-cider vinegar may have antimicrobial properties when it is consumed at full-strength concentrations.

And some evidence suggests it may have antifungal activity as well. The antimicrobial properties are likely due to the total phenolic contents of ACV, per data published in the International Journal of Microbiology in This study focused on the potential sanitizing properties of ACV.

As for whether it can prevent or treat illness? Heart health can be a result of many factors, including some that are out of your control like your family history.

And when it comes to diet, including apple-cider vinegar in your routine may have some heart-health benefits, according to some but not all data. Results from the earlier mentioned meta-analysis and systematic review showed that ACV consumption significantly decreased serum total cholesterol levels.

And results of a randomized clinical trial in Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare evaluating the effects of consuming ACV among people with type 2 diabetes showed that consuming 30 milliliters of ACV per day for eight weeks resulted in a reduction in the LDL-to-HDL ratio, which is a positive heart-health outcome.

While apple-cider vinegar has numerous potential health benefits, it's also essential to be aware of its potential risks and side effects. Topical application of undiluted apple-cider vinegar can lead to burns, irritation and discomfort due to its high acidity. And for those with stomach ulcers, consumption of acidic foods, like apple-cider vinegar, can exacerbate the condition.

Consumption of ACV may result in lower potassium levels, reports a review in the European Journal of Nutrition , which can result in heart-health concerns. ACV may also interact with certain types of drugs, potentially altering their effects on the body. Particularly, it may affect diabetes medications, diuretics and certain heart disease medications, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Certain groups of people should exercise caution when considering the use of apple-cider vinegar. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, for instance, should use it sparingly since there's insufficient research to confirm its safety during these periods.

People with a history of gastric ulcers or acid reflux may find that apple-cider vinegar exacerbates their symptoms. Consuming more than that increases the risk of side effects, like gastrointestinal discomfort, and can affect tooth enamel, she says.

The ideal timing of taking ACV is debatable. Some schools of thought suggest taking it in the morning can kick-start your day, and others suggest taking it at night may benefit blood sugar most effectively.

Ultimately, you should consult with your health care provider to determine when you should take your ACV dose. While more data is needed to definitively say that ACV offers health benefits, some data suggests that it may help support healthy blood sugar levels, weight-management goals and heart health.

It may also have antimicrobial effects. Apple-cider vinegar is often marketed as a tool for weight loss, including burning belly fat. While ACV may help you feel fuller and consume fewer calories, the relationship between ACV and fat burning, especially belly fat, has not been proven.

Some proponents of this theory suggest that the acids in ACV can bind to toxins and help the body eliminate them more effectively. Apple-cider vinegar is a trendy addition to a healthy diet, with some claims suggesting that ingesting it every day can support healthy blood sugar levels, weight-management goals and more.

While many of the health benefits linked to this liquid are based on anecdotal experiences, there is limited but emerging data to support some of these claims. As long as you get the green light to include apple-cider vinegar in your diet from your health care provider, taking it in appropriate doses comes with little risk, and you may experience health benefits, too.

Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising. Create profiles to personalise content. coli , Staphylococcus aureus staph , and Candida albicans a type of yeast.

These are all germs that can cause symptoms and complications if they infect you. After seeing the results, researchers are now curious as to whether supplementing with apple cider vinegar can help in the treatment of someone infected with one of the germs.

Research on the topic is needed. One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar provides the following nutrients:. Apple cider vinegar does not contain notable amounts of vitamins and minerals in portions you'd use to manage health conditions.

However, apple cider vinegar contains antioxidants , namely phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds fight inflammation and might protect cells from damage that leads to disease. Using apple cider vinegar every day in the short term to manage certain health conditions may be safe.

Research has suggested that using apple cider vinegar orally for up to 12 weeks can be safe. However, long-term oral use of apple cider vinegar may pose risks. For example, using large amounts of apple cider vinegar for a prolonged period may lower potassium levels.

Potassium deficiency symptoms include:. Long-term use of apple cider vinegar has also been linked to a higher risk of osteoporosis. Using apple cider vinegar in your food is likely safe.

But using it as a way to treat medical conditions might come with risks. Research has found that apple cider vinegar may harm the esophagus , tooth enamel, and skin.

Apple cider vinegar can also interact with some medications. Because apple cider vinegar can reduce blood sugar , it might cause blood sugar to get too low if taken with diabetes medications.

And because the vinegar can decrease potassium levels, taking it with medications that can also decrease potassium, like diuretics and insulin, can cause potassium levels to get too low. If you are taking any herbal supplements, speak with a healthcare provider about potential interactions they can have with apple cider vinegar.

There might be negative effects if you take the vinegar with certain herbs, including prickly pear cactus , licorice, and bitter melon. There isn't enough reliable evidence to know if apple cider vinegar is safe to use medicinally when pregnant or breastfeeding.

So, experts advise only using apple cider vinegar as food during these times. Before adding apple cider vinegar to your daily routine, consider the following:. Apple cider vinegar is the fermented juice of crushed apple. The vinegar is used in food and as a cleaning product, but it may also be used to help with certain health conditions.

Research on humans is limited, but it appears as though there may be several health benefits of apple cider vinegar. It might help with weight management, type 2 diabetes, heart health, and varicose veins.

While short-term use of apple cider vinegar may be safe, long-term use might pose risks. If you're interested in using apple cider vinegar, consult a healthcare provider about your health needs and whether it's safe for you to consume or apply apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar. Khezri SS, Saidpour A, Hosseinzadeh N, et al. Beneficial effects of apple cider vinegar on weight management, visceral adiposity index and lipid profile in overweight or obese subjects receiving restricted calorie diet: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Functional Foods.

Hadi A, Pourmasoumi M, Najafgholizadeh A, et al. The effect of apple cider vinegar on lipid profiles and glycemic parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BMC Complement Med Ther. Atik D, Atik C, Karatepe C. The effect of external apple vinegar application on varicosity symptoms, pain, and social appearance anxiety: A randomized controlled trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health effects of overweight and obesity.

Kausar S, Abbas MA, et al. Effect of apple cider vinegar in type 2 diabetic patients with poor glycemic control: a randomized placebo controlled design. Int J Med Res Health Sci.

Diabetes complications. Healthy weight. About cholesterol. Lumley E, Phillips P, Aber A, et al. Experiences of living with varicose veins: A systematic review of qualitative research. J Clin Nurs. Ho CW, Lazim AM, Fazry S, et al. Varieties, production, composition and health benefits of vinegars: A review.

Food Chem. Samad A, Azlan A, Ismail A. Therapeutic effects of vinegar: a review. Curr Opin Food Sci. Yagnik D, Serafin V, J Shah A.

Antimicrobial activity of apple cider vinegar against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans; downregulating cytokine and microbial protein expression.

Sci Rep. Department of Agriculture. Vinegar, cider. Kalemba-Drozdz M, Kwiecien I, Szewczyk A, et al. Fermented vinegars from apple peels, raspberries, rosehips, lavender, mint, and rose petals: the composition, antioxidant power, and genoprotective abilities in comparison to acetic macerates, decoctions, and tinctures.

Antioxidants Basel. Kumar N, Goel N. Phenolic acids: Natural versatile molecules with promising therapeutic applications. Biotechnol Rep Amst. Low blood potassium. Hassen G, Belete G, Carrera KG, et al.

Clinical implications of herbal supplements in conventional medical practice: A US perspective. Chang J, Han SE, Paik SS, et al.

Corrosive esophageal injury due to a commercial vinegar beverage in an adolescent. Clin Endosc. Anderson S, Gonzalez LA, Jasbi P, et al. Evidence that daily vinegar ingestion may contribute to erosive tooth wear in adults.

Although occasional use of apple cider vinegar is safe for most people, it does carry some risks. For example:. Remember, there's no magic bullet for weight loss. Be skeptical of any approach that claims you can lose weight without decreasing calories or increasing physical activity.

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Thank you for subscribing! Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Show references Apple cider vinegar. Natural Medicines. Accessed April 20, Bunick CG, et al.

However, another study challenges this last finding. Its authors state that vinegar simply caused nausea in people who took it, resulting in less desire to eat. Also, a high total cholesterol level raises the risk of heart problems. Some evidence suggests that taking apple cider vinegar could help lower both total cholesterol and triglycerides.

A week study investigated the effects of taking apple cider vinegar in people on a low-calorie diet. The researchers found that participants who took apple cider vinegar not only lost more weight than those who took a placebo but also had lower triglycerides and total cholesterol.

The people who took apple cider vinegar also had significantly raised levels of high-density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol. Fungal infections can range from minor problems to life-threatening issues.

Most commonly, people get fungal infections in the mouth, throat, and vagina. People with type 2 diabetes may be at a higher risk of developing fungal infections, especially if they are not controlling their blood sugars levels well.

Candida albicans is a common cause of fungal infections in humans. In some people, Candida infections can be long-lasting and may become resistant to antifungal drugs. One case report describes a man with type 2 diabetes who had a persistent fungal infection in the mouth due to Candida.

The individual applied apple cider vinegar to the mouth twice a day for 7 days. After treatment, there was a 94 percent reduction of the fungal count affecting the mouth. In another case report , a woman had chronic vaginal Candida for 5 years that did not respond to treatment.

Applying apple cider vinegar cleared up the fungal infection. A test tube study also found that apple cider vinegar, containing 4 percent maleic acid, can kill the Candida species that causes denture stomatitis, a fungal infection in the mouth that can happen when a person wears dentures.

Apple cider vinegar may also have antibacterial properties. One test tube study found that apple cider vinegar was effective at killing Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus , which is the bacteria responsible for staph infections.

Another test tube study found apple cider vinegar was as effective as 5 percent sodium hypochlorite at killing Enterococcus faecalis. This bacteria occurs naturally in the bowel and gut of healthy humans but can cause serious infections. Many people use apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse to help improve shine and smoothness.

While no studies have confirmed these benefits, the acidic nature of vinegar may lend itself to hair use. One review suggests that alkaline hair products may cause hair to become damaged and frizzy. Applying apple cider vinegar, with its acidic properties, may improve the condition or appearance of hair.

Some people use apple cider vinegar as a skin toner or acne treatment, but there are no scientific studies to support these uses. Tooth enamel is the hard outer surface of teeth. A person can wear down tooth enamel through excessive and harsh brushing. Consuming too many acidic foods and beverages can also cause damage.

Once tooth enamel is worn down, it does not grow back. Weakened or missing enamel leaves teeth prone to cavities and sensitivity.

Because it is acidic, regularly consuming undiluted apple cider vinegar by mouth can weaken tooth enamel. The acid in apple cider vinegar can also be irritating or damaging to the throat when taken frequently. According to the United States National Capital Poison Center NCPC , applying vinegar directly to the skin can cause burns and irritation.

The NCPC list several reports of people requiring medical treatment after experiencing serious burns from applying vinegar, including apple cider vinegar, to the skin for long periods. Apple cider vinegar can also burn and irritate the eyes, so people should use caution when applying it to the face, hair, and scalp.

The NCPC do not recommend using vinegar to treat wounds. Experts have not set safe or recommended amounts of apple cider vinegar for its various health uses. People should talk to a doctor first before using apple cider vinegar to treat a medical condition or for when using it in large quantities.

He advises treating toenail fungus at home with an apple cider vinegar footbath. Finish by drying the area thoroughly. Although published clinical research is lacking, Shapiro has also found apple cider vinegar to be helpful for some of his patients with dandruff and an itchy scalp.

He recommends saturating your scalp with a mixture of one to four parts water and one part vinegar several times a week. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for shingles , a painful rash triggered by the same virus that causes chickenpox.

Both of these actions make apple cider vinegar a potential home remedy for shingles and other conditions that cause skin irritation, such as insect bites and hives. To try it, Shapiro advises pouring 1 cup of apple cider vinegar into a tub of cool bathwater and soaking for 10 minutes a day.

Vinegar is also mentioned as a way to help with shingles blisters by diluting it with water and using it in a cold compress, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy.

We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.

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Medically Reviewed. Justin Laube, MD. When diluted with water, apple cider vinegar may be a home remedy for several health issues, some experts say. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking.

Consuming apple cider vinegar before going to sleep has also been shown to reduce fasting blood sugar after waking. Make sure to talk with your doctor before consuming ACV if you have diabetes, especially if you're on medication.

Those looking to preserve food naturally may want to consider using apple cider vinegar. It is a known pathogen killer , which includes microbes like staph and candida. Vinegar is a popular preservative in Korea since it can prevent E.

coli and norovirus from growing in food. coli can cause food poisoning when consumed, but the bactericidal effects of the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can prevent it from occurring.

Another benefit of apple cider vinegar that may be useful is its ability to help with weight loss. When taken before or during a meal, ACV has been shown to help with satiety the feeling of fullness.

In one study, participants ate approximately to fewer calories when apple cider vinegar was combined with a meal. Over three months, participants taking one to two tablespoons of ACV per day saw up to 3.

Incorporating up to an ounce of apple cider vinegar into your day, along with a lower-calorie diet, may reduce total cholesterol and triglycerides while also increasing HDL "good" cholesterol. Those with type 2 diabetes may also see positive results on their total cholesterol and triglyceride levels when adding a half ounce of ACV to their diet.

Read more: 7 Money-Saving Tips for Eating Healthily on a Budget. Although there are benefits of apple cider vinegar usage, there are also potential side effects to consider. The high acidity can strip tooth enamel, which won't come back once it's gone.

It may cause damage to your esophagus or throat if you drink it undiluted. Watering it down with water or juice not only makes ACV more palatable, it can also reduce the risk of damaging your throat and teeth.

Combining one or two tablespoons with either may also cure an upset stomach. Apple cider vinegar dosage depends on the reason you're using it. Two teaspoons to two tablespoons is the general dosage recommendation. If you want to drink it, dilute it with water or your favorite juice or tea.

You can also eat it by incorporating it in your favorite foods, especially dressings, vinaigrettes and even when making your own mayonnaise. You can also add a cup or two to a bath for skin issues. Mixing a tablespoon of ACV with a cup of water, then soaking gauze or cotton in the solution can make a wet wrap.

To use apple cider vinegar as a hair rinse, combine up to two tablespoons with a cup of water, then pour over hair after shampooing.

Wait 5 minutes, then rinse. It can be drying, so use it sparingly. ACV can also irritate the scalp, so a weaker dilution may be better. While some studies have found the benefits of apple cider vinegar, we need more research to definitively prove how beneficial ACV is.

It may help with weight loss, controlling type 2 diabetes, blood sugar and cholesterol and it can also prevent harmful bacteria growth on foods. Drinking undiluted apple cider vinegar can cause tooth enamel erosion or throat damage. Mixing ACV with water or juice before consuming it can prevent damage to the teeth and throat.

As with any natural remedy, speak with your doctor before trying apple cider vinegar and do a skin test before using it on your skin.

Meal Delivery. Dieting Program Guides. Vitamin and Supplement Guides. Wellness Nutrition. The ABCs of Apple Cider Vinegar: Benefits, Precautions and Proper Dosage Apple cider vinegar is a common ingredient you might already have in your kitchen. Mandy Sleight Contributor.

Mandy Sleight is a freelance writer and has been an insurance agent since Some studies suggest that vinegar can increase feelings of fullness and help you eat fewer calories, which may lead to weight loss.

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death Research suggests that vinegar could possibly improve some of them.

A review of studies in both humans and animals noted that apple cider vinegar may potentially benefit levels of high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and total cholesterol A review of research in humans found that apple cider vinegar may benefit total cholesterol levels 8.

But both reviews pointed to limitations in the quality and size of research available to support these claims. Several animal studies have shown that vinegar can reduce blood triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood pressure.

However, there is no strong evidence that it leads to a reduced risk of heart disease in humans. Some people use apple cider vinegar as a common remedy for skin conditions like dry skin and eczema.

The skin is naturally slightly acidic. But it may be less acidic in people with eczema. On the other hand, alkaline soaps and cleansers could irritate eczema, prompting a flare-up Given its antibacterial properties, diluted apple cider vinegar could, in theory, help prevent skin infections linked to eczema and other skin conditions.

Some people use diluted apple cider vinegar in a face wash or toner. The idea is that it can kill bacteria and prevent spots. However, one study of 22 people with eczema reported that apple cider vinegar soaks did not improve the skin barrier and caused skin irritation Talk with a doctor before trying new remedies, especially on damaged skin.

Avoid applying undiluted vinegar to the skin, as it can cause burns. Apple cider vinegar is naturally acidic and has antimicrobial properties. This means it could help improve the skin barrier and prevent infections in theory. But more studies are needed to know how safe and effective this remedy is.

The best way to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your diet is to use it in cooking. Some people also like to dilute it in water and drink it as a beverage. Standard dosages range from 1—2 teaspoons 5—10 mL to 1—2 tablespoons 15—30 mL per day mixed in a large glass of water.

Too much vinegar can cause harmful side effects , including tooth enamel erosion and potential drug interactions. Read more about the correct dosage of apple cider vinegar here. A common dosage for apple cider vinegar ranges from 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons 10—30 mL per day, either used in cooking or mixed in a glass of water.

Many websites and natural healthcare proponents claim that apple cider vinegar has exceptional health benefits, including boosting energy and treating disease. That said, some studies suggest it may offer some benefits, including killing bacteria, lowering blood sugar levels, and promoting weight loss.

It also has various other non-health—related uses , including as a natural hair conditioner, skin care product, and cleaning agent. Read this article in Spanish. I acquired toenail fungus when I was in the Air Force. I started warm foot soaks with half apple cider vinegar and half water.

It works, if one stays persistent with the foot soaks and include the hand soaks. The first time one tries it, have a little foot brush to scrape off all of the dead skin: feet and hands become as smooth as a baby's bottom. The toenail soaks work.

I was not persistent for many years. But it still made a huge difference with the toenail fungus. One must continue the soaks for a time after the fungus is dying and is going away and gone.

It can come back. If it does come back, start the foot soak straight away. We encourage our readers to share their unique experiences to create a helpful and informative community here on Healthline.

Our editors will also review every comment before publishing, ensuring our high level of medical integrity. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. Belly fat is the most harmful fat in your body, linked to many diseases.

Here are 6 simple ways to lose belly fat that are supported by science. This simple 3-step plan can help you lose weight fast. Read about the 3-step plan, along with other science-backed weight loss tips, here. Cherry juice and apple cider vinegar may tame arthritis pain and stiffness.

Apple cider vinegar has a variety of uses and many claimed health benefits. This article takes a closer look at whether it can also fight acne. Studies have explored apple cider vinegar as a potential treatment for diabetes.

Read on to learn what the research says, and more. While they're not typically able to prescribe, nutritionists can still benefits your overall health. Let's look at benefits, limitations, and more.

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Nutrition Evidence Based 6 Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar, Backed by Science. Medically reviewed by Kim Chin, RD , Nutrition — By Kris Gunnars, BSc — Updated on June 20, Acetic acid Anti-bacterial Blood sugar Weight loss Heart health Skin health How to use Summary Comments Research suggests that apple cider vinegar may have beneficial health properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.

High in healthful substances. Can help kill harmful bacteria. May help lower blood sugar levels and manage diabetes. Explore our top resources.

Over that time, the people who had apple cider vinegar with their water saw significant reductions in fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C HbA1C.

HbA1C is a measure of your average blood sugar over the previous two to three months. If you have diabetes and high levels of both fasting blood sugar and HbA1C, your risk of complications increases.

Diabetes complications can include:. The researchers also found that a half ounce of apple cider vinegar was connected to reduced waist and hip measurements, two factors that help decrease disease risk in the first place. Total cholesterol is the amount of low-density lipoprotein LDL cholesterol , high-density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in your blood.

LDL cholesterol is considered the "bad" cholesterol, HDL is considered the "good" cholesterol, and triglycerides are a type of fat. High levels of total cholesterol , LDL cholesterol, or triglycerides—as well as low levels of HDL cholesterol—can raise your heart disease risk.

Research has found that drinking 1 ounce of apple cider vinegar daily may reduce triglycerides and total cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol.

And in people with obesity or type 2 diabetes, even a half ounce of apple cider vinegar daily may lower triglycerides and total cholesterol. Researchers of a study published in studied the effects of applying apple cider vinegar topically on varicose veins.

In addition to a regular treatment plan, people who applied apple cider vinegar to varicose veins on their legs saw reductions in the following:. Such improvements to varicose veins can benefit a person's the quality of life.

For example, reducing painful symptoms can increase mobility and improve sleep quality. While the participants in the study had no adverse side effects, applying apple cider vinegar to the skin can potentially be unsafe.

For some people, apple cider vinegar might cause chemical burns. All types of vinegar contain acetic acid, a byproduct of fermentation. Acetic acid gives apple cider vinegar its strong, sour aroma and flavor. Acetic acid also has antifungal and antibacterial properties, making apple cider vinegar a natural disinfectant.

That's why some people may use apple cider vinegar to clean their houses. Research performed in test tubes has found that apple cider vinegar helps kill germs like Escherichia coli E. coli , Staphylococcus aureus staph , and Candida albicans a type of yeast.

These are all germs that can cause symptoms and complications if they infect you. After seeing the results, researchers are now curious as to whether supplementing with apple cider vinegar can help in the treatment of someone infected with one of the germs.

Research on the topic is needed. One tablespoon of apple cider vinegar provides the following nutrients:. Apple cider vinegar does not contain notable amounts of vitamins and minerals in portions you'd use to manage health conditions.

However, apple cider vinegar contains antioxidants , namely phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds fight inflammation and might protect cells from damage that leads to disease.

Using apple cider vinegar every day in the short term to manage certain health conditions may be safe. Research has suggested that using apple cider vinegar orally for up to 12 weeks can be safe.

However, long-term oral use of apple cider vinegar may pose risks. For example, using large amounts of apple cider vinegar for a prolonged period may lower potassium levels. Potassium deficiency symptoms include:.

Long-term use of apple cider vinegar has also been linked to a higher risk of osteoporosis. Using apple cider vinegar in your food is likely safe. But using it as a way to treat medical conditions might come with risks. Research has found that apple cider vinegar may harm the esophagus , tooth enamel, and skin.

Apple cider vinegar can also interact with some medications. Because apple cider vinegar can reduce blood sugar , it might cause blood sugar to get too low if taken with diabetes medications. And because the vinegar can decrease potassium levels, taking it with medications that can also decrease potassium, like diuretics and insulin, can cause potassium levels to get too low.

If you are taking any herbal supplements, speak with a healthcare provider about potential interactions they can have with apple cider vinegar. There might be negative effects if you take the vinegar with certain herbs, including prickly pear cactus , licorice, and bitter melon.

There isn't enough reliable evidence to know if apple cider vinegar is safe to use medicinally when pregnant or breastfeeding. So, experts advise only using apple cider vinegar as food during these times.

Before adding apple cider vinegar to your daily routine, consider the following:. Apple cider vinegar is the fermented juice of crushed apple. The vinegar is used in food and as a cleaning product, but it may also be used to help with certain health conditions.

Research on humans is limited, but it appears as though there may be several health benefits of apple cider vinegar. It might help with weight management, type 2 diabetes, heart health, and varicose veins. While short-term use of apple cider vinegar may be safe, long-term use might pose risks.

Included is detail on scientific studies and the potential adverse effects. Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for various health issues. Some people believe that it can act as a laxative, helping to relieve…. Headaches are a common complaint for many people. There are natural remedies available, including apple cider vinegar.

Does it work? Apple cider vinegar has recently been touted as a cure-all for many ailments, including diarrhea. However, this common household ingredient is highly…. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health? Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. Health benefits of apple cider vinegar. Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R. Lowering blood sugar Weight loss Cholesterol and triglycerides Antifungal properties Antibacterial properties Hair and skin care Side effects How to use Takeaway Some research suggests that apple cider vinegar may have several health benefits.

Lowering blood sugar. Aiding weight loss. Cholesterol and triglycerides. Share on Pinterest Apple cider vinegar may lower cholesterol levels. Antifungal properties.

Antibacterial properties. Hair and skin care. Share on Pinterest Apple cider vinegar may improve hair shine and smoothness. Side effects of apple cider vinegar. How to use apple cider vinegar. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles.

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Atlantic diet may help prevent metabolic syndrome. Related Coverage. What is the apple cider vinegar detox? Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R. Can apple cider vinegar help relieve constipation? Although published clinical research is lacking, Shapiro has also found apple cider vinegar to be helpful for some of his patients with dandruff and an itchy scalp.

He recommends saturating your scalp with a mixture of one to four parts water and one part vinegar several times a week. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Unfortunately, there is no cure for shingles , a painful rash triggered by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Both of these actions make apple cider vinegar a potential home remedy for shingles and other conditions that cause skin irritation, such as insect bites and hives.

To try it, Shapiro advises pouring 1 cup of apple cider vinegar into a tub of cool bathwater and soaking for 10 minutes a day. Vinegar is also mentioned as a way to help with shingles blisters by diluting it with water and using it in a cold compress, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.

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Medically Reviewed. Justin Laube, MD. When diluted with water, apple cider vinegar may be a home remedy for several health issues, some experts say. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking. Resources Bunick CG et al. Chemical Burn From Topical Apple Cider Vinegar.