What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is a type of vinegar that is made by fermenting cider apples. Two fermentation processes are involved. In the first, cider apples are crushed and the juice is extracted, after which certain type of bacteria is added. This turns the apple juice to alcohol. In the second process, it is fermented once again, to turn the alcohol into vinegar. For this, bacteria that can turn the alcohol into acetic-acid is added. There are two types of apple cider vinegar that is commonly used. The first is a raw, unfiltered version. This contains something known as the ‘mother’ of vinegar. It is perhaps the most beneficial part of the vinegar, as it contains certain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. The presence of the mother of vinegar is apple cider vinegar gives it a certain cloudy, web-like appearance. The second type of apple cider vinegar is the filtered version. This does not contain the mother of vinegar. It instead, has a clear appearance.

Uses Of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a common household product that serves its purpose for various uses. A few are as follows –
It is used for salad dressings and in a few dishes because of its sour flavour. It gets this sourness from the combination of acetic acid and malic acid.
Apple cider vinegar is used in healthcare for weight reduction, to treat diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and to detoxify the body.
It is also used as a cosmetic product as it can benefit the skin. It has superior anti-fungal, anti-microbial, and properties, and it can help keep infections at bay.
Apple cider vinegar is used for hair as well. It can manage the pH levels of the hair, thereby treating dullness. Many women make it a part of their hair care routine.
Apple cider vinegar can be used as a disinfectant for cleaning floors as well.
To remove warts.

Is There Any Side Effects Of Apple Cider Vinegar
A lot has been said about the benefits of apple cider vinegar, but it is imperative that you are aware of the side effects that come along with the consumption or application of apple cider vinegar as well. Not knowing the side effects can cause harm to your body, and in some cases, prove to be dangerous. This is especially true for people suffering from gastroparesis or hypokalemia. Apple cider vinegar, especially if not diluted in water, can cause internal and external skin burns, interfere with your blood sugar levels, and destroy your tooth enamel. To be on the safer side, you may consult a nutritionist before you begin to make apple cider vinegar a regular part of your diet.

Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects
Before you consume apple cider vinegar, you should be aware of its side effects. These are listed below.

1. May Cause Nausea: Side Effects Of Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar
Some people who consumed apple cider vinegar may complain of nausea. To treat weight loss and type 1 diabetes, apple cider vinegar is usually ingested with some water, first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach.

In some cases, apple cider vinegar can trigger nausea.
If you are one of those sensitive people, who happen to be suffering from nausea caused by apple cider vinegar, it is recommended that you avoid drinking it on an empty stomach. You may decrease the amount of ACV you are taking, consider adding 1 tsp ACV to half a glass of water in the beginning. However, if nausea persists try taking diluted ACV after food.

2. May Reduce Potassium Levels & Increase Bone Loss

Apple cider vinegar can lower the blood levels of potassium in the body. Potassium is a crucial mineral that is responsible for the functioning of muscles and nerves. Consuming large amounts of ACV over an extended period of time (a couple of years) may cause low levels of potassium that can lead to bone loss and osteoporosis. Hypokalemia is a condition in which people have extremely low levels of potassium in their body. A moderate case of hypokalemia might cause muscle aches and pain, while a severe case of hypokalemia may even cause paralysis. For people who are already suffering from hypokalemia, apple cider vinegar can make this condition worse.

3. May Cause Headaches
In many instances, people who consume apple cider vinegar on a daily basis might experience some headaches. This is more common for those who consume apple cider vinegar in the mornings, on an empty stomach. However, this is just a sign that the body is undergoing a detoxification process. A headache caused by apple cider vinegar under such circumstances, usually only lasts for around 2 to 3 weeks. You can avoid this by further diluting your ACV drink with water & taking it after meals. Should the headache persist after this, consult your doctor.

4. Can Cause Corrosion Of Tooth Enamel
Acidic substances can cause the tooth enamel to corrode. Apple cider vinegar is acidic in nature, due to which, prolonged exposure can destroy and weaken the surface of your teeth. Especially if the ACV drink is strong and not diluted enough. Once the tooth enamel is destroyed, it can further cause tooth decay and even cavities. The acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can also cause teeth to lose its whiteness, adding a yellowish tinge to it. In order to protect your teeth while consuming apple cider vinegar, use a straw.

5. May Cause Gastrointestinal Issues
The acidic nature of apple cider vinegar can have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal system. For one, it slows down the process of digestion, or the time taken for the food to leave the stomach. This condition is called gastroparesis and apple cider vinegar may trigger it. Apple cider vinegar can also interfere with the blood sugar levels in the body. One of the ways that apple cider vinegar promotes weight loss is by causing a loss of appetite. This, in‌ ‌turn, can reduce the necessary calorie intake.

The Takeaway
A lot has been said about the benefits of apple cider vinegar, but it is imperative that you are aware of the side effects that come along with the consumption or application of apple cider vinegar as well. Not knowing the side effects can cause harm to your body, and in some cases, prove to be dangerous. This is especially true for people suffering from gastroparesis or hypokalemia. Apple cider vinegar, especially if not diluted in water, can cause internal and external skin burns, interfere with your blood sugar levels, and destroy your tooth enamel. To be on the safer side, you may consult a nutritionist before you begin to make apple cider vinegar a regular part of your diet.