I drank apple cider vinegar every day for a month, and the effects were transformative
Although apple cider vinegar may have plenty of potential benefits, there are a few negative side effects to watch out for, too.For instance, there is some evidence that apple cider vinegar can erode tooth enamel due to its acidity. “Repeated acid exposure can wear down enamel over time,” Ahmed says. Try rinsing with water or drinking with a straw.Apple cider vinegar can also lead to certain digestive issues, including heartburn, indigestion and even nausea. “The main issue is reflux and stomach irritation,” says Ahmed. “It is an acid. It can worsen heartburn, throat irritation and nausea. If you already have reflux or gastritis, it may make symptoms worse.”There is also some evidence that apple cider vinegar can cause irritation or even burns in the throat.Read MoreCan knocking back a shot of ginger really be life changing?How to add apple cider vinegar to your dietI drank apple cider vinegar every morning on an empty stomach about 15 minutes before breakfast.Because of the acidity, you should always dilute about two teaspoons of vinegar in 200ml of water. This is not only important for taste but also protects your tooth enamel from the acidity of the vinegar.The sour taste isn't great, but you quickly get used to the routine.My verdictThe taste of the apple cider vinegar was definitely a hurdle for me. Nevertheless, I went through with the test, mainly because I noticed its effects after just a few days.By drinking apple cider vinegar in the morning, I actually had the feeling that my entire body was able to get going more quickly. I felt fit and ready for the day ahead. Usually, my sensitive stomach means that I feel full or even bloated after breakfast, but suddenly, I felt I digested food better and faster.After four weeks of drinking apple cider vinegar, my bloating was far less frequent.Tips for drinking apple cider vinegarProtect your tooth enamel: When drinking vinegar, it can be helpful to use a straw to keep the acid away from your teeth.Sweeten your drink: Try adding a drop of honey, agave syrup or maple syrup. This helps to soften the sour taste.Drink a glass of water straight afterwards: This way, the biting sensation in the upper part of your nose won't occur.Incorporate apple cider vinegar into your food: You can easily add your daily dose of apple cider vinegar to delicious recipes. For example, you can replace the vinegar in any dressing with apple cider vinegar — its fruity flavour makes salads really tasty.Ahmed also recommends taking only 1 to 2 tablespoons per day, diluting with water and speaking to your doctor.You can also add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the dough in baked goods, such as bread, rolls or baguettes. The fruity vinegar mimics the taste of sourdough and gives a wonderful light acidity.Read MoreA turmeric latte a day keeps the doctor away?What should you look for when buying apple cider vinegar?Choosing a good quality apple cider vinegar makes all the difference since some are made from apple scraps or from concentrate, which means you'll miss out on the benefits the whole fruit can bring.To get the most out of all the nutrients and the good bacteria, make sure your apple cider vinegar is made from whole fruit and that it hasn't been pasteurised or heated. It's also advisable to choose naturally cloudy apple cider vinegar, since no valuable particles have been filtered out of it.If you want to be on the safe side when it comes to quality, opt for a certified organic product.This article originally appeared on GLAMOUR (Germany).
