Almost all of the diet programs have risks, especially if you are not following the guidelines. But there’s one diet that posts more risk than any other diet known today—the apple cider vinegar diet. You might ask, “Why is it so?” It is because there are no hard evidence to prove that an apple cider vinegar diet really have fat-burning properties. Yet some users swear by its effectiveness, and there are some isolated studies to back these claims up. But as for the whole medical community, further studies and in-depth research are still needed. So what are the health risks of taking an apple cider vinegar diet?
An apple cider vinegar—both in liquid and pill forms—may damage the digestive tract, specifically the esophagus. A test on animals show that the vinegar solution causes damage to the duodenum, liver and stomach. The vinegar liquid can also damage the teeth when frequently sipped. A more serious effect has been found out when one patient who had excessive consumption of the liquid actually had lower potassium levels and low bone mineral density. This is the reason why people with osteoporosis or those taking potassium lowering medications should use caution when taking the diet (it is advisable not to take the diet at all). Of course if you are allergic to apples then this diet is not for you. Now those who want to try it as a home remedy for acne and dandruff should be really careful as it can actually cause burns and scarring when applied onto the skin.
Taking the diet pill instead of the liquid form can post more risks. Most of the brands available were tested and researchers have found some ingredients that didn’t correspond with those that are listed on the label. Also, the chemical analysis of the samples made some experts wonder whether the product was indeed of apple cider vinegar or a totally different form of dietary supplement. The Food and Drug Authority can’t regulate the production of supplements because only medicines fall under their supervision. There’s no way to know if the apple cider vinegar diet is effective or—at the very least—safe for public consumption. What’s even worst is the fact that ingredients and dosages vary between brands, adding more doubt among experts. And because there is a possibility that the vinegar solution may affect blood glucose and insulin levels, it could also have an addictive effect when combined with diabetes medication (as well as blood pressure medications). Some experts even say that it could alter the effect of these medications.
Cheap is not always better. And while apple cider vinegar diet is something of a convenience to some, trying an unproven diet plan is both dangerous and unwise. We also have to remember that what may work on others may not actually work on you. There are specific diets for individual people. But if you want to know whether it’s alright to try it, it’s better to ask your doctor first. An occasional use of it as a salad dressing would be just fine, but taking it as a daily medical treatment is just too risky.