Could Your Daily ACV Routine Be Harming Your Stomach Lining?

There are numerous ailments for which Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is gaining widespread recognition as a natural remedy-from warding off digestive woes to weight loss, the potency of the natural remedy has inspired its many adherents to take it daily. Yet, beneath this veneer of an elixir, ACV could exert its poorly understood effects with risks on your stomach lining if abused. We will try to outline the potential risks from the overuse of ACV, how it can work against your stomach lining, and whether you should worry about them in this blog.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar and Why is it Popular?

Apple Cider Vinegar is fermented juice made from apples and contains acetic acid, which gives it a tangy flavor and health benefits. For many centuries, people have been using ACV for its supposed ability to aid in digestion, control blood sugar levels, detoxify the body, and induce weight loss. ACV is often taken in doses diluted in water and at times with other ingredients for an enhanced effect. The current trend of health-oriented individuals adopting a daily ACV routine has given rise to numerous claims on its benefits.

But could your daily gulp of ACV be damaging your stomach lining? Let's take a closer look at how it may indeed work against your digestive health.

How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Affect the Stomach Lining?

If we analyze the acidic properties of apple cider vinegar, its pH value lies between 2-3, which is relatively highly acidic. Though it offers some health benefits, it would also cause irritation in the stomach lining when taken in excess or when not diluted with water. The stomach lining specifically designed to protect the human digestive tract becomes vulnerable to damage on exposure to highly acidic substances. Here are some ways that ACV may potentially harm the stomach lining:

·         Through Regular Increased Production of Stomach Acid: The acidic nature of ACV may stimulate the stomach to produce more hydrochloric acid which can thus lead to acid reflux or indigestion in a few individuals. Over time the secretion from the stomach would start irritating the stomach lining causing gastric problems.

·         Irritation of the Esophagus and Stomach: Undiluted ACV or taking huge volumes may lead to the irritable condition of the lining of the esophagus and stomach. Special attention should be offered to such persons who are accompanied by complaints of acid reflux or heartburn.

·         Damage Tooth Enamel: Undiluted consumption of ACV is harmful not just to the stomach but also to the enamel of one's teeth, leading to tooth sensitivity, a higher risk of enamel erosion and cavities.

How much of ACV is appropriate to consume daily?

Apple cider vinegar is good for your health but only when taken in the right doses. Here is a fair breakdown of ACV in reasonable amounts for daily consumption:

1.  Recommended Amounts: Usually, a dosage of 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of diluted ACV mixed with 8 ounces of water is mostly recommended. It will help to keep the acidity in check and will minimize the risk of any irritation.

2.  Maximum Dosage: Exceeding the amount recommended daily for the intake of ACV may pose a risk to stomach irritation and other digestive complications. A limit of 2 tablespoons of ACV a day is suggested unless indicated otherwise by a health care provider.

What Are the Signs That ACV is Harming Your Stomach Lining?

The signs that ACV is actually harming your stomach lining are as follows:

• Burns in Stomach or Esophagus: Burning sensation in the stomach or esophagus often means that acidity is very high and it irritates the stomach lining.
• Bloating: Indigestion: Overconsumption of ACV will cause bloating and gas, not to mention indigestion, since it also raises the acid level in the stomach.
• Heartburn: Acid Reflux: People with acid reflux may experience worse symptoms from high doses of ACV , leading to the common complaints of heartburn or retrograde flow of stomach acid.
• Nausea or Vomiting: Excess acidity may cause one to feel nauseated or to vomit, which might indicate that your stomach lining is deteriorating.
• Sensitivity to Teeth: You find an increasing sensitivity in your teeth or increase in enamel erosion through the undiluted form of ACV consumption.

How Can You Protect Your Stomach Lining While Using ACV?

Assuming you're enjoying some benefits of ACV but wish to protect your stomach lining; here are some great pointers to keep in mind:

1.  Dilute ACV Always: It is never drunk directly; ACV must be diluted with water, to reduce acidity and limit its damage on the stomach walls. From one to two tablespoons of ACV plus at least eight ounces of water counts as an acceptable dilution.

2.  Use a straw when drinking the ACV: Because enamel will get ruined due to acidity, sipping on this concoction through a straw minimizes contact with teeth and theoretically put some protection on them.

3.  Never drink ACV on an empty stomach: An empty stomach would cause increased acidity on its surface and irritate the lining. You can put your ACV in food to buffer that acidity every single time you do that or drink it after a meal.

4.  Have the average daily intake constant: ACV must be consumed daily in one to two tablespoons  as it keeps you from overloading the digestive system with excess acid.

5.  Consult a doctor in case of symptoms: If there are any signs of irritation, stomach ache, heartburn, or nausea, immediately stop taking ACV and consult a doctor.

The below tables shows the Comparison of ACV Consumption Guidelines vs. Risks

 

Is Daily ACV Routine Right for You?

Properly used, apple cider vinegar definitely belongs in the cupboard of a healthy lifestyle. Its health benefits seem to be many-from helping out digestion to balancing blood sugar levels. However, taken wrongly or in excess quantities, ACV can indeed hurt the stomach lining and cause indigestion as well. By continuing to moderate and following guidelines, one can enjoy the benefits of ACV while keeping digestion healthy.

Balanced health and wellness need quality supplements in the combination of a lifestyle that most probably would have made taking a healthy lifestyle a little easier. Try out Nakpro’s Apple Cider Vinegar which comes with Mother and L-Carnitine, it is in tablet form to easily have the right quantity which can be a great addition to your lifestyle. They would help keep you enjoying life but without compromising it with your health. Just be mindful and your ACV practice becomes a part of a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle.