Apple Cider Vinegar and Diarrhea: Benefits, Risks, and Considerations

Understanding how apple cider vinegar affects digestion, its potential for causing or relieving diarrhea, and essential tips for safe use.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 26, 2025

Understanding how apple cider vinegar affects digestion, its potential for causing or relieving diarrhea, and essential tips for safe use.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Diarrhea: What You Need to Know

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has gained popularity as a home remedy for a wide range of conditions, particularly those related to digestive health. While many claims exist regarding its ability to soothe stomach issues or regulate digestive processes, not all are supported by scientific evidence. This article explores the complex relationship between apple cider vinegar and diarrhea, examining possible causes, claimed benefits, safety considerations, and expert recommendations.

Overview of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is produced by fermenting the sugars in apples to create acetic acid, which is responsible for its distinct sharp flavor and acidity. Often consumed as a liquid, added to foods, or taken in supplement form, ACV is purported to offer health benefits ranging from blood sugar control to weight loss, and even infection control. However, its influence on the digestive system is a subject of ongoing debate and research.

Can Apple Cider Vinegar Cause Diarrhea?

One of the most discussed concerns surrounding apple cider vinegar is its potential to cause digestive discomfort, including diarrhea. Several mechanisms could explain this effect:

Gut Bacteria Disruption: While ACV may help eliminate certain harmful bacteria, it can also affect beneficial gut flora essential for digestion. This disruption might lead to diarrhea in some individuals.
Acidity: ACV is highly acidic. Consuming undiluted vinegar or taking large amounts can irritate the gastrointestinal lining, causing discomfort, heartburn, or diarrhea—especially in individuals sensitive to acidic foods.
Delay in Gastric Emptying: ACV may slow the rate at which food leaves the stomach. In susceptible individuals, this could alter stool consistency and lead to digestive symptoms like diarrhea or constipation.

These issues tend to occur with excessive or undiluted use. Most healthy adults who consume modest, diluted amounts are unlikely to experience adverse effects. However, individual responses vary, and some people may be more sensitive than others to ACV’s digestive impact.

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help Relieve Diarrhea?

Some proponents claim apple cider vinegar may help relieve diarrhea by targeting underlying causes such as bacterial infections. The acetic acid found in ACV has demonstrated antimicrobial properties in laboratory settings; it can kill certain bacteria, including E. coli, a common cause of food poisoning and diarrhea.

However, it is important to note:

Laboratory evidence does not always translate to human benefit. Most studies have applied vinegar directly to bacteria outside the human body.
ACV might also eliminate beneficial bacteria, potentially worsening diarrhea or other digestive symptoms.
There is currently no definitive clinical research supporting the use of apple cider vinegar as a treatment for diarrhea in humans.

ACV may thus offer limited benefits for diarrhea and could potentially exacerbate symptoms. Patients should exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider before using ACV to treat digestive complaints.

Common Causes of Diarrhea

Understanding the causes of diarrhea can help clarify whether ACV is likely to help or harm. Diarrhea is typically triggered by:

Infections such as food poisoning caused by bacteria like E. coli or salmonella
Food allergies or sensitivities
Chronic gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease)
Medication side effects
Dietary items high in acid or spice

For acute self-limited diarrhea, supportive care with fluids is often sufficient; medical evaluation is recommended if symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by warning signs.

Possible Digestive Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Beyond its controversial reputation with diarrhea, apple cider vinegar is often described as supporting digestion by:

Enhancing Stomach Acidity: The theory is that ACV may raise stomach acid, supporting the breakdown of proteins by increasing production of pepsin, a digestive enzyme.
Regulating Appetite: Some studies suggest acetic acid may reduce appetite and could be useful for weight management, though nausea is a common side effect.

Despite these claims, there is limited scientific support for ACV’s role in healthy digestion, with few human studies available. Anecdotal evidence remains the primary basis for these beliefs.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar Safely

If you wish to consume apple cider vinegar, protective steps are recommended:

Always dilute: Mix 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 ml) in a full glass of water. Drinking undiluted vinegar increases the risk of tooth enamel erosion and throat irritation.
Limit dosage: It is generally considered safe for healthy adults to consume up to 1–2 teaspoons diluted per day. Higher doses or long-term use can cause complications.
Monitor for side effects: If you experience nausea, diarrhea, or digestive discomfort, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Protect teeth: Rinse your mouth with water after drinking diluted ACV to minimize acid exposure and enamel damage.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Research and case reports have highlighted several health risks associated with excessive or inappropriate consumption of apple cider vinegar:

Tooth enamel erosion: Prolonged exposure to acid can wear down tooth enamel, increasing cavity risk.
Gastrointestinal upset: ACV may cause stomach discomfort, nausea, delayed gastric emptying, and, in some cases, diarrhea.
Low potassium and bone loss: There is a case report associating daily high-dose ACV consumption over several years with dangerously low potassium levels and osteoporosis.
Interactions with medications: ACV can interfere with certain drugs, including insulin and diuretics, potentially worsening side effects.
Gastroparesis complications: For individuals with delayed stomach emptying, particularly those with diabetes, ACV can further slow gastric transit and complicate blood sugar management.

Consult your doctor before taking ACV if you have underlying health issues or are on prescription medications.

Apple Cider Vinegar Tablets and Supplements

Apple cider vinegar is also available in pill form, which may vary significantly in strength or acidity. These supplements are not regulated as strictly as those sold in pharmacies, and quality may be inconsistent. Risks and side effects are similar to liquid ACV. Exercise caution and consider professional guidance before choosing supplements over food-based vinegar.

Table: Apple Cider Vinegar Usage and Effects

Usage	Potential Benefits	Possible Risks
One to two teaspoons (diluted in water)	May mildly aid digestion, anecdotal appetite control	Mild GI irritation in sensitive individuals
Undiluted or excessive intake	None	Diarrhea, nausea, tooth erosion, low potassium
Pill/tablet form	Convenient, portable	Unregulated dosage, gut irritation, interaction with medications

When to See a Doctor for Diarrhea

Most cases of diarrhea resolve on their own within two to four days with supportive care, such as drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. However, professional medical attention is warranted if you experience any of the following:

Diarrhea persisting longer than three days
Severe pain, vomiting, or fever
Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, low urine output, dizziness)
Blood in your stool

Apple cider vinegar is not a substitute for effective medical care in these scenarios, and misuse may worsen outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can apple cider vinegar cure diarrhea?

There is no scientific evidence that apple cider vinegar can cure diarrhea. While it may kill certain bacteria in lab studies, results in humans are unproven. In some cases, ACV can worsen digestive symptoms, including diarrhea.

Q: How much apple cider vinegar is safe for daily consumption?

For most healthy adults, 1–2 teaspoons diluted in water per day is considered safe. Undiluted or excessive amounts may cause side effects. Always monitor for nausea or diarrhea, and consult a physician if symptoms occur.

Q: Should I use apple cider vinegar if I have a digestive disorder?

People with disorders like gastroparesis or diabetes should avoid using apple cider vinegar without medical advice, as it may slow stomach emptying and interfere with medication control.

Q: Does apple cider vinegar interact with medications?

Yes, ACV may interact with drugs such as insulin or diuretics, potentially leading to low potassium levels and other side effects. Discuss any supplement use with your healthcare provider.

Q: Can apple cider vinegar supplements replace the liquid form?

Supplements are not regulated for dosage or quality and may have unpredictable effects. Risks are similar to those of liquid ACV. Use caution and consult a professional before starting any supplement.

Tips for Digestive Health

Maintain adequate hydration, especially during episodes of diarrhea
Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in irritants such as spicy or acidic foods
Practice good food hygiene to prevent bacterial infections
Consult with healthcare providers about dietary supplements or remedies before use

Key Takeaways

Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural remedy but carries risks of digestive discomfort, including diarrhea, especially when taken in excess or undiluted.
There is insufficient scientific evidence to support ACV as a cure for diarrhea; anecdotal benefits are not equivalent to clinical proof.
Moderate, diluted consumption appears safe for most adults, but people with existing digestive disorders or on medications should seek medical advice.

Always listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional if you experience adverse effects or have questions about safe ACV use.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete