There are many praise-filled articles about apple cider vinegar on the internet. Some have given examples from the hadiths of our Prophet to add credibility; however, I believe that hadith is about humility, not about praising vinegar. I am not saying vinegar is harmful; but I argue that drinking it on an empty stomach and in excessive amounts for weight loss, bowel motility, and cholesterol is problematic. For cholesterol, walnuts and exercise, and for bowel motility, methods that are not harmful to health like figs and dried apples are much more suitable.

I have heard many times from doctors that vinegar is harmful to health. I have personally witnessed patients who ruined their livers because of vinegar. While watching a cooking show, my question on this subject was answered: In France, wine producers produce vinegars with high pH values to protect against diseases; in America, organic food producers use the same method; in Germany, cure centers use specially produced vinegars for certain diseases. In fact, this turns it from the vinegar we know into grape juice or apple juice.

Vinegar balances the glycemic index of foods and contains vitamins A, B, C, and potassium, sodium, and calcium. There is no harm in using vinegar, which is a good disinfectant for foods, in meals and salads. However, even the pH value of vinegars sold in regular supermarkets in Europe is higher than ours (like 5-5.5); our productions vary between 3.5 and 4.5. Furthermore, the additive E223 used in vinegar production is on the list of suspects.

External Use: Where is it Beneficial?

  • Skin spots: Can be applied externally by diluting.
  • Head lice and nits: Used by diluting.
  • Common cold, steam bath: It has been observed that workers in vinegar factories catch flu and bronchial diseases less. A steam bath can be done by adding 3 teaspoons of vinegar to 1 liter of boiled water. For a cold, mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 2 parts water, heat to boiling point and use for inhalation.
  • Insect bites: Can be applied immediately to the itchy area.
  • High fever: Applied to joints by diluting.
  • Varicose vein pain: Applied day and night by diluting.
  • Dandruff and itching: Applied to hair by diluting.
  • Migraine: It is said that when used as a steam bath, breathing through the mouth and nose for three minutes relieves pain.
  • Fruit and vegetable cleaning: Soaking in vinegar water is useful for removing chemical pesticide residues and germs.
  • Cysts and muscle pains: Should be used externally by adding to bath water. I have relatives who tried and found it beneficial to add (lemon, grape or apple cider vinegar) to bath water and massage for breast cysts that occur during menopause.
  • Arteriosclerosis: The duration of use should not exceed 15 days, and use three times a day should be avoided.
  • In pickle making: Used as a preservative.
  • Salad: It is beneficial to add a little vinegar to salads to balance the glycemic index.

Disadvantages of Internal Use

Excessive internal use of vinegar products can damage the liver and kidneys; can lead to psoriasis, eczema, and itching. Considering that blood pH is around 7.4, it is clear that continuous use as a cure will not be beneficial due to its acidic nature. Continuous internal use shows negative effects on joint and bone health; can also cause hair loss.

I have read many scientific articles on hair health. According to my research, the suggestion "mix apple cider vinegar with mineral water and drink it to beautify your hair" is wrong; it is even recommended not to drink mineral water for hair health.

Swelling in finger joints cannot always be explained by calcium buildup; evaluation by a specialist doctor is necessary. It could be gout, excess uric acid, or occupational reasons. In such problems, among the foods prohibited by doctors are excessive protein, meat, liver, beer, orange, asparagus, spicy foods, vinegar, pickles, salami, and sausage.

Let me also say this about the honey and vinegar mixture: honey is beneficial for health, but there is no need to mix it with vinegar; honey already contains acids. Eating an apple a day is much more beneficial and delicious than drinking vinegar.

A Striking Example

I see that apple cider vinegar use is recommended for oral hygiene and odor. In a German forum post, I saw a person asking for help after experiencing serious problems from rinsing their mouth with vinegar for gum inflammation: their tongue was swollen, and they lost their sense of taste and smell. In such problems, chamomile gargle is much more correct and healthy; German doctors also recommend this.

Exaggerated Suggestions on the Internet

Below, I compile some suggestions circulating on the internet for you to compare with my own research. There are even more exaggerated ones than these writings:

  • Thanks to the potassium it contains, it strengthens all muscle structure including heart muscles; prepared with mineral water and can be drunk on an empty stomach at every meal for cramps.
  • Vinegar-honey cocktail strengthens the immune system and protects against flu and colds; it is recommended to drink 3 glasses a day as a 4-week cure.
  • For sore throat and hoarseness, 1 part vinegar with 3 parts warm water is used as a gargle every hour.
  • For cough, mix 4 tablespoons of honey and 3 teaspoons of vinegar and swallow half a teaspoon every time a tickle occurs.
  • For high cholesterol, drink vinegar-honey cocktail several times a day; use vinegar salad.

The real recommendation of experts is to lose weight by eating healthily. It is certain that such practices harm health. Also, consider the possibility of having a honey allergy.

I hope I have been able to explain how harmful drinking vinegar three times a day is, with reasons. Have your diseases diagnosed by several specialist doctors; entrust your health to good doctors. Do not assume that internet articles convey truths or are researched.