What Is An Apple Cider Vinegar Detox & Does It Really Work?

To understand whether drinking ACV daily (also called an apple cider vinegar detox) could actually support the body's natural detoxification systems, mbg spoke with registered dietitians and functional medicine doctors. Here's what they had to say about potential health benefits, the current state of research, side effects, and safety tips. 

An ACV detox typically entails drinking 1 to 2 tablespoons of the vinegar before meals. However, naturopathic physician Jaime Schehr, N.D., R.D., tells mbg it's too acidic on its own and should always be diluted with water. Here's one common way to drink it:

This is why proponents of ACV commonly suggest drinking it before or with a meal rather than after. 

Since apple cider vinegar is fermented, it contains gut-friendly bacteria. Eating fermented foods has been shown to enhance digestion and support a healthy and balanced microbiome. However, functional medicine doctor Amy Shah, M.D., tells mbg, "ACV can cause problems for digestion if you overuse it." 

As with any supplement, Kimberlain says if you do decide to use apple cider vinegar, it should be in conjunction with a healthy diet—not in place of one. 

People with sensitive stomachs or preexisting gastrointestinal issues, like acid reflux or heartburn, may want to avoid or limit their intake. 

If you decide to incorporate ACV into your routine, experts say it's important to dilute it with water or add it to foods or dressings, to avoid esophageal burning. While it's always beneficial to consult with a medical practitioner before changing your diet, people with diabetes, in particular, should do so before adding ACV since it can alter insulin and blood glucose levels.  

Apple cider vinegar has been used medicinally for centuries and does have observed health benefits, including gut-friendly properties and antioxidants. Despite anecdotal claims about detoxifying and weight loss benefits, there's little science to back it up. If someone is choosing to add ACV to their diet, it's important that they dilute it with water and consider consulting a doctor if they have preexisting health conditions.