Apple cider vinegar.

Are there real cider vinegar side effects that cause fatigue? That's a question a lot of people are starting to ask. Sure, it's praised for weight loss, blood sugar control, and even digestion but what if it's also making people feel exhausted? That's not just a small thing to ignore, especially if you're taking it daily and noticing you feel drained.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

It's made by fermenting crushed apples with yeast and bacteria, turning the sugars into alcohol, and then into acetic acid. People take it for things like appetite control, blood sugar balance, or even to support digestion.

Apple Cider Vinegar Side Effects that You Might (Not) Know

Could Low Potassium Be Why ACV Makes You So Tired?

One major reason ACV might make you feel off is its effect on potassium. Potassium helps your muscles work, keeps your heart beating steadily, and helps your energy stay up. But too much ACV or even apple cider vinegar pills can mess with your potassium levels.

Low potassium (a condition called hypokalemia) can lead to:

  • Muscle cramps
  • Weakness
  • Fatigue or feeling out of breath easily
  • Irregular heartbeats

If you're also taking medications like water pills (diuretics) or blood pressure drugs, the risk is even higher. Those meds also lower potassium, and combining them with ACV might not be the best idea.

So, if you’re feeling tired and crampy after taking your apple cider vinegar pills, that could be your cue to stop and talk to a doctor.

ACV Mess with Your Blood Sugar and Energy?

Yes, it can. ACV is known to slow down how quickly food leaves the stomach. That sounds okay at first, but here’s the problem: it can make your blood sugar levels act weird.

For some people, this means:

  • Feeling shaky or dizzy after eating
  • Energy crashes an hour or two later
  • Brain fog

If you have diabetes or take insulin or other blood sugar medications, this gets even trickier. ACV can lower blood sugar more than expected, which could lead to serious fatigue (or worse.)

Apple Cider Vinegar Damage Your Throat or Even Chest

Kind of shocking, right? But it’s true. One of the lesser-known cider vinegar side effects is irritation to your throat and even your esophagus (the tube that carries food to your stomach).

Here’s what could happen:

  • A burning feeling in the throat or chest
  • Sore throat that doesn’t go away
  • Coughing or trouble swallowing

That’s because ACV is very acidic. Drinking it straight is a bad idea, and even with water, it can still sting. If you’re using it every day or taking apple cider vinegar pills that aren't well-coated, your throat could be in pain.

Is Apple Cider Vinegar Interacting with Your Medications?

Taking medications? Then listen up.

Cider vinegar side effects aren't just about physical symptoms. They can also come from interactions with common medications. ACV doesn’t always play nice with:

  • Blood pressure drugs
  • Diabetes meds
  • Water pills (diuretics)

When ACV boosts the effects of these medications, it can lead to:

  • Dangerously low blood pressure
  • Very low blood sugar
  • Potassium dropping too low

All of those can make you feel tired, dizzy, or just plain out of it. So if you’re popping apple cider vinegar pills and also taking meds, check in with your doctor.

Could Your Digestive System Be Telling You to Stop?

Some people swear ACV helps with digestion but others get the opposite effect. If you’re feeling:

  • Bloated
  • Nauseous
  • Gassy
  • Full for too long

...ACV might be the culprit. It slows how fast your stomach empties, which can leave some people feeling uncomfortable.

And if you have acid reflux or sensitive digestion already, cider vinegar side effects can be worse.

Can ACV Harm Your Teeth and Still Affect Energy?

Believe it or not, yes.

ACV is so acidic that it can eat away at your tooth enamel. That’s the protective outer layer of your teeth, and once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Signs of enamel damage:

  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Dull or translucent teeth
  • Pain when eating certain foods

Chronic mouth pain or dental discomfort may not seem like it would affect energy, but it can. If eating becomes uncomfortable, people often eat less or feel more stressed, which leads to tiredness.

If you’re using apple cider vinegar pills, go for a trusted brand with a smooth coating to avoid mouth or throat issues. 

How Can You Take ACV Without Feeling Awful?

If you still want to use ACV for its benefits, just make sure you're doing it the right way.

Here are some simple do's and don'ts.

Do:

  • Dilute ACV in water. NEVER drink it straight
  • Limit to 1–2 tablespoons a day
  • Take it with food to ease digestion
  • Use a straw if drinking it to protect teeth
  • Choose coated apple cider vinegar pills from trusted brands

Don’t:

  • Take ACV if you're already on potassium-lowering or blood sugar-lowering meds without checking with your doctor
  • Use ACV right before bed, it can cause reflux
  • Ignore symptoms like fatigue, cramps, or throat pain

What Should You Do If You Feel Tired After Taking ACV?

Tiredness isn’t something to brush off. If your body’s running low on energy after taking ACV or apple cider vinegar pills, that’s not normal. It could mean:

  • Potassium is dropping
  • Blood sugar is unstable
  • Stomach is struggling
  • Having a reaction you didn’t expect

Pay attention to how you feel an hour or two after taking ACV. If the fatigue keeps coming back, it’s time to talk to a healthcare professional, especially if you’re taking medications or have any health conditions.

So, Should You Stop Taking ACV If It Makes You Tired?

Honestly? Maybe.

Cider vinegar side effects are real, and while ACV does help some people, and it’s not for everyone. If you’re constantly tired, cramping, or feeling just a little off, it might not be doing your body any favors.

Try skipping it for a few days or switching to a smaller dose. If energy improves, that’s your answer. And if you’re taking apple cider vinegar pills, make sure they’re high quality and clearly labeled.