What Happens If You Drink Apple Cider Vinegar with Lemon Every Morning?

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Over 40 million Americans report experiencing a digestive issue in the last three months, and many are turning to natural remedies like apple cider vinegar and lemon water to help. But what happens if you drink apple cider vinegar with lemon every morning? While many tout its benefits for weight loss, digestion, and immunity, it is important to understand both the pros and cons of making this concoction a daily ritual.

Quick Summary

This article explores the potential health benefits, such as supporting digestion and blood sugar control, along with the significant risks, including dental erosion and digestive distress, of starting your day with a diluted apple cider vinegar and lemon mixture.

Key Points

Supports Digestion: Acetic acid from ACV and citric acid from lemon can help stimulate stomach acid production, aiding in the breakdown of food and absorption of nutrients.
Aids in Weight Management: The mixture may increase feelings of fullness and help regulate blood sugar, which can support weight loss efforts when combined with a balanced diet.
Strengthens Immune System: Lemon provides a significant dose of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function.
Poses Significant Dental Risks: The high acidity of both ingredients can erode tooth enamel over time, leading to sensitivity and cavities if not consumed carefully.
May Cause Digestive Distress: Individuals with sensitive stomachs or pre-existing conditions like GERD may experience heartburn or irritation from the acidic nature of the drink.
Requires Safe Consumption Practices: To mitigate risks, the mixture should always be diluted, consumed through a straw, and followed by a plain water rinse to protect teeth.
Interacts with Medications: ACV can affect blood sugar and potassium levels, potentially interacting with drugs for diabetes, diuretics, and other conditions.

The Morning Elixir: Benefits of ACV and Lemon

Many people incorporate a morning tonic of apple cider vinegar (ACV) and lemon into their daily routine, hoping to capitalize on perceived health benefits. The combination of these two acidic ingredients, typically diluted in water, is believed to offer several potential advantages for the body.

Digestive Health and Nutrient Absorption

One of the most widely cited reasons for drinking this mixture is its positive effect on digestion. Both ACV, with its acetic acid, and lemon, with its citric acid, can help stimulate the production of stomach acid. For individuals with naturally low stomach acid, this can aid in the more efficient breakdown of food, particularly proteins. Improved digestion can lead to better nutrient absorption and reduced symptoms of indigestion and bloating after meals. Additionally, raw, unfiltered ACV contains "the mother," a cloudy substance rich in beneficial bacteria, which some believe can support a healthy gut microbiome.

Supporting Weight Management Efforts

While no single drink is a magic solution for weight loss, the combination of ACV and lemon may offer supportive benefits as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle. Studies suggest that acetic acid in ACV can increase feelings of fullness and satiety, which may lead to reduced calorie intake throughout the day. Furthermore, ACV has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood sugar levels, which helps to minimize cravings and energy crashes. Hydration, a core component of weight management, is also promoted by drinking this refreshing beverage.

Boosting Immunity and Antioxidants

Lemons are famously rich in Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system. Vitamin C helps protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals and supports the function of white blood cells. ACV also contains its own set of antioxidants and polyphenols, which can contribute to reducing oxidative stress. Some people believe the mixture's antimicrobial properties can help fend off harmful bacteria, though this effect is primarily on food, not internally.

Detoxification and Hydration

Proper hydration is essential for the body's natural detoxification processes, which primarily occur in the liver and kidneys. The lemon-ACV mixture provides a flavorful way to encourage higher water intake, especially in the morning. While claims of "flushing toxins" are largely anecdotal and not backed by strong science, the simple act of increasing fluid consumption supports these vital organs in eliminating waste.

Potential Risks and How to Mitigate Them

Despite the touted benefits, daily consumption of ACV and lemon comes with significant risks, primarily due to the high acidity of both ingredients. It is crucial to consume the mixture correctly to minimize potential damage.

The Major Concern: Tooth Enamel Erosion

Both citric acid (from lemon) and acetic acid (from ACV) are highly corrosive to tooth enamel. Enamel, the protective outer layer of teeth, can become soft and wear away over time with frequent exposure to acid, and once it's gone, it doesn't grow back. This can lead to increased tooth sensitivity, discoloration, and a higher risk of cavities. To protect your dental health:

Always dilute thoroughly: Mix ACV and lemon juice into a sufficient amount of water.
Use a straw: This directs the acidic liquid away from your teeth.
Rinse with plain water: Swish and rinse your mouth with water immediately after drinking to neutralize the acid.
Wait to brush: Wait at least 30 minutes after consuming the drink before brushing your teeth, as brushing weakened enamel can cause more damage.

Digestive Discomfort

For some individuals, particularly those with sensitive stomachs, acid reflux (GERD), or ulcers, the high acidity can cause or worsen digestive issues. Symptoms may include heartburn, nausea, and general gastric irritation. It's recommended to start with a very small dose and observe how your body reacts before increasing the amount.

Low Potassium and Medication Interactions

Excessive intake of ACV over a long period may lead to lower potassium levels in the blood. This can impact nerve and muscle function, potentially leading to weakness or fatigue. Furthermore, ACV can interact with certain medications, including diuretics, insulin, and diabetes drugs, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Always consult with a healthcare provider before adding this drink to your routine, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or take regular medication.

ACV with Lemon: Benefits vs. Risks


Aspect	Potential Benefits	Key Risks
Digestion	May stimulate stomach acid, aiding protein breakdown and nutrient absorption. Beneficial for those with low stomach acid.	Can cause heartburn, irritation, and exacerbate existing conditions like acid reflux.
Weight Management	May increase satiety, help regulate blood sugar, and reduce calorie intake.	Not a magic solution; results are modest and depend on overall lifestyle changes.
Oral Health	Indirectly supports health by reducing sugary drink intake.	High acidity can permanently erode tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity and cavities.
Hydration	Encourages higher water intake and provides electrolytes like potassium.	Excessive intake can potentially lower potassium levels over time.
Immune Support	Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants that support the immune system.	Health claims regarding its antimicrobial effect within the body are largely unsubstantiated.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach is Key

Drinking a diluted mixture of apple cider vinegar with lemon every morning has potential benefits for digestion, weight management, and immune support, primarily due to its active components and encouragement of hydration. However, these benefits are not a replacement for a healthy diet and lifestyle, and the drink comes with significant risks, particularly to dental health. Protecting your teeth by diluting the mixture, using a straw, and rinsing your mouth is paramount. As with any health trend, moderation and individual tolerance are key. Consulting with a healthcare professional before making it a daily habit is the safest approach, especially for those with existing health conditions or taking medication. The best health gains come from consistent, balanced nutrition and proper hydration, and this drink can be a supplementary tool, not a cure-all.

Learn more about the pros and cons of this popular health ritual from Verywell Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in moderation and when properly diluted, it is generally safe for most healthy individuals. However, daily, undiluted, or excessive consumption can lead to serious health issues, particularly for tooth enamel and the digestive system.

While it is not a weight-loss cure-all, ACV may help increase feelings of fullness and regulate blood sugar, which can support weight management when paired with a healthy diet and exercise. The effect is modest and results are not guaranteed.

To protect your tooth enamel, always dilute the mixture significantly with water, drink it through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth, and rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water afterward.

Yes, for individuals with sensitive stomachs, acid reflux, or ulcers, the high acidity can cause or worsen digestive issues like heartburn, nausea, and general gastric irritation.

You can drink it hot or cold. However, the beneficial bacteria found in "the mother" of unfiltered ACV can be destroyed by high heat. If you are seeking probiotic benefits, it is better to consume it cold.

The body has its own effective detoxification system. While staying hydrated with this drink supports the kidneys and liver, the claim that it actively flushes out toxins is not strongly supported by scientific evidence.

Some people prefer to drink it on an empty stomach to 'kickstart' their day. However, doing so may cause digestive upset or aggravate conditions like acid reflux in some individuals. You can also consume it before meals.