The main hazards of drinking vinegar directly include the possibility of increasing the amount of food eaten, which may induce gastroesophageal reflux or cause stomach pain and other discomforts for some people.
Vinegar as a condiment, 99% of which is water, the main flavor component is acetic acid, as well as other fruit acids and aromatic substances.
As the pH value of acetic acid is relatively low, it is possible to increase the concentration of gastric acid in the stomach on an empty stomach, promote intestinal peristalsis, increase digestion, and have an appetizing effect. For people with a better appetite, drinking vinegar directly can easily lead to overeating.
For patients with gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), drinking acetic acid directly may trigger the aggravation of GERD symptoms, resulting in heartburn, acid reflux, belching (burping) and other symptoms.
Most patients with gastric ulcers are accompanied by excessive secretion of gastric acid, and drinking vinegar directly may lead to the onset of gastric ulcer disease, triggering stomach pain, bloating and other uncomfortable symptoms.
As a condiment, vinegar is recommended to be consumed in small amounts with food.