Quick Take
A social media post claims that apple cider vinegar can cure fatty liver from the roots. After fact-checking, we found that the claim is mostly false.
The Claim
An Instagram post claims that replacing morning tea with apple cider vinegar (ACV) diluted in water can “cure fatty liver from the roots.” The user advises preparing the mixture the night before and drinking it first thing in the morning. The post calls this a “100% guaranteed remedy” for fatty liver.
Fact Check
Can apple cider vinegar reverse fatty liver?
No, it cannot cure fatty liver. There is no scientific proof that apple cider vinegar alone can cure fatty liver, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Fatty liver disease is a complex condition that needs a combination of medical care, diet changes, physical activity, and sometimes medication. A drink like ACV cannot address the root causes or repair liver cells on its own.
Has research shown any benefit of ACV for liver health?
Not directly. Some small studies suggest mild benefits of apple cider vinegar (ACV), but not a cure for fatty liver. Animal studies and limited human trials hint that its acetic acid content may help reduce fat buildup in the liver. For instance, a 2024 animal study found that adding a small amount of ACV to fish feed slightly reduced fat in liver cells of sick trout, though it didn’t lead to major changes in weight or key liver enzymes. A 2021 review of human trials showed that ACV helped lower blood sugar and cholesterol slightly, especially in people with type 2 diabetes, but had no effect on other important health markers. These effects were modest and not specific to curing fatty liver disease. No study so far has proven that ACV can treat or cure fatty liver in humans. At best, it may support liver health indirectly by helping reduce blood sugar and cholesterol—when combined with other lifestyle changes like balanced nutritious diet and regular exercise.
Can drinking ACV on an empty stomach cause harm?
Yes, it can cause side effects. Drinking undiluted or even diluted apple cider vinegar daily, especially on an empty stomach, can irritate the stomach lining, induce nausea, reduce appetite, damage tooth enamel, throat burns, and lower potassium levels over time. It may also interact with medicines for diabetes, diuretics and heart conditions. People with acid reflux or ulcers might experience worse symptoms.
Do medical experts recommend ACV for fatty liver?
No, it’s not a recommended treatment. Doctors and dietitians do not list apple cider vinegar as a treatment for fatty liver in any major guideline. The best way to manage fatty liver is through a balanced diet (like the Mediterranean diet), regular exercise, weight loss (if overweight), and avoiding alcohol. In some cases, medication might be needed.
We spoke to Dr Sharad Malhotra, Head of Gastroenterology at Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi, to verify if a home remedy could cure fatty liver. He said, “Fatty liver usually develops silently and doesn’t show symptoms early. There’s no quick fix—definitely not something that can cure it in just 14 days. The best way to manage it is through long-term changes like eating healthy, cutting down on sugar and alcohol, staying active, and gradually losing weight. Even a 5–10% weight loss can improve liver health.”
Dr Malhotra added, “It’s important to get a yearly abdominal ultrasound and liver function tests to catch fatty liver early. In some cases, tests like Fibroscan or even a liver biopsy might be needed. Managing blood sugar, cholesterol, and avoiding unproven herbal remedies or unnecessary medicines also plays a big role. A healthy liver takes time and consistent effort—not shortcuts.”
We also spoke to Chhavi Kohli, Chief Diabetes Educator and Clinical Nutritionist at Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon, to check if a home remedy alone can reverse fatty liver. She explained, “Reversing fatty liver isn’t that quick—it needs steady lifestyle changes over months. One important factor is the gut-liver connection. Eating poorly and not moving enough can disturb gut bacteria, which lets harmful substances reach the liver and increase inflammation.”
She further explained, “Adding probiotics like curd, yoghurt, and fermented foods, and prebiotics like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and flaxseeds may help restore gut balance. This can reduce inflammation and improve how the body handles fat. But these aren’t instant fixes. They work best along with overall diet changes, exercise, and gradual weight loss as part of long-term care for your liver.”
Similarly, there are claims that ginger, turmeric, and ACV water can cure fatty liver in 14 days. However, this is misleading.
THIP Media Take
The claim that apple cider vinegar can “cure” fatty liver is mostly false. While it may offer minor health benefits as part of a healthy lifestyle, there is no evidence to support it as a guaranteed remedy. People should be cautious about following such social media health hacks without consulting a doctor.
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