| Updated: 2 months ago
People have used apple cider vinegar as a home remedy for many years, especially for acid reflux and heartburn. You can find it in many kitchens. Scientists are still not sure what to say about it, even though many people believe in its benefit for acid reflux and heartburn. What makes it so appealing is the whispered promise that apple cider vinegar can help with heartburn. As more people turn to herbal treatments, this easy-to-understand idea deserves a closer look. Join us as we are going to discuss apple cider vinegar for heartburn and acid reflux.
What is Acid Reflux and Heartburn?
Acid Reflux and Heartburn are related but slightly different. Acid Reflux (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD) occurs when stomach acid or, occasionally, stomach content, flows back into your food pipe (oesophagus). The backwash (reflux) can irritate the lining of your oesophagus. It’s more of a chronic condition and is related to a weakness or relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This sphincter is supposed to close as soon as food passes through, but if it doesn’t close all the way, or if it opens too often, acid produced by your stomach can move up into your oesophagus.
On the other hand, heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux and is the sensation produced when acid from the stomach washes up into the oesophagus. It feels like a burning pain in the chest, beginning behind the breastbone and moving upward to the neck and throat. It can last as long as two hours and is often worse after eating. Lying down or bending over can also result in heartburn. Many people mistakenly believe that heartburn is caused by a heart condition, but it is, in fact, a digestive issue.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar Soothe Your Acid Reflux and Heartburn?
Have you ever had a sour taste in your mouth and a burning feeling in your chest? That is acid reflux, which is when the acid in your stomach goes up into your throat. Let’s discuss apple cider vinegar for acid reflux. People are sharing stories about how ACV helped them with their heartburn all over the internet. The idea arises because ACV is acidic and has beneficial bacteria in it. Some people think it can help your stomach and soothe discomfort.
An interesting aspect is that some people who have heartburn may actually not have enough stomach acid, which is known as hypochlorhydria. Proton pump inhibitors are a popular type of medicine used to treat acid reflux. They make your stomach’s acid a little lower, so the idea is that ACV might help these people get their acid back up a bit.
But before you get too excited, let’s deal with the facts: these ACV claims haven’t been proven by science yet. As of right now, medical papers don’t say much about the “ACV for heartburn” argument.
How to Take Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux and Heartburn
If you decide to try apple cider vinegar (ACV) for heartburn, here’s a guide to get you started. Let’s dive in!
Pick the Right ACV: Look for raw, organic, and unfiltered ACV. You’ll often find it labeled with “the mother,” which is a dark in color, web-like substance floating around. That’s the good stuff, packed with enzymes and beneficial bacteria.
Start Small: Don’t drink the whole bottle at once; instead, start with a little. Mix 1-2 teaspoons of ACV in a big glass of water. That strong taste might surprise you if you’ve never tried ACV before. Bear with it!
Sip Before Meals: For some people, drinking their ACV mix 20 to 30 minutes before a meal helps them feel better. It can help kickstart your digestion.
Use a Straw: ACV can be a bit rough to your tooth enamel. Using a straw can help bypass some of that direct contact with your teeth.
Clean Your Mouth: After using apple cider vinegar for heartburn, take a moment to clean your mouth with plain water. Taking this easy step can help keep your teeth white.
Monitor Your Body: Pay attention to how your body reacts. If it helps, that’s great! If not, or if things get worse, the ACV plan may need to be rethought.
Consult a Doctor: It’s always a good idea to get professional help, especially if you’re on medication or have long-term health problems. They can give you advice that is specific to your needs.
Are There Any Side Effects to Using Apple Cider Vinegar?
So, thinking about trying apple cider vinegar (ACV) for Acid Reflux? Hold on a second! Apple cider vinegar is generally safe for most people to use. But there are some side effects to be aware of:
Tooth Enamel: ACV is acidic, right? And what do acids do? Erosion of stuff. In this case, it can wear down your tooth enamel. So, It’s a good idea to wash your mouth out after drinking ACV.
Stomach Discomfort: It’s weird, but the very thing some people use to soothe their heartburn can make it worse for others. Each person’s stomach is different, and some may not like how acidic apple cider vinegar makes them.
Medication Interaction: If you’re on meds, especially for diabetes or diuretics, ACV might not work well. Always a good idea to first talk to your doctor.
Bone Density: Consuming a lot of ACV might lower bone density. It’s not super common, but it’s worth mentioning.
Potassium Levels: There’s some chatter about ACV potentially lowering potassium levels in the body, which isn’t great news for your muscles and nerves.
Throat Irritation: Regular consumption of ACV, particularly in its undiluted form, can lead to throat irritation. Since apple cider vinegar is acidic, too much consumption of it can cause serious side effects such as a burning sensation in the throat or even damage the oesophagus over time. This is especially true if consumed in large quantities or without dilution. To minimize this risk, it’s advised to dilute ACV in water and drink it with a straw to avoid direct contact with the throat.
Other Home Remedies of Acid Reflux and Heartburn
Heartburn or acid reflux is a common complaint, and many people have been reaching for home remedies for ages. Here are some popular ones, but remember, what works for one person might not for another:
Ginger: Used for centuries for various ailments, ginger can act as an anti-inflammatory in the gut. Sip on ginger tea, or add fresh ginger to your meals.
Eat Smaller Meals: Rather than three big meals, consider five or six smaller ones. This can prevent your stomach from becoming too full and pushing acid into the oesophagus.
Elevate Your Head: If reflux hits you at night, try elevating the head of your bed by about six inches. Gravity can help keep acid down in your stomach where it belongs.
Avoid Trigger Foods: Common culprits include spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine, and fatty foods. Pay attention to what might be triggering your flare-ups.
Stay Upright After Eating: Give gravity a chance to do its thing. Avoid lying down for at least three hours after a meal.
FAQs
How Often to Drink Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux?
For acid reflux relief, try sipping a mixture of 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water before meals, but consult with a doctor if symptoms persist or for long-term use.
Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Indigestion?
Apple cider vinegar may help some people with indigestion due to its acidic nature and probiotics, but individual results can vary.
Can Apple Cider Vinegar Make Your Acid Reflux Worse?
Yes, for some people, apple cider vinegar can exacerbate acid reflux due to its acidity; it’s essential to monitor your body’s reaction and consult a doctor if concerned.
Can You Take Omeprazole And Apple Cider Vinegar Together?
It’s best to consult with a doctor before combining omeprazole and apple cider vinegar, as ACV can affect the stomach’s acid levels and potentially interfere with medication effects.
Is White Vinegar Bad for Ulcers?
White vinegar, due to its strong acidic nature, could exacerbate ulcer symptoms for some people, leading to increased discomfort.
Does Lemon Help With Acid Reflux?
Lemon is acidic and while some believe it can balance stomach pH, it might worsen acid reflux for others; its effects can vary from person to person.
Is Balsamic Vinegar Good for Acid Reflux?
Balsamic vinegar is acidic, and while it’s a flavorful addition to dishes, it could potentially trigger or worsen acid reflux symptoms for some individuals.
Final Thoughts
Some people think apple cider vinegar helps with acid reflux and heartburn. But we don’t have science to prove it. We also don’t know if it’s always safe to drink. Even though ACV is getting a lot of attention, don’t forget to look into other natural remedies that might help, like ginger or changing the quantity of your meals. You might have to try a few different things before you find what makes you feel good. If you have heartburn, try avoiding spicy foods, eat smaller meals, and maybe lift the top of your bed a bit. Drinking more water might help, too. If it keeps hurting or happens a lot, see a doctor. They can tell you more and give advice.