Acid reflux, commonly called heartburn, can be a frequent symptom for some people. Acid reflux, which is triggered by several mechanisms, entails stomach fluid backing into the esophagus, which causes irritation and pain. Apple cider vinegar is an age-old folk remedy for many health conditions. More recently, it has been primarily promoted for its ability to neutralize acid reflux, despite it being made primarily of acetic acid.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is made by the fermentation of apple cider. During this process, the fructose sugars in the cider are broken down by bacteria and yeast initially into alcohol and then eventually into vinegar. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid primarily, but also some lactic, citric and malic acids. It is a light brown color, tastes sour and slightly metallic like other acids, and it is often sold unfiltered and unpasteurized in health food stores. Although other types of vinegar are used mainly in cooking, apple cider vinegar is used primarily for health purposes.
Acid Reflux
Most Americans experience some heartburn, but if it occurs frequently, such as several times per week, it might be labeled as gastro-esophageal reflux disease, or GERD. In this disease the lower esophageal sphincter, which is a band of muscle dividing the esophagus from the stomach's opening, is dysfunctional and as a result allows stomach acid to regurgitate, or "reflux," back up into the esophagus. The tissues of the esophagus become irritated by the hydrochloric acid and cause pain, which can be felt in the chest and throat. The reason the lower esophageal sphincter opens at inappropriate times is debated, although insufficient stomach acidity, too much food in the stomach, overly acidic diet, overuse of medications and overuse of antacids have been offered as reasons.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Heartburn Symptoms
Although apple cider vinegar has not been scientifically studied in regard to acid reflux, anecdotal evidence based on thousands of testimonies over many decades suggests that it is an effective remedy for some people. However, it seems contradictory that a substance with a high acid content reduces acid reflux, which explains why it is often scoffed at by the medical community. According to "Human Biochemistry and Disease," one explanation is that the acetic acid in vinegar lowers stomach acidity since acetic acid is a much weaker acid than hydrochloric acid. In this theory, apple cider vinegar buffers and maintains stomach acid at a level that still efficiently digests food, but causes fewer problems in the esophagus. Another theory postulates that the vinegar helps the stomach digest food better because of chronically reduced hydrochloric acid production, which prevents the sphincter from malfunctioning.
Consuming Apple Cider Vinegar
Although it is available in capsule form, the most recommended way to consume apple cider vinegar is in liquid form from an organic, unpasteurized source. Dosages range from one to three tablespoons taken before mealtimes, although some people cannot tolerate the taste. Thus, the vinegar can be mixed with some water or taken with honey or made into a salad dressing with light mayonnaise. There are some mild side effects from consuming apple cider vinegar, such as upset stomach, increased heartburn and slight thinning of the blood.
References
- "Biochemistry of Human Nutrition"; George Gropper; 2000
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; A. Fauci et al.; 2008
- "Human Biochemistry and Disease"; Gerald Litwack; 2008
