Apple cider vinegar acts as a natural heartburn remedy for some people, but does not work for others. People respond differently to foods and to home remedies. Certain foods trigger heartburn for one person while other foods bother someone else. You may find apple cider vinegar creates a burning sensation that worsens heartburn or you may discover it provides relief. Try it carefully to see if it works for you.
Acid Reflux
Heartburn arises from stomach acid backup. Acid reflux usually occurs after consuming food or beverages. It causes the painful sensation in the upper chest and throat, known as heartburn. Sometimes an esophageal muscle weakens and allows acid to rise back up into the esophagus, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The muscle normally keeps acid down by opening as contents enter the stomach and closing afterward. A relaxed muscle does not close properly. Certain foods relax the muscle. You may have specific trigger foods, but common offenders include fatty or fried foods, tomato-based products, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol.
Acid Treatment
The acidic contents from apple cider vinegar would seem to compound heartburn. However, this may work to treat symptoms because acid can also close the esophageal muscle tightly, the Nil Heartburn website explains. The pain from heartburn may result from too little acid in the stomach or foods too low in acid, causing the muscle to relax. In this case, apple cider vinegar may help tighten the muscle to bring relief.
Possible Remedies
Remedies include mixing vinegar in water and drinking it, anything from 1 tsp. to 2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar per 6-oz. glass of water. Some people recommend swallowing 1 tsp. of the vinegar alone. There may be a quick moment of pain as it slides down the throat, followed by instant relief. Drinking just water may be enough to hold down stomach acid. You may want to try drinking water first when symptoms strike and then slowly introduce apple cider vinegar to see how your body responds. Over-the-counter antacids, however, can bring quick relief.
Preventive Measures
Apples contain substances found in apple cider vinegar that may help reduce heartburn symptoms. Acid reflux diets often include apples and other fruits, such as peaches, pears, melons and bananas. However, citrus fruit and tomatoes may trigger heartburn because of acidic contents. Include plenty of vegetables, with the exception of fried or creamy vegetables, and whole grains in your diet for protection against acid reflux. Fiber-rich fruit, vegetables and whole grains aid in digestion to decrease the risk of acid reflux. Large meals encourage heartburn by increasing acid secretion from the stomach. Limit animal protein to low-fat varieties, such as lean meat, skinless poultry and fish, and consume low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD); May 2007
- Nil Heartburn: Why Use Vinegar for Heartburn
- Acid Reflux Encyclopedia: Acid Reflux Remedies
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet
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