Benefits from apple cider vinegar may include acid reflux relief or reduction. Many people have used the vinegar as a natural remedy for heartburn, the burning symptoms in your upper chest and throat from acid reflux. Apple cider vinegar comes from crushed and fermented apples and contains the same enzymes as apples, and these may protect you from acid reflux. However, apple cider vinegar remedies may not work for everyone. People respond differently to acid reflux triggers and remedies.
Stomach Acid
Acid reflux occurs from stomach acid backup, usually after consuming certain foods or beverages. You may have your own particular triggers, but common offenders include fatty or fried foods, tomato-based products, citrus fruits, chocolate, caffeine, carbonated drinks and alcohol. Trigger foods relax an esophageal muscle that normally contracts after foods and beverages enter the stomach. A relaxed muscle does not shut tightly and allows acid to rise back up into the esophagus, the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse explains. Large meals also cause acid reflux by slowing down digestion, which makes the stomach secrete more acid.
Small Doses
Although apple cider vinegar has acidic contents that can cause acid reflux for some people, small amounts of it may be just enough to remedy symptoms at times. Sometimes your stomach does not have enough acid or you consume foods with low acidity, which also may cause the esophageal muscle to relax. The muscle responds to intake of small amounts of acid by closing tightly, Nil Heartburn explains. Apple cider vinegar may work effectively for heartburn relief in some cases.
Quick Relief
Some people find that they get quick relief from heartburn by swallowing 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar. There may be a quick burning sensation followed by instant heartburn relief. Other remedies include mixing 1 tsp. to 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar in a 6-oz. glass of water and drinking it. Drinking water alone, however, may provide quick heartburn relief. You may want to try out the vinegar remedy if you don't have antacids available to quickly treat your heartburn.
Potential Protection
Apple cider vinegar may contain substances that protect your intestinal tract and avoid the risk of acid reflux. It helps lower the blood's pH levels to combat harmful bacteria in the intestinal system. It may also have antimicrobial contents that may help in the treatment of food poisoning, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you have frequent acid reflux and heartburn, check with your doctor, who can provide you with dietary and medical advice.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD); May 2007
- Nil Heartburn: Why Use Vinegar for Heartburn
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Food Poisoning
- Global Healing Center: The Benefits of Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
- Acid Reflux Encyclopedia: Acid Reflux Remedies
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