Apple cider vinegar has been used as a folk remedy for quick relief from heartburn. Although some people say it works for them, others do not experience relief. Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid that can trigger acid reflux, which causes the burning sensation of heartburn in your upper chest and throat. However, people respond to foods differently and have specific trigger foods that result in heartburn. Remedies for heartburn may also differ. Try apple cider vinegar carefully to see if it works effectively for you.
Food Triggers
Certain foods can trigger acid reflux and heartburn by relaxing a ring-like muscle in the esophagus. The muscle usually prevents acid reflux by contracting after food enters the stomach. A relaxed muscle does not contract tightly and allows acid to rise back up into the esophagus, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. You may have your own trigger foods, but common offenders include fatty or fried foods, tomato-based products, onions, garlic, chocolate, citrus fruits, caffeine and carbonated beverages.
Aid Digestion
The acidic contents in apple cider vinegar will aid digestion to prevent heartburn symptoms. Apple cider vinegar may return the acid balance to your stomach when you eat foods low in acidity or the stomach does not have enough acid. Returning the acid level in your stomach helps foods to digest properly, Brenda Skidmore explains on the Disabled World Health and Disability website. Taking 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar before each meal may reduce acid reflux and continuing the method for 3 to 9 months may eliminate symptoms.
Possible Remedy
Another home remedy recommends sipping small amounts of apple cider vinegar to quickly relieve heartburn. A quick application of the vinegar to the throat may cause the esophageal muscle to contract tightly to stop heartburn pain, according to Nil Heartburn. Some people recommend adding 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drinking it. Others advocate swallowing 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar for a heartburn cure. However, no published research appears to confirm the apple cider vinegar remedy, according to Jennifer LaRue Huget in a November 2008 article in the "Washington Post.""
Prevention
You may want to test a small amount of apple cider vinegar to see if it reduces or relieves your heartburn when you don't have antacids available. Acid reducing medication, over the counter and in prescription form, can prevent stomach acid buildup and avoid heartburn. A healthy acid reflux diet helps protect you from acid reflux and heartburn over the long term. Acid reflux diets usually include low-fat foods, non-citrus fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD); May 2007
- Disabled World; Apple Cider Vinegar; November 2007
- Nil Heartburn: Why Use Vinegar for Heartburn
- Washington Post; The Cider Vinegar Heartburn Cure?;
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet
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