Acid reflux often causes the burning sensation of heartburn in the upper chest and throat, usually after a person consumes certain foods or drinks. Specific foods may trigger your symptoms, but people have different triggers. What causes acid reflux for one person may not bother someone else. Garlic and vinegar have been cited as common triggers of acid reflux for some people. However, garlic contains properties that help the digestive system, and vinegar has been touted as a natural remedy for acid reflux.
Acid Reflux Triggers
Foods that trigger acid reflux relax an esophageal muscle that usually protects you from stomach acid backup. The ring-like muscle opens as food enters the stomach and then closes. A relaxed muscle does not contract tightly and allows acid to rise back up into the esophagus. Common triggers include garlic, onions, chocolate, mint flavorings and fatty or fried foods, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The acidic contents of vinegar, citrus fruits and tomato-based foods may also worsen acid reflux.
Garlic Probiotics
Side effects from garlic may include upset stomach and bloating, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes. Bloating and indigestion may increase the risk of acid reflux. Garlic, however, also contains probiotics, healthy bacteria that combat harmful bacteria in the digestive tract. The probiotics in garlic may help prevent intestinal disorders to reduce the risk of acid reflux, but research on its effectiveness continues. If you find you don't experience acid reflux or heartburn from garlic, adding it in moderation to your diet may provide protection against acid reflux.
Vinegar Remedies
Vinegar, particularly apple cider vinegar, has been used as a folk remedy for heartburn. People either sip a teaspoon or mix a couple tablespoons in a glass of water before drinking. But the remedy has mixed results, and no scientific research backs up the claim, according to Jennifer Rackley with HealthCentral. The acetic acid in vinegar could worsen acid reflux or even burn the esophagus.
Identify Trigger Foods
Knowing your trigger foods plays an important role in reducing or eliminating acid reflux. Heavy meals can also result in acid reflux because of slow digestion and an increase in the secretion of stomach acid. To rule out and identify trigger foods, keep a food diary for a week, noting the foods you eat and the symptoms you experience. Ingredients in your foods, other than garlic, may cause your symptoms. If you feel the need, test the apple cider vinegar remedy carefully to see how it works. Because you have your own specific causes of acid reflux, finding your triggers determines if you can use garlic and vinegar in your diet.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD); May 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Garlic
- HealthCentral; Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux and GERD; Jennifer Rackley; May 2008
- Your Health Focus; Probiotics and Acid Reflux; September 2010
