Apple cider vinegar has been used as a folk remedy for acid reflux, but research has not confirmed its effectiveness to reduce or eliminate symptoms. Some proponents of the remedy recommend using organic apple cider vinegar, which contains natural enzymes that may help balance stomach acid levels. Acid reflux results from stomach acid backup into the esophagus, usually after consuming foods or liquids. You may experience the burning sensation of heartburn in your upper chest or throat. Sometimes you can taste the bitter acidic contents in the back of your mouth.
Highly Acidic
The claim that apple cider vinegar neutralizes stomach acid to relieve acid reflux has not been backed up by scientific research, according to Jennfier Rackley, writing on natural acid reflux remedies for HealthCentral.com. The remedy could possibly have a placebo effect to make people believe it has relieved symptoms. Apple cider vinegar contains highly acidic properties that would aggravate acid reflux. Many sites tout apple cider vinegar as a method to treat acid reflux, but no authoritative researchers have verified it.
Possible Remedy
However, some people say it works as an acid reflux remedy by mimicking acid levels in the stomach to help you digest foods properly and avoid heartburn. Taking a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar before each meal may eliminate symptoms in a few days, Brenda Skidmore advises on Disabled World, a website for health and disabled information. Another explanation from the Nil Heartburn website states that if your stomach does not produce enough acid, an esophageal muscle relaxes to cause acid reflux. Two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water may trigger the muscle to tighten and stop acid reflux.
Trigger Foods
Acid reflux does often stem from the esophageal muscle relaxing, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. People may have specific trigger foods that cause symptoms. Common offenders include fried or fatty foods, tomato-based products, citrus fruit, caffeine, carbonated beverages, chocolate and alcohol. The ring-like muscle normally opens when food and liquid enter the stomach and then contracts tightly. When the muscle relaxes, it does not close tightly and stomach acid rises back up into the esophagus, causing the pain of heartburn. Check with your doctor for dietary and medical advice if you have frequent acid reflux.
Acid Reflux Diet
Just as people have different trigger foods that aggravate acid reflux, remedies may also differ. Even though research does not back up the claims of apple cider vinegar as a treatment for acid reflux, some people find it works successfully. However, a healthy long-term treatment may consist of a low-fat, high-fiber diet that protects you from acid reflux over time. Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology recommends eating plenty of non-citrus fruit and vegetables along with whole grains, lean meat, poultry without skin, and low-fat or nonfat dairy foods in its acid reflux diet.
References
- HealthCentral; Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux and GERD; Jennifer Rackley; May 2008
- Disabled World; Apple Cider Vinegar; Brenda Skidmore; November 2007
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD); May 2007
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet
- Nil Heartburn: Why Use Vinegar for Heartburn
Member Comments