Vinegar, specifically apple cider vinegar, is used as a home remedy for numerous conditions -- from skin rashes to infections. According to "The Beauty Detox Solution," by Kimberly Snyder, CNS, apple cider vinegar is especially beneficial and nutritious when used in its organic form, because it hasn't been filtered and contains more enzymes. Although vinegar may be helpful in treating an upset stomach, you should still consult with a doctor if you have ongoing digestive problems.
General Gastrointestinal Upset
According to "Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar," by Dr. Earl Mindell, you can treat general digestive problems like gas, indigestion, and stomach aches by drinking a cup of warm water with 1 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar and honey. This mixture, maintains the author, can relieve gas and encourage proper digestion.
Food Poisoning
If your upset stomach is caused by food poisoning, you may be able to treat it using apple cider vinegar. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, you should drink a cup of water with 2 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar added a few times a day to reduce food poisoning symptoms. Even though no clinical research has been done to verify this claim, the UMMC indicates this natural remedy is still worth trying.
Heartburn
Though it may sound contradictory, drinking vinegar can help relieve heartburn, according to "The Healing Powers of Vinegar," by Cal Orey. In fact, having too little acid in your stomach can cause acid reflux, so by drinking vinegar, which is highly acidic, you can restore some of that acid and calm heartburn.
Incorporating Vinegar Into Your Diet
You can drink vinegar as a part of a tonic with water as mentioned previously, or you can add it to tea to improve the taste. According to Orey, even including vinegar into your meals in the form of salad dressing can be helpful in calming your stomach. You can also add it to spices and put it on a sandwich instead of mayo for a low-fat condiment.
References
- "Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar"; Dr. Earl Mindell; 2002
- "The Healing Powers of Vinegar"; Cal Orey; 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Food Poisoning
- "The Beauty Detox Solution"; Kimberly Snyder, CNS; 2011
