Numerous factors may cause or contribute to indigestion, including a lack or excess of digestive acids in the stomach or an intestinal infection. In some cases, vinegar may help alleviate symptoms and even restore normalcy in the biochemistry of the digestive system. Of the types of vinegar available, apple cider vinegar seems to be the most frequently recommended. All the evidence supporting vinegar's use to alleviate different types of indigestion are anecdotal. No conclusive scientific studies on this topic have been conducted.
Hydrochloric Acid
Indigestion may be caused by either too much or too little hydrochloric acid, or HCL, in the stomach. To test whether a lack of HCL in the stomach is to blame for your indigestion, take 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar. If the indigestion disappears, then you know that more HCL is necessary. If vinegar worsens the symptoms, however, then you already have too much acid in your stomach and less is needed to resolve the problem. The acetic acid in vinegar may temporarily relieve symptoms of indigestion caused by a lack of sufficient HCL, but to solve the problem at its root, supplemental HCL may be necessary. Consult with your doctor about how to check and if necessary safely increase HCL levels in the stomach.
Infection
Indigestion may be caused by a bacterial infection in the intestines. This can lower the acidity or increase the pH of digestive system. In such cases, vinegar can help heal the mucous membranes of the inner intestinal lining and restore a lower, more acidic pH in the GI tract that can help to neutralize any bacteria present. In the May 2006 "Medscape General Medicine," Carol S. Johnston, Ph.D. cited extensive evidence demonstrating the anti-microbial properties of vinegar, although internal use for intestinal infection was not among them.
Vinegar Types
Apple cider vinegar is the type of vinegar most commonly recommended for ingestion, not simply because it is more palatable to most people than many of the other options but because it contains more sediment than other vinegars. The pectin and digestive enzymes in vinegar is contained in this sediment.
Considerations
According to naturopath Mona Morstein, N.D., vinegar contains enzymes that help with digestion. When taking vinegar for indigestion, dilute it in water before ingesting. Otherwise the concentrated acids could irritate or burn the throat and GI tract. If you do decide to drink diluted vinegar, adding lemon and/or honey can help to safely and healthily improve the taste. Alternatively, you can combine the vinegar with olive oil and eat it as a dressing on a salad.
Member Comments