Apple Cider Vinegar & Gassy Stomach

Sep 1, 2011 | By Sadie Bell

Gas can be simultaneously uncomfortable and embarrassing. Many people just wait for the symptom to pass but if you have severe gas pain, you might try over-the-counter bloating and gas medications to ease your symptoms. Apple cider vinegar might be able to calm a gassy stomach, but see a doctor if gas is a chronic problem for you.

Causes of Gas

Indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, food sensitivities, food intolerances and food poisoning are just a few causes of gas, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. If you notice you develop gas after eating specific foods, you may have a sensitivity. See a doctor for a thorough evaluation in those cases.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Pectin

Apple cider vinegar is a nutrient-rich substance found in pantries all across the country. It contains potassium, acetic acid, calcium and iron, to name a few ingredients. The one substance that might aid with a gassy stomach is pectin. According to Earl Mindell, M.D., and author of "Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar," Pectin is the fibrous enzyme that appears in apple cider vinegar over time. It is essentially fruit fiber and is found most often in organic varieties of vinegar because they haven't been filtered or pasteurized. According to Mindell, pectin can calm digestive upset and eliminate gas.

Remedy for Digestive-Related Gas

To treat gas that is the result of general digestive upset, you can drink 2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar diluted in 8 oz. of water, according to Mindell. When consumed before a meal, this can act as a gas preventative by aiding in digestion and preventing constipation and diarrhea.

Remedy for Food Poisoning-Related Gas

If your gas may be the result of food poisoning, apple cider vinegar may be able to help in these cases as well. Vinegar may be an antibacterial, which would kill bacteria in the gut when you have food poisoning, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Though research hasn't been done to confirm this, the UMMC suggests drinking 1 cup of warm water with 2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar to relieve gas and other symptoms caused by food poisoning.