My Stomach Bloats When Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar

Bloating is an uncomfortable problem that leaves your belly distended. It's usually caused by gas and digestive upset. Some people drink apple cider vinegar to relieve this symptom, but it may actually worsen it if you have issues like ulcers, acid reflux or indigestion. You should never start drinking apple cider vinegar as a supplement before consulting with a doctor.

Why Drink Apple Cider Vinegar?

It might seem odd to want to drink apple cider vinegar in the first place. However, it does contain some nutritional value. According to the book, "The Beauty Detox Solution," by Kimberly Synder, a clinical nutritionist, apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, pectin, potassium, calcium and iron, which may may help to reduce digestive ailments. According to Synder, organic apple cider vinegar is best suited for this purpose because it hasn't had the "mother" or the nutrient-rich sediment filtered out through pasteurization.

Indigestion Remedy

According to "Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar" by Earl Mindell, M.D., drinking apple cider vinegar may relieve digestive upset, gas and bloating. According to Mindell, you can drink two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with one cup of water twice a day to prevent constipation and gas. The "mother" in apple cider vinegar contains enzymes that aid in digestion.

Vinegar May Cause an Upset Stomach

In its very nature, apple cider vinegar is highly acidic. The main ingredient is acetic acid. When consumed in large amounts on a regular basis, vinegar may cause some unpleasant side effects, including a burned mouth, throat and esophagus, says MayoClinic.com. Likewise, the digestive upset caused by drinking vinegar could result in gas and bloating, along with nausea. If you currently suffer from ulcers, drinking apple cider vinegar could irritate them, says "eMedTV," a symptom of which is bloating.

Relieving Bloating

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, bloating is a symptom of ulcers. If you develop bloating after drinking apple cider vinegar, you may have an ulcer. Drinking vinegar can make these symptoms worse. To relieve bloating, discontinue your use of apple cider vinegar and see a doctor if the bloating persists.