Apple Cider Vinegar For Acid Reflux: Does It Work?

July 10, 2023 by Pranay David

Gastric acid, in general is a good thing for your stomach. Without stomach acid, it would be difficult to digest, absorb or take in all nutrients and you end up with varied bacterial infections. Acid Reflux also termed as GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) can be just nothing to terribly painful or even chronic at times. Gas, Burping, Bloating, Vomiting, headache are a few symptoms of acid reflux. Here we explain in detail how to take or use apple cider vinegar for acid reflux.(1)

These symptoms do not generally last long. But if left untreated can be a continuous pain and troublesome too. In case where the situation worsens, it is always advisable to consult a doctor. This situation or termed digestive disorder makes an individual annoyed and also decreases confidence level. So the sooner we get to the problem and treat it, the better it makes us feel.

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Does Apple Cider Vinegar Work for Acid Reflux?

One of the most effective and popular remedy for acid reflux is this magical ingredient in your kitchen. This is made from crushed apples.(2)
It is believed that the acidic nature of the vinegar aids digestion by helping fat to break down and balance the acid production in your stomach.
The pH balancing abilities, its vitamins, minerals and several other nutrients make it a quick remedy for GERD. It helps to better digest the food.
The added benefit is that the acetic acid present in apple cider vinegar fights against bacteria and other foreign bodies. This is considered best as it mimics stomach acid.

How to Take Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux?

1. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux

You can drink ACV solo without any mix.
Due to its acidic nature, it can sometimes damage your tooth enamel.
It is suggested to drink with a straw as it will keep your tooth safe.

Safety Tip: Don’t forget to rinse your mouth after taking ACV.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Honey and Water for Acid Reflux

Ingredients:

One tbsp. of apple cider vinegar
One cup warm water
One tablespoon honey

Method:

Mix 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one cup of warm water with a tbsp. of honey if you want to make it tasteful.
Drink the solution before meals or when heartburn(3) strikes.

How it Works: This will ease indigestion and gas in your upset stomach. Depending on an individual’s body and the intensity, this solution can even lessen the discomfort caused by heartburn.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey for Acid Reflux

Ingredients:

Two tbsp. of apple cider vinegar
Two tablespoon honey

Method:

Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons of honey.
Sip the mixed drink. Drink the solution before meals or when heartburn strikes.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda for Acid Reflux

Another wonderful natural remedy inside your closed kitchen is Baking soda. When added to apple cider vinegar, baking soda helps neutralize the acid.(4)

Ingredients:

Two tbsp. of apple cider vinegar
250mg water
¼ teaspoon baking soda

Method:

Mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 250 mg water and ¼ teaspoon baking soda.
Stir well and drink 2 to 3 times a day when your stomach is empty.
Repeat this for five days to completely relieve from acid reflux.

[ Read: How to Use Baking Soda for Acid Reflux ]

5. Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother for Acid Reflux

Raw and unpasteurised ACV contains the cloudy mother enzyme which contains nutrients in high quantity.

Ingredients:

Two tbsp. of apple cider vinegar
250mg water

Method:

Dilute 2 teaspoons of ACV in water and drink this solution.
It is a very effective way to treat acid reflux.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar with Ginger for Acid Reflux

Sounds weird? But yes, these kitchen ingredients can help you relief acid reflex quick.
Ginger helps in improving digestion and expels intestinal gas. Garlic is a natural antibiotic helping to suppress excess growth of bacteria.(5)

Ingredients:

One cup of apple cider vinegar
One cup of raw honey
One tbsp. of grated ginger fresh
10 cloves of garlic
tbsp. of lemon juice

Method:

Blend all above ingredients together.
Mix two tbsp. of this mixture in one glass of water and
drink daily to reduce acid reflux.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar with Other Combinations

If drinking plain ACV or with water and honey is not helping you,
it can be mixed with salad dressing, or a smoothie or cooking with it.

Which is the Best ACV for Acid Reflux?

Organic, raw unpasteurised apple cider vinegar is recommended the most as it retains the natural enzymes.

Suggested Lifestyle Changes

Low stomach acid is mainly related to your lifestyle and diet. Any kind of problems happening in your day to day life, we suggest you to first check with your diet and lifestyle. Most of the diseases, uneasiness and stress follows due to bad or irregular style of living.

Do not lye down immediately post meals.
Avoid foods that trigger heartburn.
Quit smoking and alcohol
Eat smaller portion of meals
Avoid chocolate, high fat meals
Stay away from spicy food, garlic and raw onions
Ice cold water also does no good in this situation
Foods which contain high amount of calcium and protein
Keep a check on your weight.
Exercise or indulge in any physical activity.

You will find it much easier if you can avoid the above foods and beverages during this condition. Also try to include the suggested life style changes to avoid Acid reflux and other health conditions related.

Tips & Precautions

Talk to your doctor before using this remedy to treat acid reflux
There can possibly be side effects some times.
ACV may interact with certain medicines, laxatives, diuretics, heart disease medication and Diabetes drugs.
Do not use ACV if you have an ulcer as this may increase your trouble.
Reduce or avoid coffee during acid reflux
Stop eating late night.
Drink ACV with a straw to protect your teeth.
Excess of ACV may affect asthma patients or develop yeast infection too.

Apple Cider Vinegar is recommended in your daily diet as it an age old and proven natural treatment for acid reflux. If this is the first time you are trying this magical ingredient after reading our post, let us know if it helped you and to what extent. If you have already tried ACV earlier, and know more alternatives, please share your experience and suggestions below.

Scientific Evidence: