Acid Reflux
Health Benefits

Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment for Acid Reflux

338 User Reviews

5 star (286) 
  85%
4 star (14) 
  4%
3 star (14) 
  4%
2 star (15) 
  4%
1 star (18) 
  5%
(5) 
  1%

Posted by Lisa (Detroit, Mi) on 05/17/2010
★★★★★

ACV and baking soda- I was taking medication for acid reflux which made me feel lethargic. I stopped the medication and tried the ACV and baking soda for 2 days. On day 3, I feel 100% better than I did before. I also stopped drinking coffee as well. It is hard, but tea will have to do until I get this acid reflux under control. Thanks to everyone who posted their experiences on this site. It was very helpful. I will post again to update my progress.

Replied by Liz
(Atlanta, Ga)
09/06/2010

In cutting out caffeine, does that include tea? Everybody keeps saying 'coffee' - I'm a tea drinker. Is that okay with acid reflux?

Replied by Mimi
(San Jose, Ca, Usa)
09/21/2010

Hi - I tried using the low-acid coffee and it seems to work. Maybe it will work for you too. I'm a coffeeholic so I'm pleased to be able to continue to enjoy.

Replied by Amy
(Dallas, Tx)
09/27/2010

Coffee can have a high acidity. I have found some coffees that note they have mild or low acidity and I am able to drink them with no aggravation to my stomach acid problem.

Replied by Anita
(Golden, Bc Canada)
11/12/2010
★★★★★

Hello all you coffee lovers. I thought I'd add what I found as an alternative to my beloved coffee. It's called Teeccino, and if you're like me, you'll like the Maya Cafe, dark roast. However, if you like a milder blend, try the Meditteranean blend. You brew it just like coffee and it's fabulous! And PLUS! It's good for you. :)

Replied by Deb
(Victoria, Bc/canada)
04/20/2011
★★★★★

I have been able to have coffee without it aggravating my acid reflux by not putting milk in it anymore. I make a mix of raw almond, coconut, chia seed and hemp seed, with raw cacao blend it and then strain it and mix it with my coffee. The mix keep for 3 days in the fridge. I am so happy to be able to have coffee again.

Replied by Amd
(Redmond, Wa)
04/20/2011

As an ex coffee roaster, Sumatra coffee has the least amount of acid. Robusta coffee ie Folgers and other cheapish brands are usually very acidic and have 2 to 3 times more caffeine than high grown coffees.

Replied by Blackened Dove
(Arlington, Tx)
01/05/2012

Hi Deb from Victoria, Bc/canada!

I'm very interested in your mix of Almonds, coconut, chia and hemp. You said that you blend it and strain it? Could you give a little bit more info on how you do this exactly? Do you use a food processor? And when you strain it, does a liquid come out? How much of each do you use? Sorry for all the questions, and thanks in advance!!

~Blackened Dove


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cajun (Opelousas, La) on 05/17/2010
★★★★★

For most of my young adolescent life, I lived virtually every day of my life with acid reflux; baking soda when convenient, antacid tablets during other times. Once computers came into the Engineering profession, I daily combined about 3-4 oz of ACV with ice and water as my [32oz] drink. I've been without acid reflux for so long now (~35 years) that I have forgotten how long it took to relieve/cure my acid reflux. I'll be 70yo in 4 months and I never have any relapses....YES, ACV does 'cure' acid reflux.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Hugh (Greater London, Uk) on 04/23/2010
★★★★★

I am a definite yea for ACV for reflux.

When I have reflux, or a touch of biliousness from a meal (stomach locks off the food from the small intestine), I take 1 tablespoon of ACV (organic) with some lime juice and a dash of water- down in one (rinsing with water immediately after, a squash will do) and within 5 minutes the problem starts to resolve itself, if not resolved. Much quicker than zantac and natural. I swear by it, as do some others I know, for the same type of problem. My daughter, an anaesthetist is puzzled, acid on acid was her comment, BUT HEY for me it works.

Replied by Judy Mackinnon
(Victoria, Bc, Canada)
08/21/2011

It is not excess acid in the stomach that gives you acid reflux necessarily. It is the imbalance of acid/alkaline For me it ALL started after being treated for H pylori. Those dreadful antibiotics ruined the balance in my stomach. ACV seems to have really help me so far. I pray it is a cure and not just a treatment. I will stay on a diet of very small meals and the ACV for a month then.... Wait and see. Fingers crossed.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by D (Pittsburgh, Pa, Usa) on 03/15/2010
★★★★★

I took the purple pill for years and years until it stopped working. I went to the doc for coughing fits, and hoarseness not realizing it was connected to acid reflux. He doubled my prescription of the purple pill to 2 a day, nothing got better in fact I got worse. I started searching for natural remedy, found this website and tried the apple cider vinegar plus honey and water. It started working immediately to fix the acid reflux. I went off the purple pill immediately and stayed on the ACV plus honey. It took 2-3 months but my hoarseness went away and eventually the cough. While taking the p pill, I had all the tests- barium xrays, endoscope, cat scans for the stomach and hoarseness and the ACV plus honey is what helped me. Now after 5 months, I am fine but I also changed my diet for a couple of months(stopped tomatoes, onions, coffee, menthol, mint)and stopped eating 3-4 hours before bed. I elevated the head of my bed 3-4 inches too. Now I only have problems if I over eat and go to bed too many days in a row. I am eating tomatoes, and onions again with no problem. I still don't eat menthol or mint or cafeine, to protect my esauphagous. The doctor told me it may take months or years to heal if ever. The purple pill does something to cause motility problems I guess, you can read side effects on the p pills websites. I spread the word about your website and the apple cider vinegar with MOTHER (buy in health stores or online) and honey to everyone I meet. You saved me. Thank you so much!!!!!

Replied by Grammie
(Lawton, Oklahoma)
12/02/2011

I am trying to get off Prevacid again. I tried last year and when I had horrible pain (which never happened BEFORE the Prevacid), I juiced cabbages and drank that. It was like balm the first time. But later I got another stricture and the endoscopy showed HEALED ulcers all over the esophagus and I was told I must stay on the Prevacid. I worry about the dangers of staying on it over eight years so now I am trying the ACV and Aloe Vera juice. I wondered if drinking cabbage juice might help you to heal. It doesn't taste as bad as you might think if you drink it right down. However you have to thoroughly clean up the juicer and even then your house will smell!

Replied by Karla
(Miami, Usa)
12/04/2011

I cured my acid reflux with 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 4 fingers of cold water. I will do this at the 1st sign of acid reflux and I repeat every 1/2 hour till I have no reflux. Usually once is all I need. The key for me is cold water and for it to be bubbly like a soda if it's not bubbly I add more of each till it looks like carbonated like a soda. Drink it fast but don't chug and repeat as needed in the beginning I could do this 6 times a day, now every other day 1time. I use to take nexium 40 mg 2 times a day went down on the dose little by little know it's been months sense I have had a nexium! Good luck


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Angie (Minot, North Dakota, Usa) on 03/05/2010
★★★★★

I have been having a problem with reflux for several years now. I had been on prescription meds, but after seeing side effects others had listed online, I never stayed on them very long. I was also having severe anxiety problems where I felt like I couldn't breathe, felt nauseated, hot and all at very random times. I had tried ACV once before with terrible results. Earlier this week, I had the worst reflux burning I'd ever had and was about to succumb to the "purple pill" once again. I got on this site and read all the testimonials on ACV and decided that with how bad I was feeling, I might as well give it a try once again. I didn't have the organic kind with "the mother", so I just tried the regular. In about an hour, I realized that I didn't have ANY burning, pain or the sensation of anything coming back up. I slept like a baby and without keeping a cough drop in my cheek for the first time in...waaaay too long...years, probably. I have been using it for three days now and I cannot believe what a difference it has made! I didn't realize how disruptive my reflux was! I have not had any of those old anxiety feelings whatsoever since ACV! I believe it was all connected to the reflux. I have been more relaxed and don't have to feel panicky when I am out, having that nauseated, can't-breathe feeling. I have been enjoying life more and time with my little boy doesn't feel rushed, with me trying to "keep it all together". What a miracle! I will continue the ACV and spread the word! Thanks to this site and to all who have put their testimonials on here...I never would have tried it if it weren't for you!

Replied by Daniel
(Balanga City, Bataan. Phillippines)
03/06/2011

I've been having a problem with reflux for several years. Until now I have this sickness. Can you help for that. What can I do? and what medicine do I take? I'm waiting to your answer. Thanks a lot.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Echo (Chicago, Il, Usa) on 03/04/2010
★★★★★

I'm not usually someone that writes my experiences on websites however, this is an exception. My Dr. diagnosed me with Acid Reflux back in Jun/09 and hence gave me a prescription which I was told to take for 2 weeks. I literally felt worse. I was then given a different prescription and had absolutely no positive results. By chance I came upon this website and my world has changed. I started drinking 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar with 8 ozs of water after every meal and a glass before bedtime and within the very 1st day I felt some relief. I continued for 3 weeks and I now feel "human" again. If I eat something like pizza I still may make a glass to drink. For the most part my symptoms are so manageable and I feel the best since I was diagonosed.. I just want to say thanks to the people that created this website. I also want to say shame on the Doctors for not letting acid reflux sufferers in on such a huge secret.

Replied by Montanagal
(Boulder, Mt)
04/11/2010

Apple Cider Vinager is great for many ailments and a good online search will show that it has been used for a very long time. It does not harm the body, it helps heal.

Replied by Eng
(Flagstaff, Az, Usa)
05/30/2010

Can you please elaborate on what you have learned about the root causes of Acid reflux. I know that diet has alot to do with it (including for me, eliminating gluten), however I have struggled w/severe reflux for years and still cannot completely eliminate the symptoms! Thanks


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ernie (St Petersburg, Florida) on 02/28/2010
★★★★★

I'm a 69 year old male in good physical condition. I was diagnosed recently with Acid Reflux. My doctor prescribed Prevacid. I asked him how long I would have to take it. He said "the rest of my life". That's when I went to the internet and found this web-site. I started taking the ACV recipe (2) 1/2 teaspoons in 8 oz's of water either before or with meals. I've been on this for about 6 weeks now and I can say, it has worked for me! I have not had any heart burn at all! The only thing I'm wondering about is, is it just "masking the heartburn" as does Tums, etc. Because if that is the case you can still get cancer of the esophagus! Not good! I have grown to actually like the taste of the ACV.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Archie (West Covina, California) on 02/13/2010
★★★★★

Just to clarify the fact: I never included "baking soda" in my remedy for acid relief. Yes Apple Cider Vinegar does work along with other things.

Replied by Marie
(Santa Monica, Ca)
02/17/2010

Has anyone felt bad after they have taken ACV? I have GERD and have tried 1 tsp of ACV 1 tsp of honey in a glass of water 3 times a day for the past 2 and 1/2 days and I feel bloated and some slight burning in my tummy. I have mild gastritis so this may be the cause of it. It's hard to tell if my reflux is better because I have a cold and my chest is congested. I hope the cough and congestion is not being caused by the Apple Cider Vinegar!!! Has anyone felt bad at first, then felt better after sticking to the ACV? I'm hoping that as I continue with this "remedy," I will feel better. Please help!!

Replied by Wendi
(West Chester, Pa)
02/18/2010

My 13 year old son has Chrons Disease. He is currently experiencing a tightening of his esophogus and can not swallow. He thinks it is Acid Reflux. Have given him Prevacid but it is not doing a very good job. Is it safe to have him try the Apple Cider Vinegar? I don't want to cause him more pain if in fact he has intestinal ulcers? Any thoughts?

Replied by Kathy
(Las Vegas, Nv)
02/18/2010

My neice has been requesting the vinegar drink since i introduced it to her at the age of 6. All I do is fill up a coffee mug with hot water add 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar, 1/8 tsp of baking soda and honey to taste and sometimes a teabag and let it sit for a few minutes then she drinks it. It's good for digestion issues as well as the stomach flu. Anytime anyone in my family has stomach issues we take vinegar tea. I even take it on vacation with me!

Replied by Rick
(Los Angeles, California)
02/26/2010

I was wondering if you take a PPI and the ACV remedy are they canceling each other out? I'm afraid to go off my PPI and I've been using Ted's Remedy before a meal I know will give me GERD or when I have a GERD attack, but I don't know if I'm doing myself more damage by using both techniques. Thanks!

Replied by Stagefright
(Tamworth, Uk)
02/27/2010
★★★★★

I googled this problem having sufferd from it for 2/3 years, i found this site and tried the remedy, wow, 2 minutes after taking the drink i felt much better, best night's sleep for a long time.

Replied by Glenda
(Glendale, Ca)
09/13/2010

I wonder if any of the people who replied to Archie From West Covina with questions got them answered.

Marie from Santa Monica: Did you keep up the ACV and honey? Did you feel better or worse?
Wendi from West Chester: Did you give your son the ACV? Did he get better?
Rick from Los Angeles: Did you continue taking the PPI and ACV together? Did it work?
Stagefright from Tamworth: Did you continue taking ACV? Did you continue to feel better?

Replied by Nurse Comments
(Blair, Ne)
01/29/2011

It makes no sense to combine baking soda with vinegar, as one is acid, the other a base, so they neutralize each other, effectively eliminating any benefit that one of them may have provided.

Replied by Ko
(Altamont, Ny)
03/12/2011
★★★☆☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I have been drinking the ACV; about a tablespoon in a large glass of water, with about 4 ozs of apple juice mixed in so it's not too sour. I actually enjoy drinking it. I started doing this to reduce my blood pressure. Although I do think it has been helping my blood pressure, I am having a terrible flare-up of my acid reflux. I decided this morning that it might be the vinegar, but according to some folks on this site, the ACV is helpful for the reflux too. I'm stopping it for a few days to see if it goes away. I take a proton pump inhibitor and have doubled up on that. Toss in some Tums as well. AND, take Metamucil, which my stomach doctor advised (pushes food out of the stomach quicker into the lower intestine). In any event, I do think it's the vinegar. :-(

Replied by Lois
(Alice, Texas Usa)
04/03/2011

In respond to Ko from Altamont, Ny -- it is possible that the apple juice and not the ACV is what is causing your problem. I can and do drink ACV in water, either straight or with honey, sometimes several glasses over the course of an evening (have developed a taste for it) and never have a problem; but when I drink bottled apple juice it almost always results in reflux. The natural hygiene people say cooking fruit makes acidic instead of alkaline, so maybe that's why as almost all bottled juice seems to be pasteurized.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kp (Lawrenceville, Georgia) on 02/03/2010
★★★☆☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

ACV for acid reflux

I started ACV 2 weeks ago. 1tbsp, acv with 1tbsp honey and a pinch of baking soda in 8 oz of warm spring water. By the way the acv is unpasturized and "the mother" and local pure honey. It has relieved my acid reflux pain but now I have a canker sore starting. I am drinking this tonic in the morning and in the evening. Am I getting too much acid now causing the canker sore?

Replied by Donna West
(San Antonio , Texas)
01/21/2011

I have had the pain of all the above for many years, so bad I thought I was going to die. I started the Apple Cider Vinegar cure three times a day and after about a week I was cured. Sometimes if you eat fruit with meats and grains you can have a small recurance. Drink fruit juice and fruit alone, at least 45 min before any other foods. This plus the Apple Cider Vinegar 3 times a day should make you feel better... All the meds on the market have terrible side effects. Oh, for recurance take a little baking soda with water alone later not with the Apple Cider Vinegar cure. Love it!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Heloris (Cincinnati, Ohio) on 01/24/2010
★★★★★

apple cider vinegar has helped, my acid reflux pain is gone. i feel like a new person. my face has a glow. i've only been on this for a week. i add this to my tea are anything i'm drinking


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Merlin (Modesto, Ca) on 01/22/2010

Hi
My Doctor put me on 40mg of nexium for about three wks, I stopped after some research and found out that acv works for acid reflux and to my amazement it does work. Before taking acv I had a horrible cough, the cough is almost gone and the acid reflex is much better, but I do fill bloated most of the time. My doseage that I'am taking of acv is 1tsp to a glass of water 3 time a day. Thank you for web site and your help. Merlin

Replied by Nannapower07
(Lexington, Sc)
03/17/2012
★☆☆☆☆

I am having some severe symptoms and Lung Dr says it is reflux. However I took Protonix and my tongue was a bit swollen so he put me on Nexium and I had the same thing happen. So I cannot take prescription medicines. I am having severe shortness of breath when I talk or move around at all. I have to lay back down for an hour or so to calm it back down. Burning in my chest as well. Feels like someone is tightening my chest like suffocating. I tried ACV and it burned worse than ever. I am going to try Aloe Vera Juice now. Something has got to calm this down I have never had something this bad before. Any other advice? I have had no tests for H. Pilori or anything like that. He tested my Lungs and the ER tested my heart and it was both perfect.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tom (Atlanta, Ga, USA) on 01/05/2010
★★★★★

I have suffered with acid reflux since 1985. I remember my mother telling me, "...just take some vinegar in the morning." I ignored her suggestion and started going to doctors. Nothing worked. I changed my diet and took everything the doctors prescribed. It got so bad that I would wake up in a start because I began vomiting while sleeping.

I came across this website about 3 days ago and saw that people were recommending ACV and it reminded me of the home remedy my Mom had recommended years ago. I immediately went downstairs and took a teaspoon of ACV and followed it with a cup of water. Nasty stuff... but I noticed I didn't have any problems that night. I repeated the dosage yesterday morning and last night, I slept for 10 hours without interruption. I haven't slept more than 4 hours at a stretch for more than 20 years. I know its a little early to tell if the ACV is really doing the trick but so far I am a believer.

Replied by Ed157
(Los Angeles, Ca, Us)
10/02/2010
★★★★★

I used to take prilosec otc but hated having to take a chemical pill, so I reluctantly tried Apple Cider Vinegar and it works I havent taken a pill in 5 days, I just put 2 capfuls of organic Apple Cider Vinegar into water twice a day and I cant believe the damn thing works. This is my first testominial ever.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mjnancy (Grayslake, Il) on 01/01/2010

We are trying the ACV recipe for acid reflux. How important is it to use organic vs regular ACV?

Replied by Nrgpill
(Atlanta, Ga)
01/11/2010

Use organic ACV w/ the mother. Commercial ACV's don't contain the health values of organic, raw ACV with the mother.

Replied by Cj
(Phenix City, Al)
07/24/2010

What is "the mother" that keeps being mentioned in these postings? What exactly is the combination that should be used? How much water, soda, honey or acv?

EC: "the mother" refers to the unfiltered apple cider vinegar that is a brownish to yellow color and cloudy. It is what is attributed to the health benefits of acv.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Riverway (Europe, Eu ) on 12/11/2009

Hi,

My Mum is taking the medication Warfarin, a blood thinning med. Can you tell me if she is able to take ACV while on this med as she suffers from Acid Reflux? Thanks alot.

Replied by Goofygirlz
(Lewiston, Maine)
12/19/2009
★☆☆☆☆

ACV does not work at all for me. in fact in burned the whole way down. Then i got fizzy bubbles up my throat. an hour later i was sick and throwing up. continuously until all the fizz in my stomach was gone.

Replied by Spunkerspat
(Greensboro, Nc)
12/23/2009

Someone explained to me that there are actually 2 types of reflux problems. Some people produce to much acid and some people don't produce enough. For those who don't produce enough, when you eat your stomach goes crazy trying to digest food and produces to much acid. Taking acv can help this. For those who have to much acid taking acv will make it worse. Unfortunately the only way to find out is to try it for about 2 weeks. I have suffered with it for over ten years and acv actually helped me get off of all the stomach meds and improved my asthma which is related to stomach irritation.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bud (Benton, Arkansas) on 12/01/2009
★★★★★

Apple cider vinegar and honey has definitely helped my acid reflux problem. I took a 2 liter(2 qt) plastic bottle, which is 8- 8oz servings and added 8oz ACV and 4oz of honey and filled with H2O. I started 6 days ago and drink 2 8oz glasses a day, one before breakfast and one before dinner. It has worked wonders! No more coughing and regurgating at night and the lump in my throat is about gone. On day 4, I decided to skip the one before dinner, just to see if it made a difference and I was coughing and food was coming up in the night. I went to the kitchen and drank a glass and slept the rest of the night without a problem. Before I started this, I would spray my throat several times a night to try and keep from coughing. I haven't sprayed my throat one time since I started doing this. I would recommend trying it to anyone. It may not work for everyone, but, so far it has worked great for me with no side effects!

Replied by Natalie
(Centereach, Ny)
12/22/2009

i just want to know if this burns going down the throat, i havent tried this yet. cause sometimes i have a lot of mucus in my throat and diffulculty swallowing. i havent found out what i have yet. they think its gerd. but it also can be an ulcer. in any case for people who have mucus in the throat eat a bite of ginger and spit it out. it leaves a cool feeling and some of my mucus went away last night. so try this it worked for me by accident.

Replied by Tricia
(ireland, ireland, Ireland)
12/22/2009
84 posts

I have what I call tonsil mucus so I'll be giving the ginger a try. Anyway - to answer your question, acv will burn if you use it neat but not if is watered down. 8 ozs water to a tablespoon or two will ensure no burning sensation.



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