Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment for Acid Reflux

338 User Reviews

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Posted by Joey Marie (WA) on 04/11/2023
★★★★★

Take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and mix it with water. Drink before each meal. My husband had horrible acid reflux until we started acv. You don't have enough acid so taking antacids is doing the opposite of what you need. Sounds backwards but I promise it works. Look it up on YouTube it will explain. Dr. Berg Apple Cider Vinegar acid reflux.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by sl0j0n (Waycross, GA) on 12/25/2022
★★★★★

I'm still trying to help acid reflux suffers.

Almost everybody thinks they should neutralize acid for acid reflux.

The problem is the stomach acid is too weak. The esophageal sphincter will not close completely unless the stomach acid is strong enough. Weak stomach acid is what causes acid reflux. This is easy to prove to anyone with acid reflux. When a person has acid reflux they need to take two (2) tablespoons apple cider vinegar. Too much water or other low acid liquid will give momentary relief only to make it return soon after. Weak stomach acid is huge problem not just for acid relux but it damages digestion, may cause malnutrition, & prevents stomach acid from dissolving microorganisms that can cause disease. I learned bout this from Dr. Eric Berg on youtube. I tried it it stopped my acid reflux & heart burn. It is a real simple solution. A person may have chronic weak stomach acid & it needs attention. That does not change the real issue causing acid reflux. If you have acid reflux try apple cider vinegar. If it makes your stomach burn you may have an ulcer.
Best wishes.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Adam (Charlottesville Va) on 09/25/2017
★★★☆☆

WORKED TEMPORARILY

I have suffered from acid reflux for about 15 years. I was initially put on antacids by my doctor which appeared to work for a while however I found I needed to take them more and more frequently to keep the acid at bay. I finally tried Apple cider vinegar which works better than the antacids, I take it before every meal (about 50/50 with water, straight was too unpleasant and seems less effective) and is effective, however after a while the reflux starts creeping back in. Between meal snacks are definitely not an option without another dose of vinegar beforehand. It seems like everyone else has posted such utter success stories but I was wondering if anyone has had similar experiences to myself. If so any advice for improvement?

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
09/25/2017

Dear Adam,

Apple cider vinegar worked very well for me for a long time for acid reflux. Eventually it stopped working all together.

It turned out that my gall bladder problems were the cause of reflux for me. Several gall bladder flushes have completely eliminated my reflux (and my gallstones.)

You might read the gallbladder pages here at EC and see if anything there resonates with your situation.

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Ursus3
(Texas)
07/24/2018

Try not eating four or five hours before bedtime. Also, cut spicy foods as they make things worse. The last thing is stop the home remedies and otc meds. Eat balanced meals and add walking a few miles a day. Good luck.

Replied by Brooklyn Baby
(Brooklyn Ny)
12/30/2018
11 posts
★★★☆☆

ACV worked temporarily for me as well but once I added 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon to the concoction, I no longer take the Prilosec nor the Omeprazole. It works!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Paul (Amsterdam) on 09/22/2017
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Thank you sooo much for this website, it changed my life. At age 9 I was diagnosed with GERD and had ulcers in my esophagus. I was operated with Nissen plastic, but it unfortunately did not have any effect. The doctors then put me on anti-acid meds (esomeprazole). I have been taking them for 21 years (!!! ). Although I never experienced stomach acid in those 21 years, the side effects of the meds were horrible with intestinal problems (diarrhea) for more than 10 years. Taking anti-acid meds daily means you have no stomach acid to digest the food, resulting in non-digested food into the intestines. As a self-defense mechanism, the intestines start to develop bacteria to process the food with overgrowth intestinal problems as a consequence. My first discovery was the FODMAP diet 7 years ago, that changed my life. You stop feeding the bacteria, however do not solve the culprit of the problem, the lack of stomach acid. I had never been able to get off the anti-acid meds, cause I would have serious attacks of stomach acid.

Now 6 months ago I started with ACV and results have been AMAZING, now at 1 time 2 tablespoons in the morning. I have not taken any medication ever since. Furthermore I had a check-up gastroscopy recently and it all looked perfect. I have attacks of stomach acid once per month after a very fatty meal, but that is absolutely normal. I am so happy with this solution.

Spread the word and make sure you understand the consequences of anti-acid meds!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Cwk (New York, Ny) on 03/16/2017
★★★★☆

I have been using ACV for THREE years for my reflux which has worked beautifully. I have been basically symptom free until last week when my reflux came back with a vengeance. I have pressure in my chest and I feel it burning my throat. I have not done anything differently and the ACV doesn't seem to be working. Has this happened to anyone before??? Is it just a slight relapse that will go away?? PLEASE HELP!

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tn)
03/16/2017

Dear Cwk,

I used Apple Cider Vinegar for years for reflux/heartburn. Then it didn't work and neither did anything else.

My reflux was caused by gallstones. I did several gall bladder flushes over several months and got out the stones.

For the last year I have felt so much better. Heartburn is very rare now. I marvel still that I feel so much better.

So all that to say, you might want to consider a gallbladder issue.

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Denise
(Colorado)
03/17/2017

Cwk, ACV nor Betaine HCI never worked for me. I had to buy OTC products for relief and it was horrible heartburn! For another reason, I had allergy testing done for metals as I had a titanium implant that was hurting and drs could see no reason for it to hurt. Also had other metals in my mouth as well. Found out I was extremely allergic to nickel, cobalt, vanadium and chromium. I had the implant replaced with ceramic last week in Dallas and that evening I was dreading eating my soup for dinner. Because I knew I would have to chew an antacid and that would be difficult after surgery. But I ate the soup and nothing! No heartburn since, and other weird symptoms are gone too. So, if you have had any medical or dental implants, that could be a possibility? Silver fillings? It's not a fun, nor cheap things to undertake, but getting rid of all that metal and now detoxing has made a big difference. I also had 8 root canals, 2 of which was infected, but could not be seen by an xray. Only upon extraction was it found. Thermogram also confirmed an infection with drainage into my lymph nodes showing a hot spot. Hope this helps you, I know your pain. Good luck!

Replied by Penny
(California)
07/23/2017

I just had a Nissan Fundoplication surgery recently. But I still have GERD. I had to get off the Prilosec so started taking apple cider vinegar. It is working well. However my understanding is that after 3-9 months on ACV the GERD should be cured. Providing you routinely avoid foods that trigger GERD. I think you are having a rebound effect from continuing to take the ACV.

Replied by Jenny
(Uk)
07/23/2017

hi, can I ask how long it took to help with the heartburn & reflux please been a few days & still not feeling great. Should I give it more time???

Replied by Anna
(Ohio)
04/04/2022

You can have the bacteria, h-pylori. It's so painful & Apple Cider Vinegar stops working. Get a breath test. The cure is antibiotics or supplements. I have done both. I prefer the natural way. Take 2 supplements, pyloricin & I forget the name. It has mastic gum, zinc carnosine & a few others in it. Take it for a month & you feel normal again.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by L Murphy (Liberty, In) on 09/28/2016
★★★★★

Immediate relief of acid reflux from 2T ACV

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Ihateacidreflux (California) on 07/25/2016
★★★★★

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is the best for reflux. I have been using for four years or more now. My reflux started with pregnancies since 2009. First I used to take 2 tablespoons at end of day in water but now take only 1 tablespoon in water when I have asthma symptoms due to acid reflux. It always works because taking apple cider or hcl help to build more acid so digestion happens correctly but I haven't started taking hcl yet. If it doesn't work I take tums or my albuterol inhaler but apple cider is giving me some great relief of my symptoms. Do not take proton pump inhibitors they damage liver over long term.

Replied by Andrea
(Scio, Or)
03/17/2018

You said you get asthma symptoms from GERD! I have breathing issues supposedly to GERD also, seems like a strange symptom and it concerns me it is something else, breathing issues common from GERD?? And I just started the vinegar, hoping it works!!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Yhen (Philippines) on 06/16/2016
★★★★★

I also suffer acid reflux two weeks ago.. It was really a discomforting feeling.. You can't sleep at night well cause you only have to sit while sleeping, you can't eat what you want cause you're scared that your condition will get worst, it feels like your throat is something like is scratching.. And you have to take a lot of water to expel the scratching sensation.. I don't want to take prescription anymore.. Then I heard about this apple cider vinegar from a friend.. Do some research, and end up in this site.. So I gave it a try.. Apple cider vinegar organic with organic honey.. Twice a day.. Morning and night on an empty stomach.. Plus one fresh apple a day before meal..Very thankful to God, cause for almost a week the reflux is gone.. It was really amazing cause first that I try natural medicine, It really works.. Thank you..

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Sheila (Tennessee) on 04/25/2016
★★★★★

First let me say, I love this site! I had open gallbladder surgery a week ago. Was sent home with little information. The pain and acid reflux has been crippling. I had to go back to DR for IV fluids because of dehydration. I couldn't keep any food down. The DR have me RX for pepcid. Said it may take a couple of days but it will work. Told me to do 4 a day.. NOTHING. No relief at all.

Finally after just being sick of being sick, I came across your site.. I immediately went to the kitchen and did 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in half of a glass of water, and within minutes... RELIEF. This is a God Send. I finally slept and woke up this morning feeling better. I believe the earth gives us what we need to survive. I'm sick of meds and doctors that just want to push RX and its all for money. They do not truly care for our health.

Thank you again for this site.

Replied by Missfancypants
(Western Australia)
04/26/2016

Ive also had my GB removed, you might want to look into taking ox bile with fatty foods, I found bentonite clay help enormously with the issue with the surgery so you might want to look into that. Hopefully it will settle down once your body adapts

Replied by John
(California)
05/06/2016

Wanting to get off my prilosec. Been on for 6 months. Should I stop cold turkey for the ACV to work, or taper off? Would seem the ACV can't work if I am still suppressing acid with PPI.

Replied by Amanda
(Kingston, Jamaica)
05/08/2016
★★★★☆

I have being having acid reflux/ gerd for years but I don't take a lots of antacid or prescription drugs, I couldn't find the organic apple cider vinegar or the one with mother here in Jamaica but I have started yesterday with apple cider vinegar instantly I felt a little relief, I intended to continue using it but my main concern with this is I am scary that I will start losing weight and don't want to my weight is not a problem I could do with more, my next concern is how much should I take per day an also on the glass bottle it is marked diluted with water. Should I add more water to this or drink it directly, anticipating a quick response thank you.

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
05/08/2016

Amanda, as with most things, start low and slow and notice your reactions.

Replied by John
(Warwick, Ri)
07/05/2016
★★★★★

I too am coming off Nexium/Prilosec, after being on it for over a year.... and suffering heart arrhythmias as a result of the long term use.... I tried tapering off of it, but the irregular heartbeat got severe enough to land me in the emergency room, so I stopped it entirely.... I'm happy to say, 3 days off Nexium, and using apple cider vinegar, and no more irregular heartbeat, and no more heartburn.

Eve Z.
(Sydney, Australia)
04/12/2021
16 posts

Hi John,

How much ACV do you have and in how much water?

Thanks!

Replied by Karen
(Michigan)
01/20/2017

Mix with 6 oz of water. Never drink vinegar full strength.

Replied by Pati Aguilar
(Indiana)
03/09/2017

Wondering why you say not to take full strength? I have a friend that told me she battled GERD for years, took 1Tbsp ACV straight in the morning for 1 month straight and never suffered again. I have been taking for a week. I just want all the info I can get, thanks!

Replied by Pay It Forward
(PNW)
02/03/2024
60 posts
★★★★★

It's 5am, finally got up and took a spoonful (1 Tbsp) of ACV in 4oz water for acid reflux. First time in two yrs since having my gallbladder removed. I started taking ox bile supplements after gallbladder removal. Ox bile supplements can help digestion after gallbladder removal by replacing the bile that is no longer produced by the gallbladder. This can help prevent digestive issues. Made in the liver and released by the gall bladder, bile acids help us to digest and assimilate the fats that we eat in our food. With a healthy gall bladder, bile is released into the intestines as needed, when we consume fat. If you have had your gallbladder removed, or if your gallbladder function is compromised (common with SIBO or digestive infections or if you are eating a ketogenic diet or are fasting and notice pain in your right upper abdominal quadrant), you may not be putting out enough bile to properly digest fat and absorb your essential fat soluble vitamins. I like the Seeking Health brand for ox bile.

Wish I knew years ago, I probably could've avoided gallbladder removal. Turns out many have poor bile quality and don't know it. If I'd have taken ox bile at each meal that may have resolved the problem. But alopathic drs knowledge is limited to big pharma Rx meds. After yrs of ignorance and suffering it cost me my gall bladder. I was also taking antacids nightly instead. And those are terrible for your health! Particularly robbing your calcium, magnesium, and B12 causing a concerning deficiency. H2 Blockers can deplete calcium, folate (B9), iron, vitamin B12, and vitamin D... and Proton-pump inhibitor (PPI)'s can deplete magnesium and vitamin B12.

As we age, two of the most concerning deficiencies are vitamin B12 and calcium. Both PPI's and H2 blockers significantly increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency in elderly patients. Vitamin B12 requires gastric acid for absorption. The elderly population is already prone to deficiency in intrinsic factor, a protein necessary for B12 absorption. Symptoms may include trouble walking or changes in memory, conditions that may be mistaken for aging or dementia.

Even the Journal of the American Medical Association reported concluded that the use of PPI's for over one year results in people being 2.5 times more susceptible to hip fracture than control subjects. The drastic drop in calcium and vitamin D absorption that occurs with PPIs is believed to be the cause.

ACV and Ox bile, avoid eating foods you know to be triggering, stop eating 4 hrs before bed. Even now, with my gallbladder gone, I simply take 1x 125mg Ox bile capsule during my meals and feel 10x better for it. *Keep in mind, I would not recommend bile salts for people with hyperthyroidism (extra bile can increase conversion of T4 to T3 making you more hyperthyroid) or people with active diarrhea.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Nora (Ma - Massachusetts) on 03/27/2016
★★★★★

Just got over a stomach virus and had terrible heartburn in throat for few days tried antacids, etc still had it. Was told to take apple cider vinegar straight, one tablespoon then drink water. Cured within minutes, on day two and still no heartburn. So don't dilute vinegar, take straight. Have to assume I was low on acid due to vomiting from virus, assuming that you need more acid not less. Not sure how it worked but it did so far for me. Hope it helps. Take organic..

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Gilde (Palm Beach, Florida) on 11/25/2015
★★★★★

My husband used organic Apple Cider Vinegar every morning (1-2oz in 8oz of water) and has had amazing results, no more acid reflux and off all medicines!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Manuj (Ghaziabad) on 10/17/2015
★★★★☆

I have tried apple cider vinegar for acid reflux. I have been taking it for few days with half glass of water. It has showed me some good effects but still I get some burning sensation after meals. At night I have to take a digene tablet to get the acid down. Still have not found 100% solution

Replied by Caryn
(Channahon)
10/17/2015

I did ACV and baking soda for a year. Got off prescription. Keep it up.

Replied by Sanjay Gukpta
(Canada)
10/17/2015

I had acid reflux for years. Now I hardly get it. so I know how uncomfortable it is for you.

I did this:

1. NO oily food eg Samosa, Poori, Pakora etc. and ABSOLUTELY NO meals when you stuff yourself fully. Eat light, quickly digestible stuff. No maida.

2. Take very limited quantity of above it you cannot resist--that too only once a week.

3. keep your weight under control. NO belly. Get ample of Exercise or physical activity.

4. It may take 1-2 weeks to see improvement.

Replied by Kari
(Iowa)
04/27/2016

Give yourself a dedicated full 2 months taking apple cider vinegar 2 tbls in 6-8oz water, 3 times a day (before each meal). After the 2nd week, go down to twice a day. After the 4th week, you may be able to go down to once a day. No doctor here, but I followed this plan and my daily acid reflux struggle decreased to only once or twice a month (after eating a trigger food)! If that's not worth a try than I don't know what is!

Replied by Jill
(Chicago)
05/04/2016

For the women out there, be careful with drinking it 3 times a day. I did this when I first started using Apple Cider Vinegar and it gave me a yeast infection.

Pat
(Chicago)
06/05/2016

How do you know it was the ACV that gave you the yeast infection? A lot of women actually use ACV as a treatment for yeast infections.

Replied by Penny
(California)
07/23/2017

You are supposed to take the Apple Cider Vinegar with 8 oz glass of water. That should work better for you.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Rohit (New Delhi, India) on 06/20/2015
★★★★★

I have been using ACV, one tablespoon with a full glass of water once a day - I am happy to say that this dose is adequate for the acid reflux that I was having.

Another method to prevent reflux is to have half an apple before going to bed with some honey.

Replied by John
(Bangalore)
12/14/2015

Hi Rohith, please let me know how is your acid reflux now....I am a singer but unable to speak from 3 months... kindly let me know how are you feeling now.....it will be great help.

Replied by Teresa
(Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
07/20/2017

I just took 1 tblsp ACV and honey in a glass of water. Will also try the 1/2 an apple. There are days I just don't think I'm going to make it, my reflux gets so severe ðŸ˜¢

Praying for great results!!

Replied by Shawna
(Michigan)
07/21/2017

Perhaps look into gall bladder flushes. Reflux can be a symptom of gallstones.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Justin (New York, US) on 03/22/2015

Hi I was experiencing acid reflux for a long time. I believe it to be caused by years of taking glucosamine, omega 3, vitamin c, bayer 81 low dose, calcium and vitamin every day for years on an empty stomach. I had recently stopped the aspirin but I also drank a lot of coffee and ate late at night. Anyway last Sunday I started getting a burning pain in my stomach on the right side between my navel and my breast bone. By Monday it was still there worsening when I ate. I went to the doctor, he had me do a cat scan and sonogram. Both came back negative. He started me on opremezol and told me I neEd to have an endoscopy to see what's wrOng. I took it for two days and stopped because I did not like the way it made me feel and was reading how bad it is for you.

I tried the vinegar last night and today. I took it when I woke up. I was fine until noon after lunch. I started getting a lot of burning but I am not sure what caused it. I took some vitamin d and had a juice of greens with some ginger. My stomach was burning like crazy but all of a sudden it just stopped and now I feel better than I have in a very long time. Should I continue with the vinegar? Did it burn because it's just starting to work and now it's ok.? I am so afraid to do more harm to my body. But I am liking all I am reading on here and feel so much better right now. Is vitamin d bad when your stomach is like this? I heard vitamin d deficiency causes reflux. I also took the vinegar teaspoon straight last night and my teeth feel sensitive today. Are they damaged? Please help.

Replied by Raphael
(Boston)
02/04/2016

You are taking the foods that should be avoided; ie a lot of coffee and eat late at night. Should stop these two ASAP.

Mj
(Mi)
03/28/2016

And if you take the ACV straight rinse your mouth with water right after because the AVC weakens your tooth enamel.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Jacqueline (London, England) on 02/11/2015
★★★☆☆

WORKED TEMPORARILY

Hi all,

I think this site is wonderful, and I was hoping someone might be able to help me. I've had acid reflux/silent reflux/LPR for the last three months, it started with a flu bug but I carried on experiencing a burning sensation in my throat along with heartburn, dry mouth and a bad taste. The doctor thinks it is caused by reflux. The doctor gave me omeprazole which I took for a week which made the problem worse. I believe that I have low stomach acid rather than too much.

I started taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with warm water and honey in the morning and evening which helped tremendously, however it seems to have become less effective, and I'm finding that I have to take more and more to get any relief.

My question is, am I taking it correctly? Should I take it with meals or on an empty stomach? Can too much ACV cause problems? I was so relieved to find some relief, but now I'm worried that I'm back to square one.

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
02/12/2015

Dear Jacqueline,

It is discouraging that it seems to be taking more and more vinegar to get the results. I tend to think that you would get to a point of too much of a good thing. I personally would not want to be taking more than 4 T. Ideally, 2 T. per day or less.

When I was using ACV for reflux in pregnancy, I just had some ACV in my water and sipped it all day. I would tend to think it is best taken between meals, but you may need to just try different things and see how you do.

Have you tried other things? Making sure you are well hydrated, limiting things like coffee and soft drinks, eating less processed foods, smaller meals, etc. are all things that could be helpful.

Is it possible that your gall bladder is involved in any way? When I have a gall bladder flare up, I have reflux symptoms. Recently, when I had the flu, I had a terrible flare up that responded to nothing and had me about out of my skin in pain. I used a castor oil pack over my gall bladder area with a heating pad and the pain resolved in 20 minutes. I kept the castor oil pack on for several hours.

Just some thoughts. I hope you be feeling very well soon.

~Mama to Many~

Replied by Jamie
(Uk)
02/28/2015

I've been having GERD symptoms for 6 months and have been on daily PPI since my diagnosis. I also had a camera inspection 3 months ago that found a hiatus hernia and a tiny (microscopic) instance of Barretts. Fortunately, from the biopsies, the cells appear normal and are not dangerous.

But, taking PPI, trying Lanzoprazole and Omeprazole to ever increasing dosages (now 2x30mg per day), my symptoms are no better.

I am generally fit and healthy, have a good diet and consider myself fortunate that I don't suffer from some of the more extreme symptoms that some here appear to. I can sleep right through at night and have only noticed an acid taste in my mouth recently. My main symptoms are a feeling of congestion in oesophagus, tightness of throat and a cold tongue.

I am strongly considering stopping the PPI medication today and starting the ACV recipe, but before I go against my specialists advice of PPI treatment, I wondered if anyone has had a camera inspection before and after self-medicating with ACV, and whether there had been any change in the cells in the oesophagus? Basically, I don't want to take ACV if it only masks the symptoms, but is still doing harm and turns the tiny amount of Barretts in to something serious.

If anyone can offer any insight, I would be grateful. Thanks.

Replied by Amaryliss
(Ireland)
03/24/2015

Hi, I had a serious reflux and the helicobacter, ulcers, doctors put me on nexium which ruined my body, this sucks the important acid from your body. I went on a research trail, and came across a fabulous book called 'hard to stomach'. I started on L Glutamine, and took a good mineral supplement before I took these tablets I had a camera the doctor told me the scars would not heal, and even taking antibiotics might not help, then I started on a strict no fat diet and took l glutamine and minerals when I went back to get the camera the doctor said he was amazed the stomach he seen before was not the same the ulcers were gone and my reflux healed. Best of luck

Replied by Jr
(Ks, US)
03/30/2015

What mineral supps are you using?? ie magnesium-zinc??

Replied by Tim
(Winnipeg)
01/03/2016

Research the benefits of taking melatonin for heatburn

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