The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jim (Lewistown, PA) on 04/03/2007
★★★★★
Was tired of dealing with reflux so I tried taking ACV. Did a follow up meeting with my gastroenterologist suggesting ACV as an alternative to Prevacid. He was skeptical but told me to go ahead, but to keep some case notes. They are as follows:
March 15, 2007 Learned of ACV via friend and decided to cease Prevacid solutabs beginning Friday March 16th. Until further notes indicate otherwise, no additional Prevacid tabs were taken.
March 16, 2007 Began taking undiluted ACV at a rate of about 1/8th of a Dixie cup 3x/day. Noted acidic sensation but experienced no severe side effects. These sensations were only very very slightly uncomfortable, and lasted about 10 minutes at which time all discomfort relative GRD totally subsided.
At around the third day, I researched ACV on the Internet (Goggled apple cider vinegar to treat reflux disease) and found suggestions that undiluted ACV "might" create esophageal issues by raising the acid levels in the "tender" esophagus. So, I began cutting back on the ACV dosage and at the same time, began diluting the ACV at about 1/8 Dixie cup of ACV and the rest water. Due to my "forgetfulness" (and the horrid taste) I found I was missing some of the dosages and by the end of about 1 and ½ weeks, I was taking ACV about every other day.
At about the 2 week mark, I came down with a GI bug and had diarrhea and nausea. For about 3 days, I totally cut the ACV (and still was not taking prevacid or any other RX) and on the 4th day, I was afflicted with significant reflux. No matter how hard I tried, I could not find a comfortable sleeping position and resorted to swigging Malox at a rate of 2x/night for about 2 nights. Throughout the day, I also suffered with reflux and found that swigs of Cows milk worked well.
On the 5th day, the GI bug subsided and I felt well enough to handle the ACV again. Just prior to restarting the ACV dosage, I was dealing with a significant amount of reflux. An interesting side note here is that IMMEDIATELY after taking the diluted dose, the reflux disappeared. I continued the 3x/day of diluted ACV and became TOTALLY reflux symptom free.
Over the next several days, the minute I'd feel some minor tummy rumblings, I'd dose with ACV and would become symptom free. Another side note is that the rumblings would come about 3x/day coinciding with a time "just prior" to my ACV dose. I was also experimenting with the best time to take the ACV. The result was morning noon and night, however the morning dose would give the sensation of too much acid in my belly (What I'd describe as a burning in the tummy) I remedied that with a change in eating habits. I'd usually have only coffee in the morning with a moderate lunch. In order to curb the over acid sensation, I started to have about a half cup of cereal w/ milk chasing it with about ½ cup of cold cows milk. That would IMMEDIATELY eliminate the acidic feeling. Then at lunch, I cut from a moderate amount of food to a lighter portion followed with an afternoon dose of ACV. As well, I began to cut back on the evening meal proportion following that with ACV. The result was shedding a few pounds, a routine dosage program, and finally sleeping throughout the night. Lacking willpower one evening, I ate 5 very very spicy chicken wings and 3 mugs of beer (A previously suicidal move) and did an extra ACV dose prior to bed. The result was, for the first time, NO reflux during the night and no reflux when I awoke.
April 3, 2007 Had a routine follow-up visit with My Doctor and hinted about his feeling and knowledge of ACV as treatment for GRD. He gave a tentative go ahead for my ACV study (He scheduled a 12 month follow-up but requested that I keep him posted of my findings at a 3 and 6 month interval. To this point the TX with ACV has shown significant success in that I've NOT used prescriptions to treat breakthroughs other than the previously stated malox when I had the stomach bug. I've concluded to this point, that I must still provide my system with some assistance in managing the acid, since cessation of all prescription meds and ACV had proven unsuccessful. More notes to follow.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by John (Adamsville, Alabama) on 03/28/2007
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar will definitely help acid reflux. One and half oz w/equal part grape juice every morning and within 1 week gone. Only couple episodes in last 8 months & was having problems every day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Patti (Cambria, California) on 03/24/2007
★★★★★
I feel compelled to add to the chorus of the healed and almost-healed from the torture of Acid Reflux. Like many others, I have spent time in walk-in clinics, doctors offices and emergency rooms with symptom of acid reflux which were never diagnosed as such. It wasn't until my last encounter with an emergency room doc that I was finally diagnosed. Of course, I was put on Prevacid, and like many others, began to feel better until I began to feel worse. Going off the Prevacid intensified my symptoms and I found this website touting the benefits of apple cider vinegar. I bought some ACV and some wonderful local raw honey and 3 times a day I have been putting 2 Tablespoons of each in half a glass of water and taking it after each meal. I have also been taking a probiotic enzyme capsule with each meal. As of this morning (5 days into treatment) I am free of heartburn, the lump in my throat is gone, my energy is back and I am eating normally again. Yea!!! Thank you, everyone who has contributed to this site. I hope my experience will help as others have helped me. I intend to keep up with ACV regimen, as I absolutely love drinking it after a meal. If you have just begun taking ACV or are considering taking it, I must say to you that it did not help immediately for me as it seems to have for others. It took a few days to begin to feel relief. Stay with it. It works!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Javier (Miami, Florida) on 03/10/2007
★★★★★
My name is Javier, from Miami Florida, I discover your Website by searching the web, and I have been reading a lot about it. I have acid reflux since 15 years ago, and I always try to stop taking Prilosec, lately I don't feel Prilosec have no more effect in my body and I also use Tums, I try ACV two tablespoons and 2 of honey in a half glass of water after breakfast and after dinner, and it really works, I still can't believe it. I had acid reflux, heartburn, arrhythmia caused by chest pain over night, and now it is incredible, I have no symptoms, I sleep better, and also I have loose 6 pound in 10 days, I found out I feel less tired myself, the pain in my legs is gone, my throat has no acid or sour taste in the morning, I am very happy, Thanks again.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Karen (Warren, PA) on 03/05/2007
★★★★★
I have been suffering with acid reflux for several years. I always thought that it was related to stress and the extra weight that I have been carrying. I realize now that it is probably due to ibuprofen use. I suffer from headaches 2-3 times a week and the ibuprofen was the most effective pain relief that worked for me. Occassionally I would take 3 pills at a time in order to get relief. For the past month I have been taking 2 tsp. of organic vinegar with 2 tsp. of honey mixed with a cup of hot water 3 times a day. I am also watching my caloric intake and have noticed a dramatic difference in the way I feel overall. I have not had a headache since and my acid reflux is no longer a problem. I am convinced that the vinegar/honey "tea" is responsible for the significant improvement in the way in feel.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lee (Springfield, USA) on 03/04/2007
★★★★★
To Whom It May Concern; This to inform you that first off, there is NO such thing as Acid-Reflux Disease. Second off, there is a $3.99 cure, that ends acid reflux in just three days... period... it's called... "Raw - Unfiltered Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, with the mother", one brand name is "_______", and I hope they don't get greedy... and keep the price as is... 9 years ago, taking Bayer Aspirin for a head injury, I developed an ulcer and almost died... then for 8 years took "Dr. Prescription Prevacid" however you spell it... sorry about that... then after years of taking the doctors prescribed medication, with no cure, at $130.00 a month, because I don't have insurance... I read the book by Kevin Trudeau, "Natural Cures Revealed..." now for the past 6 months, I have had ZERO acid reflux at all, I take a tablespoon when I wake up, and one before bed, and that is it. Talked to a seals person at a GNC store today, who said he had researched this 3 years 4 months and a week ago, and told the same story... the Apple Cider Vinegar not only stopped the acid reflux, but cured it.. I feel the same way... I have no more and I can eat ANYTHING I feel like it. There yea go... thank you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Roxanne ( Fresno, CA) on 03/03/2007
★★★★★
I tried the apple vinegar on night after acid reflux and it work. I just wanted to get the bad taste out and acid back done the esophagus and it worked. Someone told me about vinegar for fungus, because my daughter had a ringworm. In most kid this get out of control. I prayed about it and sought out help from the school nurse on the best thing to do for it, but the nurse wasn't in and one of the ladies the work there told me what she read about vinegar on the internet because her grand daughter was prescribe meds that didn't work. Well, I know for my self it works. I use the vinegar first then the meds for the doctor. In my eyes the natural way is the best way.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Theresa (Louisburg, Kansas) on 02/27/2007
★★★★★
I was told about your site about a month ago. I had had the stomach flu for 2 weeks and my digestive system was a mess. I read about ACV and started it that day. I haven't taken Nexium since. I have told everyone about the site. I take a "swig" of the APV with "the Mother" twice a day. I can't believe it, but after a month, I would say it works.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vina (Calgary, Canada) on 02/27/2007
★★★★★
I've used Apple Cider Vinegar for several years now whenever I get an acid reflux attack. It immediately takes the pain away and I feel 100%. Years ago I used the ACV with baking soda for heartburn and it worked as well. After reading some of the comments on this site. I will try using the ACV on regular basis for my blood pressure. This week I will start visiting the Fire Department on a regular basis to be checked for my blood pressure. I'll keep a record of the numbers and get back to you at a later date. I'm glad I woke this morning at 4:10 am and started looking for natural cures. I don't believe in chemicals at all and try my best to stay away from medication if at all possible. I know my Doctor is planning on starting me on high blood pressure pills. I'll be back in a couple of weeks. Vina
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Michele (Los Angeles) on 02/15/2007
★★★★★
I started using the ACV drink recommended on these pages to treat my reflux. Works great for the reflux, I sleep like a baby and feel great. Only problem is, I'm dropping a lot of weight fast, and I only weigh 102 now (I'm 5'2"). Is there any way to safely use this without becoming too thin? Thanks!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Rebecca (Bogue Chitto, MS) on 02/11/2007
★★★★★
I have been suffering with terrible acid reflux for the past 3 years. I am up nearly every night with violent nausea. I would get no relief until I would finally vomit. UNTIL!!!! Apple cider vinegar, honey, and water. I mix up 1/2 cup of each ingredient at a time. I take 2 tablespoons in the morning and 2 at night. (refrigerate un used portions) Mix up as much as you want, just equal portions of all ingredients! Saved my life. No more tums. No more vomiting. A full night's sleep! Rebecca
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joan (Elkton, VA) on 02/05/2007
★★★★★
The apple cider vinegar worked for my acid reflux. I took Protonix for 2 years until my insurance company had it switched to the cheaper omeprazole. They also halved the amount from 400 mg daily to 200 mg. The acid reflux pain returned, so my doctor prescribed two 200 mg. omeprazole daily. The acid reflux symptoms lessened, but I still experienced some nausea and stomach pain from time to time. I was desperate to get off prescription medications altogether, and then I found your web site. I've been using ACV for two weeks now, and I feel better than I have in years. No stomach pain or nausea. I can't thank you enough!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lea (Eau Claire, WI) on 01/31/2007
★★★★★
Thank You for your suggestion of ACV for acid reflux. My Acid Reflux symptoms came on very quickly. Within a week from my first symptom, I was miserable with a thick throat...a lump in my throat. It was difficult to swallow. I tried drinking an 8th of a cup of ACV combined with about 3/4 cup water. Within 1/2 hour, I felt relief. Thank you so much. Lea
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by H Roberts (Windsor, Canada) on 01/31/2007
★★★★★
Had periodical heartburn and acid reflux for last three years. Zantac worked at the beginning but later became ineffective. My Doc put me on Pantaloc twice a day and as with Zantac it eventually became ineffective. I returned to chomping on Tums for relief but I began going through a container every three days. I found this site while looking for long term effects on heartburn sufferers and found this site about the vinegar. I laughed and was laughed at for even considering such a thing. Like many of you I became desperate and bought a jug of Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar. It worked but boy did I ever get a sore stomach. Now I have two shots of it with two shots of water twice a day and the problem rarely surfaces. In fact at first I twisted my face at the taste but now enjoy it as much as I enjoy a glass of wine with my meal. I have never seen the Brachs variety but once I've drank this 4 litre jug I will try to find it to compare. Many thanks!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by David (Va Beach) on 01/30/2007
★★★★★
2 and a half months and counting- it's worked better than prevacid- occasional discomfort, but had more pain with all the different medications-' fingers are crossed for continuing success.