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 Rick Anderson (USA)
★★★★★
I'm overweight and often have acid reflux problems. A high-protein/low carb diet definitely works for me in alleviating this acid.... but when I'm bad (eating too late at night or eating too much pastry) I have found that a small glass of apple cider vinegar and water, gulped down, momentarily makes the burning in my esophagus worse--- but then seems to completely get rid of the acid condition. I've tried this several times and each time the results were the same. Rolaids work by neutralizing acid; does vinegar really work by adding more? I don't know, but it does work! One more anecdote: I told someone at my job about it, and she said her grandmother used to swear by it, too: a swig of vinegar helped acid indigestion. She also told me that in the "old days" people would swig some vinegar to see if they had strep throat-- if it burned like hell when it hit the back of the throat, they had it! I would imagine that the acid in the vinegar helped treat the strep, too.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by John (Bangalore) on 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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Teresa (Calgary, Alberta, Canada ) on 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 😢
Praying for great results!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jamie (Uk) on 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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jr (Ks, US) on 03/30/2015
What mineral supps are you using?? ie magnesium-zinc??
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tim (Winnipeg) on 01/03/2016
Research the benefits of taking melatonin for heatburn
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Wayne (Harbour Grace, Nl) on 01/07/2015
My friend you are so right , , , it works wonders! but on times when I eat the wrong snack going to bed and I have no ACV I have used the old black fish and chips vinegar and it worked instantly; Sometimes, out of desperation, I have downed the vinegar from bottled Garlic, herring and other preserved products and got instant relief.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mon50 (Alameda, Ca) on 09/03/2018
Do you drink the ACV with empty stomach or with food?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kyle (Vero Beach, FL) on 12/15/2014
★★★★★
Yea, taking a straight gulp of Apple Cider Vinegar is like gulping a glass of lemon juice. I am glad to hear you survived, that was a courageous move!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Melodye (Illinois) on 09/23/2018
You can also take ACV in capsule form to bypass the esophagus if there's an issue there.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Irina (Doha, Qatar ) on 04/27/2016
Dear Mr., I would like to ask you a couple of questions regarding your treatment. My husband has been on Nexium prescribed by doctors for a few years until his health became horrible, we had no idea where all those issues were coming from until I decided to check Nexium side effects. He stopped the pills and started ACV treatment 3 days ago, 1 tbsp twice a day before meal but doesn't feel any relief yet. So I would appreciate if you share with us your dosage and for how long you had to take it until it worked. Thanks in advance.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anna (Athens) on 04/20/2018
Hi I saw your message and was hoping for some advice. I took Diatomaceous earth and developed severe acid reflux which has been going on for 4 days alla day. I have laryngopharyngal reflux so it goes straight up and even affects my voice. I've tried zantac, backing soda and ACV all offer just temporary if any relief. I'm terrified.. ACV used to work for normal heartburn but I feel like something has gone completely wrong. Any advice is very welcome.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tina (Odessa, Texas) on 09/12/2012
Do I continue taking my reflux meds while trying ACV for severe acid reflux.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sealbeachluvr (Antelope Valley, Ca) on 07/03/2012
Hello, My name is Mary and I was recently diagnosed with Acid Reflex/GERD. Approximately twelve days ago today, I woke up with severe nausea; to date, I have not thrown up. The desire to throw up is strong and it last quite some time. With this symptom, I am burping often throughout the day. I also feel tightness in my throat; however, I am able to swallow well. Maybe once or twice a day my mouth gets watery like when you are about to throw up. I would like to note that since given medication by my Dr. the burping has stopped and so has the nausea. Because of the nausea I have no desire to eat; however, with the medication which has stopped the nausea, I am eating again. I am eating extremely healthy afraid to get that nausea feeling back so I am loading up on "Juices" from my local health store - the kind where they put my vegetables in the machine and juice it. I also have a feeling in my stomach that I am starving and then a strong burning sensation. All of the symptoms are new to me and with HIGH anxiety that I suffer with everyday, I am scared. I went for a second opinion and the second Dr also told me that he feels I have Acid Reflex and told me to continue to the first medication the first Dr gave me.
For three days I have been on the medication; however, also during these three days I have been on GOOGLE diligently seeking natural alternatives for my diagnosis. I came across many sites on Apple Cider Vinegar (Mother). I have read exceptional testimonies on how it not only treats Acid Reflex but other aliments as well.
Today I woke up with severe nausea again. I was so sad. I was hoping to wake up to a new day but it just didn't happen this way. Instead of grabbing my pill, I woke up, heated water and added two tablespoons of ACV and drank it with a straw. The nausea subsided almost immediately and without any medication in my system, I just drank a smoothie from Jamba Juice and ate Oatmeal successfully. This is my first day drinking ACV. Has anyone here been told they have Acid Reflex and if you have, has anyone on here experienced my same symptoms? Does ACV really work for this problem? I have to be honest and say the nausea diminished almost immediately and I have not taken any prescribed medication today.
How often should I consume ACV during the week? Also, is it normal for my tummy to feel weak/tender? I don't have pain - it just feels tender. I guess tender best describes the feeling. I understand that eating meat, oils, etc. Bring AR on; however, I am an extremely healthy eater and I have been a vegetarian for years and I do not eat fast food. I think I should add that about a week before this gross sickness broke out, the Superior Market had Cherries on sale for 69 cents a pound and they also had Mangos on sale, 2 for $1.00. In three days, I consumed about 3 pounds of Cherries and 6 Mangos, peel and all. My mom says that this could have brought it on - can fruit lead to Acid Reflex? Would it hurt to take the medication with the ACV or should I just stick with the ACV?
It is just so hard to believe that ACV would work so well. I would appreciate any feedback from anyone going through what I am going through. The anxiety makes me feel like I am sicker than what the Dr tells me. My anxiety began when my husband died 10 years ago in a car accident and I have a fear of death. I would appreciate any feedback on ACV - it just sounds hard to believe. So if you have any experience with ACV I would LOVE to hear back from you. I am going to drink it again at lunch. It isn't the best tasting stuff but I am able to consume it with hot water. (Sorta like a yucky tea) ALSO - CAN STRESS CAUSE ACID REFLUX or is it solely from food intake?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Windhill Whistler (Rocky Face, Ga) on 07/13/2012
Why have several people said they drink the avc and water with a straw?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ann (Malaysia) on 04/20/2016
I'm also confused by this. How would I know if I have low stomach acid? I've been having acid reflux for the past week due to poor eating habit. (I had low appetite and didn't take my meal on time). I ate pizza last night and had the worst reflux episode. My throat was burning and I couldn't sleep comfortably.
Should I try ACV before meals and sodium bicarbonate after meals? Should I also cut down on grains and carbs? I should add, I took ginger tea after I experienced the reflux and it strangely remedied the symptom. Please help, I'm in dire need of a solution. I was perfectly healthy and fine until 2 weeks ago. Thanks in advance.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by John Tetreault (Warwick, Ri) on 07/05/2016
Because ACV is an acid, and can damage tooth enamel.... drinking it through a straw minimizes contact with your teeth.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Idot 13 (Ireland) on 03/26/2017
Would you not go for operation for muscle on top of stomach to tighten it? I have seen it done and it is very successful and the patients seems to be perfect after it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tom (St Johns, Nl) on 02/23/2012
★★★★★
I take Apple Cider Vinegar for reflux and I feel much better in time.
If we had a headache when we were growing up, our mothers used to warm the regular vinegar and soak a piece of brown paper in and when the person go to bed they would lay it on their on forehead and it really worked because I know as I never had headache since I was five or six years old.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Satya (Bangalore, Karnataka, India) on 02/26/2012
★★★★★
Plain ACV is working well for me. Almost a week I got continuous heartburn, Doctor put me on PPI. I was googling to find out more about the rememdies.
I have started with very less amount HALF table spoon. Mix in water and drink before big meal OR whenever feel little discomfort. ACV is also keeping my digestion well. Thanks to EarthClinic..
- Satya
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by John R (Cudahy, Wi) on 01/02/2012
★★★★★
I was certainly tired of acid reflux, and approaching 3 of those pepcid completes in a day's time. I went to see doctor google and ran across the statements in favor of ACV. I have a tblspn of ACV (with the mother!! ) with 12oz of purified spring water and a touch of pure flavoring in the AM with my fibery breakfast. Now it's more like 3 pepcid completes in one week if I have lots of spicy food. I'm going to have to give ACV (with the mother) two thumbs up. Been on it 2 months or so.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lillian (Stoney Creek, Ontario) on 12/27/2011
★★★★★
I was on Prevacid for a very long time and getting worse. I did some research on Prevacid and found that I should not have been on it for the length of time that I was. I started taking 1 tablespoon of ACV in a small glass of apple juice plus eating an apple every evening(golden delicious) and have been fine ever since. Prevacid eliminated too much acid and this is what made me worse.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Henri (Miami, Florida, U.s.a) on 12/09/2011
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
The mixture stopped the heartburn but, me too I get spasms in the colon and constipation when I drink AC bs as side effects so far.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Raakhee (San Antonio, Texas ) on 01/08/2016
Do you take your tablet, before or after the apple cider vinegar? I am on day 2 and take ACV in water first thing in the morning and 10 mins later my reflux med(ppi) please help as how you took.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kay (East Northport, Ny) on 07/18/2011
★★★★★
Hi my name is Kay from Long Island NY. For anyone unable to tolerate the ACV taste in water, I have been sweetening the liquid with Stevia and it tastes much better. I have not used a prescription or any antacid in three years. I have been able to sleep lying down instead of propped up..
You can also use the ACV on your salad as well.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joe (Owatonna, Mn, Usa) on 04/15/2011
★★★★★
ACV works great! Felt better within minutes; stopping for about 2 weeks recinds the symptoms (makes them return) - starting again kicks them to the curb again! No symptoms for me - & the main reason I am writing, is I JUST literally this hour found a BETTER TASTING drink that is believe-it-or-not EVEN HEALTHIER: V8 drink & ACV! (My Mom thought of this =) credit goes to my Mom, Brenda =D) WOW - Vinegar & Vegetables, just like a salad (Zesty Italian dressing, I think) WITHOUT the sugar of lemonade or pineapple juice (my new
backups)!
Tastes Great, HEALTHY, no sugar.. It's great =) Enjoy!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Trh (Goshen, In) on 02/20/2011
★★★★★
When someone suffers from an acid reflux type condition it seems that it is nearly always assumed that they have too much acid in their stomach, but this is not always the case. I suffered from digestive problmes for 2 1/2 years (I am only 22), and yes, that acidic feeling in my stomach, and acid coming up my esophagus. I saw two different doctors and both gave me acid inhibiting medication- exact opposite of what I needed! I researched on my own and found that the symptoms of too much acid are very similar to those of not enough stomach acid production (Hypochloridia).
I immediately stopped taking acid reducers, and modified my diet, I started eating small meals, trying to chew food very well (to ease digestion), and reduced foods that were hard to digest (especially nuts), and those which promote bad bacteria growth- I. E. Sugar. These along with a few other changes majorly improved my digestive health, normalized my appetite and helped me to feel better in general. You should get some kind of a test to find out conclusively what is the problem, and if it is low acid production the things I mentioned along with digestive enzymes, etc. Should help out a lot. -More acid may be exactly what you need!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Steven (Guaynabo, Puerto Rico) on 10/17/2010
★★★★★
I suffer from heartburn from time to time, but its been a while since I had it but it came back with a vengence. I read the remedies and decided to take a tbsp. of apple cider vinegar and made me throw up what was making the heartburn, I have to say I feel better, now im going to try to go to sleep.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Idot 13 (Ireland) on 11/04/2016
It's a bug which the doctor should be giving you antibiotics or else try Turmeric a few times daily. If it does not work, it may be the splinter muscle at the top of stomach which needs to be tightened with operation as if untreated maybe very dangerous as it may cause bigger problems and more serious later.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Amy (Dallas, Tx) on 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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Amd (Redmond, Wa) on 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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Blackened Dove (Arlington, Tx) on 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 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.
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ko (Altamont, Ny) on 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. :-(
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?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anne (Jacksonville, Ar) on 11/13/2009
The lump in your throat is called globus. I had the same thing with acid reflux. I am convinced my reflux and globus issues were due to poor diet. It has now been one year since I've taken any reflux medication and consider myself cured. My PH level was out of balance, I control my PH (acid) by daily juicing fresh vegetables and fruits and consuming first thing in the am on an empty stomach. I wait 15-30 minutes before having breakfast and have almost stopped eating any fried foods, especially meats. I wish the best for you and as far as that annoying, worrisome globus issue, try relaxation techniques if you have nothing to take for stress or nerves. I feel that within 2 weeks of juicing that will be almost completely gone. Good luck
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Flower (Bend, Or) on 07/05/2010
★★★★★
Carolyn from NM, I am in a similar situation with mild gastritis. I am enjoying much relief from the ACV 3X a day. I was wondering what time of day you take your Zantac?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by James Kilrain (Mchenry, Illinois) on 08/25/2009
★★★★★
____ organic apple cider vinegar seemed to help my acid reflux a great deal.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by William (Seattle, WA) on 07/03/2009
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar works for me. For a year I had been going to a doctor for my stomach problems, first acid reflux, and later, stomach pain, bloating, throwing up, not sleeping, and finally constipation. As some of you might guess, it was the PPI (little purple pill) that the doctor was prescribing. (to bad you were not my doctor!) We did all kinds of tests to try to figure out what was wrong with me but I was always told to keep taking my little purple friend. And true, I did not have acid reflux anymore, I was just miserable. My last exam, a lower GI let the doctor give me the good news, "I don't have cancer." He sent me home with saying, "We still don't know what the problem is." After another few weeks of throwing up my dinner and having trouble sleeping I started search the internet for others with similar problems. (I'm a little slow) Yes, it was the purple pill and those wonderful side effects the doctor doesn't mention. So I went off the pill and tried the apple cider vinegar. IT WORKS, YES IT DOES, IT WORKS. I take a teaspoon with 8 ounces of water and a little honey, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. I have been taking it for two weeks and found it works great. I am amazed. I never take these kind of home remedies or organic solutions, but, it works and that's all I care. What have I learned? My doctor sells expensive tests and doesn't listen and I need to take control of my health care. Bill
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Coral (Shoalhaven, Australia) on 06/18/2009
★★★★★
thank you for this wonderful site i have been diognosed today with cronic reflux its been burning my throat which is red raw i have been taking pariet tablets for ages its getting worse so i have tried the acv after dinner it seems to have had instant results my throat has stopped burning i also ate an apple i will take more tomorrow
has anyone also suffered with cronic ulcers due to reflux?
thank you i will keep you posted
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nitzp (San Jose, Ca) on 01/22/2010
★★★★★
I had acid reflux and pains in the stomach after I took naproxene for my shoulder pains. The doctor prescribed zantac and I was on it for several days without any improvements. All of a sudden I remembered what I read in this site about acv. I stopped my xantac and took acv (2tbs in 8 ox of water. Add 1/4 tsp baking soda for better taste.) The result was immediate. The reflux and pains were gone. I now religiously take the acv at night for many of my illness - high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
