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 Noelle (Tampa, FL) on 03/22/2009
★★★★★
ACV cured my acid reflux (and made me smell like roses!) ok, maybe not roses, but it definitely stopped any sort of bacterial growth that caused my body odor.
i take acv orally, 2 tablespoons per glass of water, every morning and two hours before bed. i was diagnosed with acid reflux at 12 and took pills off and on but i feel so free. Apple Cider Vinegar freed me naturally!
I also keep the acv in the shower and before i turn on the water i put some music on, pour the acv all over my body (i pour a little in my hand and then rub on my body), dance around for 2 minutes and then spend my shower rinsing, NO SOAP!. after the vinegar smell goes away i towel off and go about my business. every deodorant ive ever tried has let me down, time and time again, but this stuff-i love it! i ride my bicycle 10 miles a day commuting and i sniff and sniff and check and check and nothing-no smell at all, its a beautiful thing. i want to shout from the rooftops! These pharmaceutical companys tell us that we have to use their products, their chemicals- and we dont! we just need to go back to nature.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Prestige (Glasgow, United Kingdom) on 03/19/2009
★★★★★
I just want to say a big thank you to the subscribers of this website. After suffering from acid reflux for many years, I came across this ACV remedy that brought a big change to my life. I was just wondering if this remedy can also be used during pregnancy? I'm currently taking 2 - 3 Tbsp at every onset of symptoms and then go to bed and sleep like a baby...thank you very much.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lita (Tampa, FL) on 03/15/2009
★★★★★
i am 58 in good health taking no prescription medications and experienced a sour stomach, queasiness, and nausea a couple nights ago about 18 hours after eating dinner the night before. i almost vomited and did not because i was swallowing to avoid it. i could taste the acid in my throat and had the upset stomach for about 5 hours and could not sleep half the night. when i felt well enough, i went online to see what may have caused the sour stomach and came to my conclusion upon reading about tophology (combining foods) that i was mixing fatty steak with salad with too acidic a dressing. i read the reasoning behind this inefficent digestion is caused by hydrochloric acid released by the stomach to digest the fatty steak was counteracted by the alkaline stomach reaction of the stomach to digest the acidic dressing cancelling the digestive action of the stomach, causing the sour stomach. i always thought i pretty much had an iron gut since i do not even get gas from 'gaseous causing foods', but attributed it to getting older. So today, i practised eating small quantities of food in single food categories, ie fruit, vegetables, bread and not mixing. the last thing i ate was a grilled ciabatta roll, which is not even an acid reflux causing food, but i actually got that lump in the throat feeling, and then a bit of acid taste! so then i go back on line to research a natural remedy for acid reflux and came upon this site about apple cider vinegar and off i went to the grocery store. upon returning, i immediately drank a mixture of 1 tbs acv, 1tbs honey, and 8z water and was 90 percent relieved in about 15 minutes. in about an hour, all signs of acid taste were gone and i ate dinner of a salad made with olive oil and acv dressing and spareribs, a similar dinner to what caused my sour stomach in the first place with the exception of using the apple cider vinegar in the dressing instead of balsamic, and i feel great. thanks for the remedy that really worked for me. i guess i will see if i need to take it as a precautionary measure or as a remedy, but at least i will know that it works. thanks a million for this website!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jim (Pleasanton, CA) on 05/20/2009
Hi Angie,
I just read your question (posted some time ago). The acidity in your stomach has little to do with the acidity in other parts of your body. Normally, if things are working correctly, the stomach secretes hydrochloric acid and when this mixes with food and moves into the first part of the small intestine, it is neutralized by sodium bicarbonate that is secreted into the small intestine from the pancreas. Thus, the nutrients you absorb into your blood from the small intestine are not acidic. Throughout your body, though, there are many processes that produce acidic substances. One of the major contributors to this is the normal breakdown of food (usually glucose) to obtain energy. The food is broken down to carbon dioxide and water. The carbon dioxide then combines with water to form carbonic acid, one of the major contributors to acidity in internal body fluids such as the blood. The kidneys filter blood and remove metabolic waste products and adjust acidity of the blood by moving acid into the urine. If your urine is alkaline, that is not related to the acidity of the stomach.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Martha (Orange, Texas) on 03/01/2009
★★★★★
Hiatal Hernia & Acid Reflux: While pregnant with my 2nd daughter I got heartburn with everything I ate and was drinking a bottle of Maalox a day. After she was born it got a little better, but then worse again until everything including water gave me heartburn. Also I began to have reflux while sleeping and I would wake up after breathing the acid into my lungs. I was pretty scared to sleep lying down so I started sleeping at a 45 degree angle to prevent that from happening again.
I started xray school right after my daughter was born and during the 1st semester of training I saw all these people having Upper GI tests and were prescribed medications but people kept coming back because the meds weren't helping and that's when I decided to look for a solution naturally. I was told if you took a tablespoon of ACV when you had heartburn and the heartburn went away then you needed MORE acid and not less and the pills the docs were giving people STOPPED the production of acid, but you need that acid to help digest your food. I also assummed I had a hiatal hernia because sometimes my food felt like it didn't want to go down and stayed in my throat. After learning about the ACV treatment I did that for about 3 months. It was hard to drink it everyday but I did. I also cut out sodas, sweet tea, and tomato products as these things caused severe heartburn. I kept searching and talking to people and found a company that made food enzymes. I switched to food enzymes for about a year. My hiatal hernia and heartburn went away and I started sleeping flat again. That was in 1995 and I haven't had the problem again. I've told lots of people to try the ACV or food enzymes because I now know for sure that the meds people are put on are not the solution - oh I know it fixes some for a while but then the body is unable to get the vitamins from the foods they are eating and they come back to the hospital for a CAT SCAN to see what problem they have now. Since I work in a hospital and see the day to day problems that people have due to medication or Drs. who are simply overworked and most know nothing about nutrition, I go the natural way for everything. This is a great website and at least when people are searching for a solution they will try it, but I find that people look at me like I'm crazy when I tell them a simple solution to their problem, especially if it is going to mean they can't just take a pill and the problem goes away.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jason (London, UK) on 02/17/2009
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hi there, I was suffering very badly from Acid Reflux a few months ago and had to carry rennie tablets everywhere with me when I had attacks. I looked for natural cures on the Internet and found this site. I mix the ACV with some juice and it worked great, at first.
I have started to notice that I have been getting very constipated recently, and the only change in diet is me using Apple Cider Vinegar. I must take ACV to cure my heart burns, then I will get constipation as a result of it & this will then make my acid reflux even worse. It is a vicious cycle that I don't know how to get out of.
I have two choices:
1 - Stay without acid burn pains and feel nauseas, bloated, sluggish and constipated all the time
or
2 - Stay with the acid burn pains after I eat anything and have no constipation
Any help you could provide me at all?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Roman (Phoenix, Az) on 02/06/2009
Question regarding ulcerated esophagus: I have been prescribed Protonix for an ulcerated esophagus due to severe reflux. Even though I had surgery to reduce the damage done by reflux the ulcers occurred in recent months. My question is should I subscribe to daily doses of Apple Cider Vinegar or simply remain on Protnix indefinitely? Thank you
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joe (Fredericksburg, VA) on 12/28/2008
I am going to give you my testimonial as I am experiencing it. In the time I'm waiting for this ACV remedy to kick in, I will explain to you my follies with Acid Reflux. I developed it about a year ago. This was when something in my life happened that changed my life-style completely (I won't go into detail). Anywho, I love to cook and I love to eat food (fine or fast, doesn't matter to me). About a year ago, I laid down to go to sleep after eating a certain four-patty burger from a certain Royal fast food chain. Big mistake. About three hours later, I wake up with fire in my stomach and throat, thinking I was gonna die. I didn't know what to think, so I took some antacids and stomach-coaters. It worked for the night. I didn't think much of it at the time until it happened over and over again. So, I've been with it for a year with no remedy except time. Now that I've found this ACV remedy it seems to work. And doesn't taste too bad either. Thank you all for discovering this miracle cure.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Angie (Lake Charles, La) on 03/05/2009
Yes I have the lap band for about 5 years now have lost 170 pounds have been suffering with acid flux for a year and half now. i am on nexium which helps but it's at night that's the problem all the problems you guys have stated i have. i am going to give the apple cider vinger a try and see. it's getting really bad i don't sleep at all plus it is affecting my ashtma to. i know if i go to my lab band doctor he will tell me to take out that band and that's not gonna happen sorry i know i would gain some weight back and i am not gonna let that happen. gonna give this a try and see.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Reebs26 (Waco, Tx) on 12/28/2009
Like Angie from Lake Charles, I had lap-band surgery. I my case, it was about 4 years ago and I've lost 165 pounds (from 300 to 135). Just this past month, I started having reflux very very bad at night. I've occasionally had reflux with the band, but it was always b/c it was too tight. This time, though, it's happening every night, and Tums and Maalox aren't working. I'm worried that I might have a slip or a hernia. Needless to say, I'll be trying the ACV and honey tonight! I'm also going on a liquid diet (protein shakes) for the next few days to try to deal with any inflammation I'm having from excessive PB's this week. Fingers crossed that that the ACV helps.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Roxanne (Cape Coral, FL) on 12/07/2008
I have tried the acv and did in fact get some relief. Don't be to concerned about the taste, it is such a small amount that will give you (or at least gave me) months of relief. I drink 1Tbs when needed and that's approx every 4-5 months. After the first one, you don't even think about the taste anymore (it's better cold though). In fact, my 12 year old neice suffers from reflux and I got her to drink. There is no burning, more like a cooling effect. Good luck!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jenny (Orem, UT/USA) on 11/24/2008
I also got my esophagus and stomach scoped. I have some acid reflux damage showing on my esophagus, and I don't really understand my acid reflux. I rarely have problems with it (I take antacids before bed), but every once in a while I have problems where my throat hurts, I feel sick, can't breathe, etc., and It's horrible. I take pepto and tums when I feel like that, but it takes a while to work and I feel sick for a while. I have not tried the ACV remedy yet, and I'm a little hesitant to. Does it cause any nausea? Will it burn my throat or stomach? Does anyone have any advice for my problems? I'm thankful for any advice!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Michelle (San Jose, CA, USA) on 11/12/2008
I have been suffering from an irritated scratchy throat for over three months and I was recently diagnosed with acid reflux although I never get heart burn. I have started the two TBS of apple cider vinegar 3X a day and I am wondering how long I should continue before dropping the dosage down to teaspoons?
Thank you, Michelle
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Casey (Chicora, Pennsylvania) on 10/18/2008
★★★★☆
hi this is the first time i have ever replied to a website like this. so here it goes. for the last couple of wks i have . recently i have had severe chest pain, earache, and flu like symptoms on one day. yesterday at work i was in really bad shape my chest felt like i had a 500lb person sitting on it and i am only 117lbs so that is alot. i though i was havin a heartattack. on top of that i took four asprin not all at once but during a 8 hr pd.so i woke up today and took tums. they relieved some of the pain but i didnt really have much. i figured i would look on the internet to see about acid reflux due to i remember havin it a few yrs ago but not thtat bad. i read the acv article and decided to try it. well i have had it in my system for two hrs now and it seems to have helped alot. except for the whole fact of the taste is really bad. lol. i really hope it works and stays away. but we will see. thanks for the advice though and i love this site.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bobby UHUAD (POCO, B.C, Canada) on 10/17/2008
★★★★★
Well let me say that ACV was awesome and it works!!!
I was suffering from acid reflex for years, as far as I remember - I kept on taking TUMBS to ease the pain every time I got A.F problem. I got some sleepless nights and that burning sensation - sucks!!!
Recently I was surfing the net for some organic remedy, I found this site - So I tried ACV (two teaspoonfulof ACV with water). And oh boy, it works!!!
Thank you so much for all the help and you guys made my day.
Organic is better than some chalky and dry medicine...yack!!!
Cheers to all!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Robert (Atlanta, Ga) on 01/29/2010
I have had nausea and vomitting after eating for several months.The only treatment that made a substantial difference was Apple Cider Vinegar with honey in water.
Over the months I realized I have too little stomach acid and adding the vinegar provides acid. In general, if you are short on stomach acid vinegar will work well. If it doesn't you have too much stomach acid.
Remember, the symptoms for too little and too much stomach acid are the same !!!
If you benefit from vinegar, try betain hydrochloride as an acid replacement as described by Dr.J.Wright and others.
Most of the time, when there is a shortage of stomach acid, there is also a shortage of pancreatic enzymes. This can be corrected by taking pancreatin tablets (enteric coated).
There is another benefit to take pancreatin, it is alkaline, meaning it neutralizes acid. So, you don't end up with too much acid in the body. One can test the capacity of both supplements by mixing the pulverized tablets (acid and pancreatin) in water and see what proportion results in a neutral pH (7). Used some pH paper for testing and wait until a permanent pH is reached ( up to an hour).
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by DANIEL A MANJARREZ SANTIAGO (LOS ANGELES, US) on 09/19/2008
★★★★★
I TRIED EC REMEDY OF ACV SUGESTION FOR MY ACID REFLUX. I'VE BEEN IN PPI'S SINCE 1993. I JUST READ THE INFO ON THIS SITE AND RAN TO TRADER'S JOE FOR IT. I TOOK A 16oz GLASS WITH 2 TBSPNS AT NITE. IS GONE! I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE. ALSO MY ITCHY NOSE STOPPED!! THIS WAS DUE TO ALLERGIES. I'M NOW DRINKING THE 2TBSP W/1LTR OF WATER TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS. THANK THE LORD FOR THIS SITE AND BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL THAT THOUGHT OF THIS!!
** one tiny thing: My upper right lip started tremoring as soon as I finished with the 16oz glass. By morning it looks like cold sores where coming out, but they were dead! No pain, no itching, no redness. They were gone by 8:00am. The lip still tremoring, though, any thoughts...?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 07/28/2008 490 posts
Hi Jane, sorry you're having so much trouble now. Getting bleached flour out of your foods may elininate your GERD problems, as it did for me. I also wanted to alert you that those anxiety/ panic attacks can be triggered by the monosodium glutamate &/or aspartame so rampant in our foods these days. The best way to find out is to search "excitotoxins" on line, print out that long list of names they hide MSG under and go check everything in your kitchen and see how much you can eliminate and see if they cease.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 08/18/2008 490 posts
To Laura with esophageal spasms: Hi Laura, You might start thinking magnesium deficiency in any spasm, cramping, nervous, or restless leg problems. You aren't likely to have any all effects from taking a supplement and/or utilizing the transdermal application recommended by Dr. Mark Sircus, whose article "Transdermal Magnesium" is available on line.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vanessa (Hastings, New Zealand) on 01/24/2010
Hi guys, I have just been reading some of the comments on this web site and wondered if someone can help explain a few things. I have a 11year old son who suffers from acid reflux, he refuses to take any of the medication he has been given by Doctors and often complains of a sore stomach and vomits alot. I would like to try him on the Apple Cider Vinegar and water but some of the comments talk about Mother, is this another product or a name for something, or should I just try him on the Apple Cider Vinegar and water and see what happens. Any advise would be helpful.
Regards Vanessa, NZ
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Barb (Niles, Ohio) on 01/25/2010
Vanessa, The "mother" in apple cider vinegar is the dark residue that you see in ACV that has not been filtered or processed. It is not the ordinary product that you generally see in a grocery store. I buy mine in a health food store; it is much more expensive than the other but not unreasonably so. (I pay $17 a gallon.)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Deborah (Ronan, Montana) on 07/31/2008
This is in response to Kylie from Ft.Lee, NJ...side Effects:
The throat burning is from the acid irritation in your throat..if you can stand it a bit longer (try a little less strong mix) the burning will go away..I am a singer and have been struggling with this reflux severely for 6 months..my Grandma told me about this cure..and it really works if you can stick with the taste and burning in your throat...patience!! Also, try sipping it..not drinking it...slower seems to keep the gas down. Hope it helps. Deb
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Carmen (Jacksonville, FL) on 08/25/2008
Deborah from Ronan's comments about her singer's throat caught m attention. I have had presistent sore throat for years & trying to sing in my throat really brings it to my attention. I was told last year I have acid reflux & have tried the typical RX's that didn't help & caused other problems. I'm trying the apple now, but wanted more info on the ACV use & the issues with the throat. Appreciate any help I can get...I love to sing in church but it's a real problem. Thanks!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 08/26/2008 490 posts
To Carmen from Jacksonville, Have you thought of trying Bill's inhalation method of hydrogen peroxide?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Renee (Clarkston, Michigan) on 07/09/2008
I just began the AVC remedy tonight (wed. july 9th, 2008) and immediately its started working. I took one table spoon of it straight and then another mixed with water, after realizing how intense the sensation and taste of it is. Its been little less then an hour and its seems to almost be wearing off, but its not as bad as it was earlier today. hopefully its goes away in the morning when I try it again. thanks so much to this website, i really believe i found my cure! its been over 4 years and Im only 17, i will not live with this any longer. ill let you know if it works!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Annette (Oxford, Michigan) on 07/25/2008
Renee, Our 14 year old son also experiences acid reflux. He runs cross country and suffers with acid especially when he runs. Just wondering if you have the same problems when you exercise? Hope the ACV helps. We're going to also give it a try. Hate to see young people as yourself, suffer with this. Good luck!
Anyone else experience acid reflux with long distance running?
Annette
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Deborah (Denison, Texas) on 06/30/2008
★★★★★
I have to disagree with you about ACV because it has been my lifesaver. I started taking ACV over 10 years ago because I was diagnosed with SLE & RA along with a lot of complications. One of the complications was ulcers, acid refluk and a hiatial hernia from all of the prescriptions they had me on for pain. I was having to take daily stool samples to my doctor because i was losing so much blood. I was put on prevacid 7 prilosec and neither worked. I started the ACV and my ulcers are gone and I never have acid reflux anymore.
I think a lot of people buy the cheap ACV and it does taste bad. I buy the pure unfiltered ACV with the mother from my health food store. This does not taste bad and I buy a couple of gallons at a time because I use it for so many other personal uses. I take 3 tbsp. of ACV and 1/4 tsp. of baking soda in a cup of water and drink it daily. This helps not only my acid reflux but my SLE & RA have been in remission for over 10 years and I have no joint deformity from RA. I contribute my health to ACV and I have at least 20 or more friends on it and all have came back to me with praise.
So i suggest you try a little longer even though I saw results the same day from my acid reflux and am not taking any prescriptions.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Scott (Thatcher, UT) on 06/08/2008
★★★★★
I had acid reflex really bad. My doctor put me on Prilosec. I was only suppose to take 1 every 24 hours. I was taking 2-3 a day. I was working in Alaska and someone told me to take a teaspoon of ACV in the morning and one at night. I received immediate results. I have not had acid reflex for 1-1/2 years now. I tell every one about the benefits. Drug companies only relieve symptoms and do nothing to cure disease. I also had high bad cholesterol and my Doctor wanted to put me on medication for that. I have changed my diet, began taking supplements and am currently not on medication for any past ailments. I am 55 years young and am getting younger an healthier everyday.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jules (Hampshire, England) on 06/07/2008
★★★★★
I had been having my lunch which consisted of salad plus a raw carrot. I managed to eat half of the carrot when I started to get pains in my stomach. As the day wore on it got more painful and my cheeks became flushed. I had to be sent home from work where I went to bed for 5 hours where the pain eased a little but the acid was very nasty in my throat. I then decided to surf the net and came across your site and read all the postings from people who had used ACV to get rid of acid reflux. It also said that my stomach wasnt making enough acid that is why i needed to drink the Appple cider vinegar. I immediately went to the shops and bought some. I added 2 tablespoons of ACV to 8 ozs of water and within ten minutes the pain was gone. I have heard of ACV before as I dabble in complimentary therapies but not to cure this ailment. It certainly worked for me. Thank you all for posting your findings to help others.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Elizabeth (Carrollton , VA) on 08/02/2008
★★★★★
Suzanne, Brad is absolutely correct. I, too, do not recomment increasing your dosage. These meds at normal dosage are risky enough per the recent news on liver effects and gastro cancer. Have your doctor check on the tumor issue. I'm not a doctor but as a long-term sufferer of severe GERD, I have done my research as well as the medicines. I have been on every type and brand available. In fact, I became worse after being on the medicines and briefly stopping. If you chose the meds, be sure to follow with your doctor regarding liver enzymes. Mine were elevated just above high normal for two years and my doctor suspects the PPI was to blame. Try the ACV. Be patient and it will help you, too.
