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 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 Mama To Many (Tn) on 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~
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mary (Raleigh, NC) on 09/23/2008
★★★★★
I have been suffering with acid reflux for about a year and a half but didn't want to take the PPIs. I have taken Nexium, Aciphex, Prilosec, etc. but nothing worked for me. In fact, some of the meds made my symptoms worse. I started seeing a naturopathic Dr. and it helped to some extent, but didn't alleviate the symptoms entirely. I would wake up several times during the night and finally had to elevate our bed about 8 inches, which my husband had to get used to. This helped too, but still was waking up with symptoms. Yesterday i was searching the internet and found this site and i saw the ACV comments and decided to try it. So i mixed a tablespoon of organic ACV with a cup of water and added some maple syrup for sweetening and drank 1 dose at about 6:00 pm and another before bedtime. Last night was the first night in MONTHS that i have slept thru the night and felt rested. It was awesome! That pain behind my sternum has disappeared and i don't feel that "hairball" in my throat anymore. I took another dose this morning and feel almost "normal" again. I can't believe what a difference this is making for me! I am so thankful that i tried this. I was almost at the end of my rope with these symptoms and just could not take the meds anymore. I've actually heard from some naturopathic folks that acid reflux is actually a LACK of stomach acid. Don't know if that's true, but it makes sense if the ACV is making the symptoms disappear. I plan to continue with this therapy and hope that it will continue to work.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Leena (Montrose, CO) on 09/25/2008
★★★★★
Dan, when I first tried the ACV I had the same reaction. Do try it again it works!!!! I have had acid reflux for about 3 years - ACV does work..hopefully you will try it again...good luck cause it is painful..now I'm cured.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kylie (Ft.lee, NJ) on 07/13/2008
Hi! I was reading about the ACV remedy for reflux and I have tried it now for 4 days. The ACV burns my throat terribly, BUT the 1st 2 nights... I did not have reflux. However the other times I have used it my stomach instantly became bloated and I got really bad pain in my stomach. I really am looking for a natural cure...so any tips or advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dorothy (Oroville, CA) on 07/19/2006
★★★★★
I went to your web site to find a way to cure my acid reflux, I had been taking Prevacid for a long time, just wasn't doing anything for me in the last 6 months, so I tried the apple cider vinegar tablets, it's been two weeks and I feel so much better, can't say it's cured yet. What excites me is my out of control appetite is now in control, and right from day one, unbelievable! the weight is comming off so easily. thank you so much.
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 Gina (Montana, Usa) on 12/11/2013
★★★★★
Just wanted to confirm that apple cider vinegar for acid reflux is amazing! I read about it on Earth Clinic a few weeks ago and have been taking just 1 teaspoon on water before my dinner meal. I have no more acid reflux problems!
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!!!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Karla (Miami, Usa ) on 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 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.
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bryan (Texas, US) on 12/27/2014
★★★★★
hahaha! Thats awesome, no worrys I tried the same thing. The minute it hit my tongue I spit and was having difficulty breathing. Try mixing it with water.. but I just found it funny cause I made the same mistake lol
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Becky (Berryville, Ar/ Usa) on 01/26/2012
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been taking ACV 1 shot twice a day with a tsp of natural honey, for 1 wk. The overall results have been amazing. I had been taking zantac 150 mg 1-2 times a day for yrs and have totally been cured of my acid reflux. My concern is the past 3 days I have been having intense pain in my back, the kidney area. It feels like spasms. I was wondering if anyone else had experienced anything like this. I also started OP with sunflower oil the same day I started ACV.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Susan (Ontario, Canada) on 07/02/2010
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar cured my acid reflux. I had suffered from severe acid reflux for many years, and stumbled on your site while trying to find an alternative to ranitidine and PPSIs. My acid reflux was so severe that the pain was similar to having a heart attack, and I could not sleep unless I was sitting up. I started using apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp in one glass of water) 20 minutes before my evening meal,and within two weeks, had no more symptoms. I have now been taking ACV for about a year, and have had NO recurrences of acid reflux whatsoever, and no side effects - unless you count a 10 lb weight loss as a side affect! Thank you to Earth Clinic for offering an alternative to pharmaceuticals! And BTW,the ACV has also cured my toenail fungus. This stuff is absolutely amazing!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joey (Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines) on 08/21/2010
Hi Ted It's me again. I'm on my 4th day of ACV and BS. Last nite I began to experience heartburn chest pains and throat irritation that I had difficulty to eat and couldn't burp. Before that I drank a glass of berry and apple juice. An hour later heartburn began. Not sure if the juice was the cause. After a little dinner at 7pm I drank 2 tbs of ACV to gain relief at 11pm I had difficulty sleeping as I couldn't burp like something is stuck in my throat I can taste the acid in my mouth. Anyway after just 4 hrs of sleep today 4th day I drank 2tbs of ACV and 1/4 teaspoon of BS. It gave relief but still couldn't burp. 1 hr later I ate a light breakfast of chicken rice soup then drank 2tbs of ACV. I'm little bit ok though tired probably for lack of sleep. Please tell me if I'm doing something wrong. I'm really tired. Hope to hear from you. Thanks
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Liz (Atlanta, Ga) on 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?
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 Randy (Starkville, Ms) on 08/20/2009
I am considering trying Apple Cider Vinegar to treat my ongoing battle with Acid Reflux. The lump in my throat, and the burning in my chest at night is only getting worse, even after my Doctor perscribed Prilosec to treat it. Like so many others, I don't want to take the meds any longer than absolutely necessary. I'm so hopeful, the ACV treatment will work for me. Which ACV product is the correct choice to use, (the distilled ACV, or undistilled)? Also, is it appropriate to start off with a small dosage and then increase to a more moderate dose if necessary?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Angie (South Pasadena, CA) on 03/10/2009
Dear ACV - Reflux fans:I would really appreciate some feedback!! I've had terrible LPR for two years. I got to the point where I had to take four prilosecs a day while abstaining from all acidic foods, caffeine, and fat. Still I had a terrible time swallowing and felt like I had a lump in my throat. The worst part was the constant need to swallow. It was embarrassing, people would ask me why I kept swallowing every two seconds.
After reading so many testimonials on this website I was ready to give it a try. All I had in the house was Trader Joes Organic ACV. I took 1 1/2 tsp in about 6 oz of water and it cleared up the lump in my throat and let me sleep that night without taking my usual two prilosecs. And I slept comfortably. The next morning I took 2 tsp. Interestingly, I tested my urine with PH strips before and after both times and both times, remarkably showed that I was off the charts alkaline compared to acidic before taking ACV. Anyway, that day my lump in throat was good but I had the worst case of hypersalivation I ever had. Was it because I was nervous about the ACV? Was I not drinking enough ACV or does the ACV only become alkaline in your bowels but acidic in your esophagus? If anyone can answer this I would love to hear. Also, I just bought _____s this morning so if I tried it again I would use that instead.
Recently I started taking 60 mg of time released Prevacid, called, " Kapidex". It has been a week and it keeps the acid from backing up into my throat when I lie down but doesn't do anything for the lump in my throat and I'm starting to hypersalivate again though not as badly as when I was taking ACV. I'm going to get scoped in about a month and not sure if I should stay with Kapidex for a little while just to heal my esophagus or if I should return to ACV. And if so, at what dose.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read my entry. Sincerely, Angie
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gr82cu (Reno, Nv) on 05/20/2010
★★★★★
I have been suffering from acid reflux for years, especially after my doctor advised me to kill my thyroid (I had Graves disease and surgery didn't ensure they'd get all of it.) with radiation treatment (I took a pill and that was that). Afterward, my acid reflux got worse. I've done Prisolec which worked pretty good, but after awhile, got to be more than I could afford (I'm unemployed), so I began using an over-the-counter acid reducer. The other night, I could not sleep. I finally got up around 5am and took a sleep inducer, and woke up 3 hours later with bile in my throat. Ugh & Yuck. I'd read somewhere that Apple Cider Vinegar was good for acid reflux, but didn't know how to administer it. When I was finished in the bathroom, I went into the kitchen & retrieved my apple cider vinegar, which I'm sure has been filtered. I took 1 tbsp. of it straight from the bottle. It went down a bit raspy (You have to remember that I just burned my esphogous [sp?] from the bile), but today I am feeling much better. I slept all through the night last night without any problems. I will try it again this evening before bed...And now I read that I should be putting it in water. I think I'll just "drink it down" in a teaspoon!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jacky (Greenwood, SC) on 08/03/2008
I was diagnosed with throat muscle spasms (aka Spasmodic Dysphonia). After 12 years of suffering with it, I realize I've had severe acid reflux. It has also caused me panic/anxiety episodes especially when I've had bad nights of acid reflux. Not only is my voice bad but it also affects my mood and immune system. So I am now going to try the ACV and honey remedy. I am also going to be taking enzyme pills for help with GERD. I am so fed up with the main stream doctors who only want to prescribe the purple pill. If anyone has had similar experiences, please share.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Suzanne (Phoenix, AZ) on 04/03/2008
★★★★☆
I am just going try the ACV I have been on priolosec, prevacid, aciphex, protonix, etc. Its really does not work very good. So here it goes for me I will let you know the results...My first swig of it burned but it onlyu lasted a half hour and my throat started feeling better...
