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 Sheila (Bay Shore, NY) on 09/06/2008
In July, 2007, I had pleurisy; that's when I discovered that my body rejects antibiotics [belching, nausea, couldn't sleep, eat, think]. After 3 different antibiotics, I cut out every med, slept for 16 hrs, 12 hrs the next 2 days, and began to eat light, organic broth to complete healing -- almost. Since then, I've suffered from what finally has been diagnosed as Acid Reflux. It was the 3d doctor, my dentist, who "got my attention" about this diagnosis, when he told me that the acid had stripped my front teeth of all their enamel!!! "Handle the Acid Reflux before you come back to take care of your teeth, or you will be spending your money for nothing".
Has anyone else with AR experienced this? I am THRILLED to have found this website, began eating apple slices and using the ACV this morning, along with Calc Phos, Nat Phos and Stomach Calm per my nutritionist. When I told her about the 3 recent medical diagnoses [after I had tested "negative" for AR this past summer with her], I asked, "How do I deal with this conflicting evidence?" TRUST YOUR BODY, she said. What an AHA moment that was! Thanks, Sheila
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Willie (Los Angeles, CA) on 10/10/2008
Dean, When you say you got scoped and your "throat looked bad" what do you mean. I am a singer, missing some of my normal range and resiliancy, so I got scoped. I was told I had Acid Reflux and it's irritating my larynx. It would be helpful to know more about what you feel in your throat. I suffer hoarseness, gravely sounds, and a mild feeling of a sore throat always. Thanks!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jeff (Los Angeles, CA) on 08/21/2008
Kristi from Peoria AZ 8-20-08: Can you please tell me the name of the Apple Cider Vinegar supplements and what store you purchased them from? I am looking for the same thing. Thank you. Jeff
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Yasin Halai (Arusha, Tanzania) on 07/06/2008
★★★★★
I Guess i'm one of the first one, all the way from Tanzania (East Africa) who has appreciated earthclinic's efforts.
ACV - worked wonders for me an effective relief in no time. i still hope it to be a permanent relief from the annoying pain of Acid reflux. I shall continue for a week or two.
Another temporary but effective relief from acid reflux is half a glass of cold milk mixed with another half of cold water, drink it fast for immediate relief.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jack (Mosier, Oregon) on 05/21/2008
★★★★★
I have been using ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) for acid reflux for over 2 years. I started having reflux after I had a sore foot and was prescribed 600 mg of Ibuprofin 3 x daily. prior to that time I could eat anything. After a couple of weeks of the large dose of Ibuprofin I could not eat anything without severe Reflux. After using antacids for a long time I tried 2 TBS. per 8oz ACV to Water 1/2 hour prior to eating. It worked better than all of the antacids to releive the symptoms and the reflux slowly went away.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Painfree (Salem, Oregon) on 04/20/2008
★★★★★
I can still remember that evening when I was in so much pain. I could not lie down at all. On several occasions I have had to brace myself up against the wall to keep straight so I could handle the excruciating pain from my naval up underneath my chin. I would try not to swallow because when I did the pain was hard to bear. Yes, I had been examined and I was told I had a condition called acid reflux. One night when I was in pain I felt a hard knot right between my breast-bone, it scared me, I thought it was a tumor. That enlargement is what took me to the doctor that next morning. At first the pills prescribed to me had worked, not completely, but enough so that I could function in my day to day living. But soon my lower esophageal sphincter, that muscular door that usually closes was not keeping shut and the things I ate and drank moved backward into my esophagus from my stomach. A condition called a Hiatal hernia had allowed food and drink acids to back up into my esophagus and gave me extreme heartburn and chest pain. I am writing again to say that it was on that one blessed night of 11/9/2006 that Earth Clinic had saved me from surgical repair. Thank you again and again. ACV really works for me. I have not had pain for one year, six months and eleven days (18 months, 11 days.) Today's date is April 20, 2008. I have never had to undergo surgery. My hair is full and shining, my skin is moist, my health is great and I am still sleeping the full night long. Yes, it is a YEA, and as I had said in the year of 2006 I must say it again: "God bless this site and its creator (s), amen, and amen.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sherri (Los Angeles, CA) on 04/02/2008
★★★★★
I just found your site 4 days ago. I have been suffering from acid reflux for more years than I can remember. I tried all of the over-the-counter medications and a couple of prescriptions (Prevacid and Zantac 300). The Prevacid actually did help me a fair amount, but when my health insurance stopped, I could no longer afford it and the acid reflux worsened. I was surprised at first to see Apple Cider Vinegar as a cure for acid reflux. I thought vinegar was acidic and that would seem not to be a good idea for someone with reflux to ingest. But I was desperate and when I noticed the huge number of people whom it worked for, I decided I had to at least try it. I had nothing to lose. It cost almost nothing ($2.00 compared to the $165.00/month for the Prevacid).
Within about 5 minutes of taking it (2 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar with 8 oz of water and 1 TBSP of honey for taste), I felt shockingly better! And I slept great that night and still felt like a new person in the morning. I don't profess to understand exactly how it works, BUT IT DOES! :-) I have done it twice a day since Saturday and can't believe how amazing I feel! It's like I have a new stomach! And now for the real shocker, apparently there is a form of asthma (the adult-onset kind) which supposedly is related to acid reflux. Again, I don't understand how or why that is. What I do understand is after trying the ACV the first night, my breathing was drastically better! I do not wheeze any more! Not at all! I actually was diagnosed by a doctor with mild asthma in 2000. I can't wait to go back for the breathing tests for my doctor to see that it is gone! This is a benefit which was so unexpected! I have felt great every minute of every day since starting the ACV. And as if these benefits were not enough, I think the drastic breathing improvement has greatly helped my sleep apnea! I don't even need my CPAP machine any more!
I don't imagine that ACV works for everyone, especially not for the ailments that it cured for me. But this information is VITAL! And our medical doctors will NOT give it to us! I'm not sure why. They're not tried in alternative medicine, I suppose. And they're probably having their pockets lined by the drug companies, too. I am going to tell all of my doctors what happened and how much ACV has helped me, and I am going to beg every one of them to let their reflux patients know about ACV. Do I think they'll actually tell their other patients? No. That's why the existence of this website is so essential and life-saving! It was so debilitating for me trying to live with everything I was suffering with. Functioning day-to-day was so difficult. I always felt so tired (like I didn't sleep at all) and short of breath. It was so difficult to try to work full-time. I am so hopeful now that I will be able to live a completely normal life.
Thank you so much to all of you who have posted! It was because of your postings and that I saw myself in them that I decided to go ahead and try ACV. I had no idea a natural remedy could be SO effective for anything, least of all something like acid reflux! I was crying for joy while telling my story to my friends and family. I feel like a person again. For any medical problem I have now or in the future, the first place I will come to is this website! Thank you, Ted! You are doing such a service to mankind! You are an angel! There aren't words for me to fully express my gratitude.
If you have acid reflux and you're reading this, RUN to the store and pick up some Apple Cider Vinegar. There is no need to suffer any longer!
P.S. My throat had been getting slightly irritated by the acid but not enough to stop taking it. So today I used a tiny bit of baking soda (1/4 tsp) to neutralize the acid a bit. So far so good with that! Everyone just needs to try different recipes and see what works best for them. For me, the honey is a must! I don't know if I could get the ACV down without a TBSP of honey! :-) Best wished for good health to everyone!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mary (Marlborough, MA) on 02/26/2008
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar helped my chronic acid reflux and heartburn. I've been suffering from stomach pain and acid reflux for over 4 years, no doubt because of all the asprin and ibuprofen I've taken over the years for headaches, and later, arthritis. I used to have a cast-iron stomach - not anymore! I started taking antacids every night, which helped a lot. But I couldn't go a single night without them. I didn't like the idea of any daily medication, even over-the-counter, but I couldn't get any sleep without it.
About a year ago, I caught a TV show on Natural Cures - on which it was said that a teaspoon of vinegar will cure heartburn. I tried a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar right out of the spoon - it was like someone lit a match and threw it in my stomach. So much for that bright idea. Onward with the antacids.
Over time the stomach pain and reflux got worse, and nothing was working anymore. But I still couldn't get thru a night without the antacids or it got even worse. I was about to go to the doctor and ask for Protonix at my husband's suggestion - they're working for him. But I don't want to be tied to a daily prescription with all its side effects, so I did a search for natural remedies just to see if something healthier could work. I found this site, and learned that what works is apple cider vinegar in water - that makes more sense than balsamic vinegar straight. I picked up some organic ACV and tried 1 teaspoon in half a glass of water. I felt better within minutes. A night or 2 later I had stomach pain, and was about to run for the antacids, but I tried the vinegar first. In minutes I felt much better - I forgot to take the antacids. I've been taking between 1 and 2 teaspoons of ACV in water 2 or 3 times a day for the past 2 weeks, and haven't taken any antacids since. It's the first time in years I've been able to go even one night without then and not get woken up in under an hour by stomach-burn or reflux.
Needless to say I'm not about to ask for Protonix. My stomach's not perfect yet, but it's a lot better. By the way, my arthritis hasn't flared up since I started ACV. It's too soon to tell, but it could be helping that too! So relieved and so grateful.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by James (Houston, TX) on 01/18/2008
★☆☆☆☆
Hi I have occasional acid refulx and my wife has it severe at times. DO NOT TAKE ACV for Acid Reflux! It just doesn't make any sense. Acid Reflux is an Acid - you neutralize Acids with Bases (Alkaline).
pH less than 7 = Acidic, pH > 7 = Basic (Alkaline). Vinegar pH = 3ish
An antacid is any substance, generally a base, which counteracts stomach acidity. In other words, antacids are stomach acid neutralizers. I truly believe that adding an ACID to your stomach to reduce Stomach Acid is the wrong approach. You should add a BASE like baking soda. Rolaids & Tums are both Calcium Carbonate. Alka-Seltzer is Soduim BiCarbonate. Baking Soda = Sodium BiCarbonate. In the duodenum, gastric acid is neutralized by sodium bicarbonate. So Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) is used internally by the body to naturally regulate stomach Acid. The equation is HCl NaHCO3 → NaCl H2CO3. HCL = HydroChloric (Stomach) acid
NaHC03 = Baking Soda.
Just add a little bit of baking soda to some water, swirl it around, and drink it. Within a few minutes you will belch. The belch is the gas released when the baking soda neutralizes your stomach acid (or if its crept into your throat it will neutralize it there). You will feel much better immediately. Baking Soda is completely safe.
Why would you ever want to add an acid (vinegar) to another acid (HCL) with the hopes of reducing acid? That doesn't make any sense.
Vinegar is acetic acid (CH3COOH). Some of these recipies recommend you add Baking Soda to ACV. When vinegar is added to sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), it produces a volatile mixture of carbonic acid rapidly decomposing into water and carbon dioxide bubbles, making the reaction "fizz". It is exemplified as the typical acid-base reaction in school science experiments. The salt that is formed is sodium acetate. Basically, this little experiment proves that its better to just take baking soda. The Vinegar is the acid and the Baking Soda is the base. The Baking Soda neutralizes the acid. Its the same way in your stomach, just add the Baking Soda and it will neutralize the acid. All you need is about a teaspoon of baking soda in an ounce or two of water. Problem solved immediately.
Good luck and I hope this helps.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by John (Duluth, Minnesota) on 03/01/2008
I read a message from James from Houston who took issue with using acid (apple cider vinegar) to fight stomach acid (HCl). It should be noted that vinegar is classified as a "weak" acid whereas HCl is a strong acid. In spite of the fact that both are acids, a weak acid will still react with a strong acid and diminish the acidity. The final result may not rise above the pH of the weak acid, but it is a significant improvement over the pH of the strong acid.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Harvinder (Tokyo, Japan) on 03/02/2008
This is regarding mesages from John from Duluth, Minnesota and James from Houston. I, too, was very confused about using vinegar, an obvious acid, to alkalize the body or neutralize acid reflux.
It is what happens to the vinegar once it goes into the body that needs to be understood (as pointed out by Ted earlier). There, in a healthy body, it combines with minerals to produce an alkaline compound. When I test my urine with a pH strip after taking AVC it shows alkaline (around 7.2 or more). So, though I consumed an acid, my body converted it to a base. The same happens after eating citrus fruit. You expect your body to become more acidic but it acutally becomes more alkaline! However, things like coffee will remain acidic in the body: I see my urine pH plunge to below 5.0 after consuming coffee.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Paula (Tuscaloosa, AL ) on 02/14/2009
Wendy, you have it. You are right on target. Also, there are some studies that suggest, unlike John's description, that acid reflux could possibly be too little acid and the body is trying desperately to break down the food and it can't. That could be one reason acid helps. There could possibly be two different causes- maybe some people have too much and some too little. I think my grandson has too little acid. He is 12 and has suffered his ENTIRE life. Pickle juice, vinegar, and Aloe helps him--- peppermint, ginger, and enzymes also. When he was about three, he actually threw up an entire meal that he had eaten about 8 hours earlier with NO breakdown of the food. Thanks for this site-I have copied parts of it for so many folks that have no internet to try to help them with their problem. I have never had an issue with any of this, but wish I could trade with my grandson. This problem seems to be almost trying to ruin his little life and it is hard to chase a 12 yr. old around to ball practice, school, movies, etc. with a glass of Aloe!! (LOL)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cindy (Midwest, IL) on 02/16/2009
★★★★★
The person who said do not take ACV-it doesn't make sense, may have a highschool education about acids and bases, but he does not understand medical things very well. What is Prevacid? It helps to slow down or stop the pumps. It's the same concept as, putting oil on your skin. If you continually put oil on your skin, your oil glands will slow down or quit producing the natural oils. If you ingest Vinegar, your body will tell the stomach to produce less acid. IT WORKS! I used to have Acid Reflux so bad, I took 1 or 2 30 mg pills of Prevacid every day. But, it's chemical and not natural. A friend in Europe told me to take the ACV. I did 1 tablespoon of ACV with 1 Tablespoon of water 2-3 times a day. After some time, I only needed it 2 times a day, then once a day. Then I went a LONG time not needing it again. So that meant NO pills for my body to filter through and my body actually stabilized on it's own from something natural. Now, I only need it if I am an idiot and eat a lot of deep fried foods and such. So yes, it's great! I agree you must be careful about your teeth as the acid can eat the enamel; it does have a high acid pH. But the thing of it is, you do not have to do it ALL the time, only until you get the acid under control. Now I only need to take ACV once every 6-8 weeks-less or more, depending on my diet and stress. But there have been times I can go months witout touching the stuff. And you get some Vitamin C and antioxidants. And just think, it saved the soldiers from scurvy and mouth bacteria and lots of ailments in George Washington's day! There IS something to old remedies, as long as they are not just silliness. When it's telling you to do weird things, you know it's bologna. But simple things, are very accurate and cheaper and healthier! It's a win-win-win situation.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mouser1 (Nashville, Tn, Usa) on 09/16/2009
to the person that said putting oil on your skin will cause your oil glands to stop producing oil????? Huh? Really? Your oil glands have a brain? They "know" when you need oil and when you don't. What real evidence do you have to support this?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by T (Maryland, Usa) on 09/17/2009
Your pancreas doesn't have a brain either, but it 'knows' when to release digestive enzymes. Your gallbladder too does not have a brain, but it 'knows' when to release bile. All of the body is greatly alive and in touch with the rest via biochemical signaling, nerve impulses - and the brain that serves the brainless bits just fine. As for the skin and all that comprises it, it's in constant reaction to our environment. Whether it's the temperature outside or a substance applied to it, it does react in assorted ways, seen and unseen, and it needs no brain of its own to do this.
Now I honestly do not know if topical application of oils would eventually stop a gland from producing its own; I can't say that is something I have ever looked into. But I wouldn't dismiss the possibility out of hand just because a sebaceous gland doesn't have a brain. Without definitive knowledge to go by, I'd need a better reason than that to simply "X" it out of the realm of possibility.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Rozita (Mitchellville, Maryland) on 12/29/2007
★★★★★
I was diagnosed with Acid Reflux August 2006. I was subscribed Nexium, which I used for over a year until one month ago. I found your website through an employee. I can't believe it but ACV healed my reflux and gas problems. I take 1 to 1-1/2 tablespoons of ACV with water every morning before I do or eat anything. I don't have any problems anymore. I can sleep laying flat now. It is wonderful. I will use this for the rest of my life.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tim (Toronto, Canada) on 12/20/2007
★★★★★
I have had acid reflux that just seemed to get worse every year! I was always going to the doctor to get my Nexium prescription renewed..I am lucky I have government insurance and thru my employer because 100$ a month for these pills is ridiculous! I decided I needed to look at a new solution as I was concerned that these drugs over long periods of time would eventually cause other problems...I found your site and I went out and bought a bottle of ACV with the mother and that very fist day I took it I didnt need to pop a purple pill before I went to bed..today is only the second day so I am hoping that this relief is not short lived!! if this stays the way it is working now I am so thankful I was able to find this miracle! I feel better after only 1 day and I actually had red wine last night and still had no heartburn!! this is no joke ACV is amazing and anyone sick of your doctor pushing another prescription for the pharmaceurtical cartels should take this and drop them like a bad habit!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Judi (Salem, OH) on 09/01/2007
★★★★★
I've been suffering terribly from acid reflux. Nothing I tried helped at all. I was getting terrible panic attacks along with it because it feels like I'm going to have a heart attack. I found this website and tried I TB of ACV in a small glass of ice water and had almost instant relief. It has now been almost a full day later and the reflux has yet to come back. It is truly amazing. This will now be a part of my daily regime.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Camille (Salem, Oregon) on 08/23/2007
★★★★★
I have taken myself off of prilosec otc. I have just started drinking apple cider vinegar. Also tasking a gel tab from the health food store. It is citrus peel. I have no problem drinking acv in just warm water. Warm drinks seem to open up my esophagus more.I cannot drink caffiene anylonger. I would like to use this site more
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by James (Show Low, AZ) on 01/26/2007
★★★★★
I have found ACV to be quite helpful on relieving indigestion and reflux type pain and pressure. But everyone doesn't have the same problem, which is why PPI's work for some and do nothing for others. Many people have early stomach dumping on top of reflux type symptoms. A side note on PPI's. They do not allow undigested food to go into your intestines. Your stomach, if working properly, outside of the reflux issue is setup to empty when Hydrochloric levels reach a certain point. Until then, the food remains in the stomach, grinding away. The exception to that is the early or mid dumping problem, where the stomach is acting more or just spastic and not relating to feedback on Hydrochloric levels. The best thing you can do from I have found so far on early dumping is to not combine to many levels of digestive variance and eat smaller amounts. Sugars digest almost immediately. More complex Carbs take about 30 minutes to clear the stomach. Proteins can take 2 to 4 hours and grease can take 5 to 6 hours. If your stomach is already having a problem releasing or holding food to long, the more of these you combine at one time, the bigger problem you will have. ACV seems to help alot of people on dumping problems because it seems to reset the Stomachs start point for the digestion process. With a chronically messed up stomach, usually from overstress, the brain and stomach are bouncing all day, everyday, for probably quite some time. The connection between brain, nervous system and stomach status are messed up. ACV maybe helping this situation like hitting a reset button before you eat. There isn't much need to worry about the acidity level of ACV either. A coke is far more acidic.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Robert/35/male (San Diego, CA) on 01/25/2007
★★★★★
Right on new years eve i was stricken down with some sort of sickness where it was a combination of a terrible sore throat and throwing up!!! To top it off i have suffered from acid reflux for quite some time. In the past i would juice some cabbage to take away the pain when it became unbearable. This time i was so weak i could not make it to the store to buy any!!! so i took some thera flu and wouldn't you know it things went from bad to worse. the acid reflux was the worst i have ever experienced in my life. I really don't know how i made it here to earthclinic.com.... but it was then that mine eyes have seen the glory or shall i say the hell of otc medications. i have since thrown all of them away. I read some feedback about acv and somehow got the strength to go to the store and get some "mothers" acv and some cayenne pepper powder as i read that it would cure a sore throat. My throat was really raw from retching and the reflux so i was a mess. needless to say these 2 work better then any other otc medication ever made...i have told as many people possible about the cures and this website!! now i can simply laugh when i see the advertisements for otc meds on tv and such.That was last week, now i seem to have a awful running nose. let me just say i have made severe adjustments to my diet. no more red meats and my one weakness CHEESE i am trying to eliminate. I just read tonight on the vapor/steaming powers of acv with water and tried it. Really quite strong, even more so then drinking it i thought. when i drink it i would have it with some organic apple juice so the taste was quite pleasant. The steaming effect seemed to open up my sinuses quickly and i will continue until all symptoms are gone!! WOW!!!like so many others i am so thankful for this website!!! please keep up the good work and let me say the feedback from others is a true testament to the effectiveness of the remedies offered here. p.s. I'm almost out of acv!!! its a great energy drink i've found... and i will continue to drink it as long as i live
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Reece (Brisbane, Australia) on 01/17/2007
★★★★★
I had Reflux for at least 5 years. in about 2001 I had an endoscopy that verified that I indeed was afflicted. I immediately went on reflux tablets at the Doctor's suggestion. I wish I never had! The pills made my reflux WORSE! Before that, it was manageable, but once i was on the pills, i couldn't go off them without horrific pain! Then I discovered this website. I went off the pills and tried the apple cider vinegar, the Dill pickles and the Jonagold apples. The one that worked was the vinegar. I started with putting 2 teaspoons of honey in a mug, a bit of boiling water to melt it, then topped up with chilled water, then put in 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar, and did this 3 times a day to start with, and reduced it as i started feeling better. Now, three months later, all i take is ONE glass every 2-3 DAYS! The taste becomes easier to bear too, as i now have 2 teaspoons in half a glass of water, no honey!!! Last week, i had another endoscopy, and what do you know??? THE ENDOSCOPY REPORT SHOWS THAT MY REFLUX IS NON-EXISTENT!!!!!! Thank you for this website, and I hope others will be inspired to go off the pills. :) Reece
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Robert (NC) on 05/04/2006
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar worked for me! About 2 years ago I had reflux for about 6 months waking in the middle of the night with acid in my throat near vomiting, I'm sure you know the drill ! Tried ACV, now I use it in all my salad dressings. I Buy store brand dressing, any variety you like, and SUPER [double the bottle oz] it up with Cayenne Pepper, ACV, and whatever other herbs & spices strike my fancy as I'm doing it. Makes twice as much dressing so it's cheaper [cheap Bob]. I have a salad with this supered up dressing most nights before supper. No more problems to date.
