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 Peggy (Salt Lake, Utah) on 12/02/2007
★★★★★
I tried one of the acv remedies posted for acid reflux, and it did work almost right away. I am still hurting as the pain and rolling in my stomach and chest was horrible and constant for days. I even lost weight because I was afraid of food since' everything hurt me. What I wonder though, does the acv cure the reflux or just treat the painfull symptoms? If it only treats the symptoms then I would be reluctant to go off the omeprazole as it reduces acid therefore it reduces risk of backing up and causing damage to the esophagus. If anyone has asked their doctor this question and knows the answer I would love to know. Please post my question. I can't thank your site and it's readers enough for the valuable information I recieved.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joe (Beaumont, California) on 08/10/2007
★★★★★
Wow! I do not believe it! Had a double by-pass in 2004 and have been on blood pressure medication and medication for acid reflux for years. After I had some side effects from both medications decided to try ACV and garlic pills. Although my blood pressure without medication was only 135/85 my doctor wanted it lower than that because of health history.There was no doubt in my mind that ACV and garlic would not work! Well, dummy me! It worked and worked big time! I have waited 2 months to post my story because I wanted to be sure. Had appts with two of my doctors yesterday and my blood pressure wast 110/72 and later that day 106/70. The big bonus for me was my acid reflux disappeared. I take 2 tablespoons of ACV in a glass of water and a 6,000mg pill of garlic every morning.
Try it! You have nothing to lose. It worked for me and hopefully it will work for you.I also should add that I monitored my blood pressure several times daily to make sure it was working. Good luck
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vina (Calgary, Canada) on 02/27/2007
★★★★★
I've used Apple Cider Vinegar for several years now whenever I get an acid reflux attack. It immediately takes the pain away and I feel 100%. Years ago I used the ACV with baking soda for heartburn and it worked as well. After reading some of the comments on this site. I will try using the ACV on regular basis for my blood pressure. This week I will start visiting the Fire Department on a regular basis to be checked for my blood pressure. I'll keep a record of the numbers and get back to you at a later date. I'm glad I woke this morning at 4:10 am and started looking for natural cures. I don't believe in chemicals at all and try my best to stay away from medication if at all possible. I know my Doctor is planning on starting me on high blood pressure pills. I'll be back in a couple of weeks. Vina
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by David (Tampa, FL) on 11/01/2006
★★★★★
1 part Apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water at least three times per day especially after meals has lessened acid reflux symptoms by 90% after three weeks steady treatment. I had been taking Nexium for approximately 5 years by doctor's prescription. When I went for a refill and found that I couldn't without going back to the doctor again, I decided to check out your website for help. After 5 years of Nexium and/or Zantac, if I missed taking it even one day, then my reflux came back as strong as the days before treatment. I never went back to the doctor for another prescription. The apple cider vinegar mixture treatment really works for me and is better than the last 5 years with few symptoms. I have also removed coffee and wine completely from my diet. Also, I try not to eat anything within 2-3 hours before bed. That's hard since I am a "grazer" and eat at odd times.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tammy (Carrollton, TX) on 06/11/2006
★★★★★
I just put this to the test, I did 2 TBSP ACV in a cup of water, and my acid reflux went away immediately. I usually get acid every day, so I will test this again as soon as the next time comes around. My stepdad swears by' ACV. I see a lot of cures listed here that I need. I am hoping if I drink this mix 1 to 2 times a day I will see these benefits too!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 09/25/2017
Dear Adam,
Apple cider vinegar worked very well for me for a long time for acid reflux. Eventually it stopped working all together.
It turned out that my gall bladder problems were the cause of reflux for me. Several gall bladder flushes have completely eliminated my reflux (and my gallstones.)
You might read the gallbladder pages here at EC and see if anything there resonates with your situation.
~Mama to Many~
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Andrea (Scio, Or) on 03/17/2018
You said you get asthma symptoms from GERD! I have breathing issues supposedly to GERD also, seems like a strange symptom and it concerns me it is something else, breathing issues common from GERD?? And I just started the vinegar, hoping it works!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Missfancypants (Western Australia) on 04/26/2016
Ive also had my GB removed, you might want to look into taking ox bile with fatty foods, I found bentonite clay help enormously with the issue with the surgery so you might want to look into that. Hopefully it will settle down once your body adapts
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 05/08/2016
Amanda, as with most things, start low and slow and notice your reactions.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kari (Iowa) on 04/27/2016
Give yourself a dedicated full 2 months taking apple cider vinegar 2 tbls in 6-8oz water, 3 times a day (before each meal). After the 2nd week, go down to twice a day. After the 4th week, you may be able to go down to once a day. No doctor here, but I followed this plan and my daily acid reflux struggle decreased to only once or twice a month (after eating a trigger food)! If that's not worth a try than I don't know what is!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Pat (Chicago) on 06/05/2016
How do you know it was the ACV that gave you the yeast infection? A lot of women actually use ACV as a treatment for yeast infections.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kay (Jax, Fla, Usa) on 12/08/2013
★★★★★
I have been reading this website for a couple of years now and I read about all the great things ACV does. Well, I tried this and it does work. I was diagnosed with Acid Reflux after an endostomy. I was put on Omoprofhil(not sure of spelling). After taking the medicines for about 4 months, I decided to try the ACV. I put a 1/2 teaspoon in a 1/2 glass of water and drink it in the morning and before bed. I have been doing this now for two months and no longer to I have to sleep on elevated pillows, I have not heartburn or belching. Its been fantastic! Just wanted everyone to know, it does work.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Teena (Melbourne, Australia) on 04/22/2018 233 posts
Anna, improving digestion is key to acid reflux, which is from low stomach acid and food not getting digested. Consider adding probiotics and probiotic rich food, variety is good, kefir, miso, kombucha, unpasteurised sauerkraut and other fermented foods. You could aid digestion with digestive enzyme tablets, and fresh pineapple and pawpaw/papaya. Iodine, required for many functions, including the forming of stomach acid. Try kelp tablets, or I take lugols iodine myself. Research and start slow. Marshmallow is a mucilage plant, buy capsules or use it to make tea. Aloe vera juice from the health food store. Snack on apples, apples have quieted acid reflux attack and gall bladder attack. Keep the acv, it contains many benefits, but add the baking soda and water, twice a day per Ted's protocol. Don't eat for one hour afterwards. The baking soda adds to your bicarbonate stores required for second stage digestion. Keep a food diary to monitor meals and food medicines, and their effects and benefits. See what helps and what hinders, probably unsoaked grains (bread, wheat products) proper sourdough should be ok, dairy may also be an issue, because of the lactose. Cultured dairy, like kefir, would be ok. If you do the fermented food route, start only small amount at first, there will likely be detox effects as the good bacteria kill off the bad bacteria they release toxins as they die. This is shown to you as intestinal discomfort and initial loose stools. This will settle down though, and will be much minimised with this suggestion. Coconut oil can be introduced with the same start low and slow method. Can start one teaspoon/day. May also look at herbs and supplements to strengthen the valves in the gi tract. Best to you on your good health journey.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dad (New York ) on 10/04/2011
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Ted,
I had severe acid reflux and the ACV made a HUGE DIFFERENCE. Now I am 95% to 99% better with very little reflux and I have only been using for three days. But I am having now symptoms of UC -- ulcerative colitis -- spasms, some pain, etc. Is this due to not using baking soda with the ACV or should I add Humic Acid to my diet as a supplement?
Thanks to EVERYONE who has posted to this site because it has saved my life!!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tasha (East Coast, Usa) on 09/23/2010
★★★★★
My fiance has bad acid reflux. He would literally keep me up all night with hacking deep coughs, "Hua! ""Hua! ""Hua! " til I was ready to hurt him! Ok you get the point. He refused to eat in the evenings, and even though thats probably a good idea, it was limiting. I mixed 1 tbs organic ACV in blueberry/pomegranate juice just to see if it made him feel as good as it does I. I never thought it would help with any ailment specifically and certainly not right away. He had NO reflux from the very first use. Now even when he eats, he has no more acid reflux. I do indeed love this stuff. It works. And I highly recommend the cocktail above(through a straw of course) as it complimets the ACV very well. Like a juice with a zing.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lakanush (North Brunswick, Nj, Usa) on 09/15/2010
I am new to this forum. I have acid reflux on and off and went two times for endoscopy and they could not find any evidence of damage to the oesophagus but mild inflammation in the stomach in 2008. They are dismissing it as IBS.
2 weeks back it started with severe bloating, gas and heartburn. It made me feel something stuck in my throat and could not breath properly and it feels like gas bubble stuck in somewhere and burps with food. I am trying with diet and decided to try this Apple Cider Vinegar for the past two days. Actually it is fine after taking for 1 1/2 hr and then burning in the stomach comes and also gets bloated with ACV and also sore throat in the morning. Could someone tell me whether it will create side effects like this or it is not suiting me or will not work for stomach burning and gastritis. It would be very helpful.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Carolina (New York City, New York, Usa) on 07/18/2010
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
ACV for acid reflux
Hello earthclinic! I have been under intensive ACV treatment for the past 20 days and I can happily say I am almost entirely cured. It all happened slowly: my first week was indeed a living hell, I was bloated and oscillated between constipation and diahrrea, I had abdominal pain and cramps but noticeable less nausea. The second week was a lot better, I had less and less nausea so I was able to sleep 7 hours without feeling I was about to die in the middle of the night. Now, I feel so much better! I still experience slight discomfort and abdominal pain, but not at all as much as before. My problem is that I do get sick after having the vinegar for about 10 minutes. I experience a really strong abdominal cramp. I am taking 3 TBS, 3 times a day in 8oz of water. I just want to know when will it be safe enough to start taking just 2 TSP in 16oz of water without reverting to the awful pain of the past.
The awesome things I have noticed with ACV are: healthier skin, better sleep quality, less hunger. The bad things: I developed a fungal infection which is totally weird to me since I thought the ACV will strenghten my immune system. I do not feel the energy boost either and feel quite lethargic. Thanks in advance for any feedback :)
I read someone saying that her husband has the pilori bacteria and was wondering if ACV will kill it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lynda (San Diego, Ca) on 06/22/2010
★★★★☆
I have had acid reflux for over four years. My valve isn't working properly. The doctor recommended the purple pill and a bland diet. I tried the pill but it is almost as bad as the reflux, so I stopped. For the last four years I have chewed gum and if necessary used an over the counter liquid. It has worked okay until I ate too much one night and burnt my esophagus. Bad move. The doctor placed me on another type of pill. I took it for 14 days (he recommended twice the dose for thirty days, I only took one for 14) not feeling a lot better. I saw your site and decided, the day I finished my first suggested doses of medicine, to start ACV. I used one tablespoon in 16ozs of drinking water, morning and evening. Immediately helped. I eat an apple before my lunch, and a lot more water than normal. I have been doing much better, especially for sleeping at night. I am going to try the bicarbonate soda too to see if it works better. I'm still waiting to see a specialist just to ask some questions and get his opinion. I have totally changed my diet but it needs some tweeking. When I'm stressed I have a little more of a problem. The apples help that. I have noticed more benifits to this situation. My sinisus have cleared up, my teeth are whiter and I have lost five pounds. I wish I had known this a lot sooner. Not perfect but I am grateful for the help. Thank you, Lynda
P.S. I'll let you know how the addition of the bicarbonate soda works.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mimi (San Jose, Ca, Usa) on 09/21/2010
Hi - I tried using the low-acid coffee and it seems to work. Maybe it will work for you too. I'm a coffeeholic so I'm pleased to be able to continue to enjoy.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Echo (Chicago, Il, Usa) on 03/04/2010
★★★★★
I'm not usually someone that writes my experiences on websites however, this is an exception. My Dr. diagnosed me with Acid Reflux back in Jun/09 and hence gave me a prescription which I was told to take for 2 weeks. I literally felt worse. I was then given a different prescription and had absolutely no positive results. By chance I came upon this website and my world has changed. I started drinking 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar with 8 ozs of water after every meal and a glass before bedtime and within the very 1st day I felt some relief. I continued for 3 weeks and I now feel "human" again. If I eat something like pizza I still may make a glass to drink. For the most part my symptoms are so manageable and I feel the best since I was diagonosed.. I just want to say thanks to the people that created this website. I also want to say shame on the Doctors for not letting acid reflux sufferers in on such a huge secret.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Fajar (Beppu, Oita, Japan) on 11/01/2009
apple cider vinegar for acid reflux side effect
I've drank ACV with the mother 1tblspoon in 8oz of water 3x a day for 3 days. My urine is turning very clear, not the usual yellowish. anybody experience that? is that normal?
thank you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dan (Holland, MI/USA) on 02/02/2009
★★★★★
It is the day after the Super Bowl, and after consuming several beers, a few mixed drinks, buffalo wings and nachos, I slept all night with no heartburn. About a week and a half ago I found this site and decided to try the ACV cure. I had been living with heartburn and acid reflux for years and taking ranitidine for it. But it became less and less effective. I tried Prilosec OTC and it helped for the two weeks that I took the pills but once I stopped, the heartburn returned. So much for lasting 4 months! Then I was back to ranitidine. Now, I'm not sure I can attribute it all to the ACV. I have also been exercising regularly; watching what and when I eat (except for yesterday); lost some weight; as well as eating apple slices, honey, and the yogurt with the probiotics. My approach is this: get my digestive system working normally and deal with any heartburn if and when it does flare up. The ACV, honey, and yogurt are for fixing my digestive system, the apple slices are for any flare ups. The only caveat I have is that the Prilosec is still in my system and will be for about another month. I am very pleased with the results so far.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Judy (Pardes Hanna, Israel) on 09/21/2008
★★★★★
I started using stronger and stronger medicines for acid reflux and wanted to try something else. Looking in your site, I got some apple cider vinegar. I take less than a teaspoonful in a large glass of water, twice a day, and have stopped using any medicine. Thank you so much.
