Acid Reflux
Health Benefits

Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment for Acid Reflux

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.

338 User Reviews

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1 star (18) 
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Posted by Lilli Garib (Calgary, Canada) on 05/03/2011
★★☆☆☆

Hi, I have extremely bad acid reflux. I have been taking 2 Nexium 40 mg twice a day. It is not helping me at all. I have chest pain, soar throat and burping all the time. I have this symptoms after I eat breakfast until I go to bed. Since 5 days ago because of this site I take ACV twice a day with honey and two digestive enzyme plus one Nexium in the morning after breakfast. I am skinny and I don't eat very much because of my acid reflux. My question is how long the Acv takes to heal acid reflux? How long I have to drink it before I see any sign? I am still suffering very badly.

Replied by Sarah
(Gillette, Wyoming)
05/06/2011

Lilli, Maybe you have some other digestive disorders that you are unaware of, such as food allergies, eosinophilic esophigitis, or gallbladder issues. You might consider going to see a gastroenterologist or allergist for testing.


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!

Replied by Honeybee22
(Arizona)
11/01/2016

Does anyone know how long it takes for the apple cider vinegar to work on acid reflux? I have tried it for a couple of days and it has not helped, thank you.

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
11/02/2016

Dear Honeybee,

Usually apple cider vinegar works quite quickly for acid reflux. If it is not working you may need another remedy or have something more serious going on.

Apple cider vinegar worked for reflux for me for years, but I had an underlying gall bladder issue. Eventually apple cider vinegar no longer helped. Over several months, I did four gall bladder flushes and got out the stones. No more reflux/heartburn issues.

~Mama to Many~


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dottie (Lakeville, Ma.) on 02/24/2011
★☆☆☆☆

I just started consuming raw apple cider vinegar for reflux and wondered what the difference is from using regular acv. It has been three weeks and I don't see any change. I take it 2 times a day.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gail (Las Vegas, Nv) on 02/18/2011
★★★★★

Yup, Good old AVC does it again. One large gulp right from the bottle immediately stopped the acid reflux. What a miracle drink!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Noahthree (Panama City, Fl) on 01/04/2011

Folks, I won't speak to what I do not know, but this I do know: NO real apple cider vinegar is alkaline, even if mixed with honey. Honey and water and even baking soda may well either dilute/weaken its acidity (honey and water), or even neutralize it (baking soda). However, chemically, VINEGAR IS AN ACID. That doesn't mean it's bad, nor does it mean it won't cause your body to decrease (or increase) its own acid production. But vinegar is definitely an acid.

As for me, I've had GERD since I was about 7 years old (I'm 52 now), although my diagnosis only happened about 11 years ago. I'm a singer and speaker, and seem to have some permanent vocal damage due to my GERD. I also have asthma, which again may be at least partially due to GERD. I've been taking prevacid for these 1 years, and I'm much better than I used to be. However, I'm curious as to whether I might be well served by ACV, especially after reading the posts here. I'm going to get some today and try it for myself. I'll report my results as time goes by. Acid to treat acid: it doesn't make complete sense to me, but I don't claim to know how or why many things work. I hope this does!

Replied by Mike
(Montreal, Quebec, Canada)
01/04/2011

Let me clarify the following for you: "ACID TO TREAT AN ACID CONDITION". To begin with, imagine a valve that separates your stomach acid from your esophagus. Now suppose I were to tell you that mother nature designed your body in a such a way THAT THE OPENING AND CLOSING OF THIS VALVE IS CONTROLLED BY THE PH LEVEL OF YOUR STOMACH. That is, when you are hungry and about to eat, your stomach secretes a lot of HCL acid in order to digest your food. This valve actually stays shut if the PH level of your stomach is very acidic thus preventing acid from damaging the upper portion of your body. If you do not secrete enough stomach acid (some people are born with this condition) then the acidity level in your stomach is not sufficient to keep this valve properly shut. The results is GERD.

SOLUTION: Take the stomach acid test to determine if you secrete enough HCL acid. If it is always to low then that is the cause of your GERD and you should consider taking HCL Betaine supplements. Believe me I use to have GERD although not as severe as you and when I consumed HCL betaine capsules, I immediately felt that suddenly there is no large amount of mucous being constantly secreted inside my throat. Also I notice that my tongue always stays red instead of always being coated with this white mucous stuff. That is how I know that ACID can treat an ACID condition. Hope that helps you! Mike

Replied by Trh
(Goshen, In)
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!

Replied by Erica
(Slc, Ut, Usa)
08/07/2011

Noahthree,

I am also a singer. I use my talents often, especially at school, churches and benefit concerts. I was also diagnosed with GERD. Mine was diagnosed as to from too much eating, caffeine cunsuption, etc. They also discovered that the lower esophageal sphincter to my stomach is erroded, so it won't close. That is what is causing my GERD. In the exam, the DRs giving me the exam, said that they had NEVER seen GERD react as fast as mine - the moment it hit my stomach, up went the acid. I did Prilosec, Zantac, etc. I was still having GERD while on those meds. I then did research on ACV. It's harsh but I don't have any issues with GERD when I take it. So much cheaper and it's better for you.

Also, I ruptured my vocal chords when I wasn't diagnosed with pneumonia for 12 weeks and from all the coughing caused the rupture. I thought that I would have problems with ACV and my voice but that hasn't happened. I just feel better taking ACV. This stuff is amazing. I know that this sounds ridiculous and made up but it isn't. I really hope that this helps with your questions and concerns...

Replied by Van
(Sunnyvale, Ca, Usa)
10/06/2011

I just did a test with apple cider vinegar (ACV). One tall glass with 2T of ACV. When I drank the first have my PH read 6.75. Then I down the last half and put the PH strip under my tounge where my saliva comes out so I am testing the saliva and not the liquid that remained on my tongue. The result was 7.25.

When I first was experimenting with an Alkaline diet with PH drops, I had acid reflux. My PH pointed to alkaline, but I couldn't hold my food down. I was in England at the time and I thought it was the over priced British cuisine (ie hot dog stand) turns out you guys are right, it is due to too much alkalinity not acidity.

A lot of professionals say a lot of weird things or just don't know. Sometimes I have to google the answers for my doctor so they would stop arguing with me. Proof is in the PH strip not always in our common logic.

Replied by Van
(Sunnyvale, Ca, Usa)
10/10/2011

Seems like I must have ate something bad because I can't get my saliva PH to go up. Neither apple cider vinegar (ACV) or baking soda could get it to go up.

Replied by Myrna
(Brisbane, Queensland, Australia)
01/12/2012

Mike from Montreal, Try half a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar (the one sold at health food stores) in a glass of water half hour before you eat. I read this in the book Take Control of your health and Escape the Sickness Industry by Elaine Hollingsworth, her website is www.Doctorsaredangerous.com My husband had the same problem and the first time he took it the cure was immediate.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Steener (Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, Canada) on 11/19/2010

Yes, it works!!! I discovered a "tweak" I am adding at the end of my little blurb. My reflux problem was fairly severe and had plagued me for about 15 years. The ACV keeps it in check and I consider myself lucky to have found this site. I started taking it about 6 months ago after reading the information on this site. I followed Ted's protocol of 5 days on; 2 days off. It took about 2 weeks to really make a difference and when I stopped taking it again, foolish thinking I was cured, it started gradually coming back. I took it regularly for several months and then tended to forget to take the regular dose. What I found works well for me is to simply take it when I remember to without serious regard to the protcol. Sometimes it is 3 times in a day, sometimes once or twice in a day - sometimes it is every day, other times there are a few days between my doses. I went on a 2 week road trip in this summer and was not able to take any for those 2 weeks. Apparently as long as I take it reasonably regularly, it works despite my not following the protocol religiously.

I would highly recommend starting Ted's protocol, then adjusting it to your body's needs. I suspect there will be variations in how it works for each individual according to age, gender, weight, metabolism and so on. Mixing the ACV 1 glass at a time is a bit of a pain, so I got myself a 1 litre jug and marked off the 75 ml (or 1/3 cup) then put 1 tsp ACV in a filled with 750 ml (3 cups) water. This way I don't have to mix so often. I found I prefer it slightly acidic as opposed to tasting the baking soda.

Now for my "tweak": I found if I pour the water in with the ACV, then add the baking soda last and slap a tight-fitting cap on before the baking soda starts to foam up. What happens is you have now created a carbonized beverage that almost (emphasis on almost) tastes good. Hope this helps you as much as it did me. My sincere Thanks to Ted. Steener from QB, Canada

Replied by Rob
(Valentine, Nsw/australia)
02/24/2011
★★★☆☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

I used ACV to stop symptoms but when a specialist investigated my oesophagus with a gastroscopy I was found to have a badly ulcerated oesophagus. So the ACV masked the symptoms but did not actually prevent damage to this area in my case. Just be careful.


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 Lap1026 (So. Hadley, Ma, Usa) on 10/17/2010
★★★★★

I had acid reflux for well over a year and didn't know what it was. I came across info about apple cider vinegar online and tried it. I used it for 5 days and my acid reflux was gone!!! Since then, if I feel like the acid reflux may be starting, I just drink about 4 oz of vinegar water and I'm fine. This is a miracle cure. I never would have believed it could work so well if I hadn't tried it myself.


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.

Replied by Sam
(San Jose, Ca)
09/21/2011

I have bad heartburn for past 7yrs and I just started to take Apple Cider Vinegar, you need to mix it will water, do not take it straight up. I mix mine with gatorade and taste and works good for me. Hope it works for you .

I put 2 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar for every 8oz of gatorade or 2tsp, 1 tsp raw honey , and 8oz water. Buy the organic Apple cider vinegar. Only $3.89 at Lucky's or Safeway.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Barry (Rochester, Mn Usa) on 08/19/2010
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I had acid reflux for a long time and my doctor had me on Nexium and it was doing nothing to stop the condition. It made it worse. I was also taking baking soda after every meal to kill the acid. That gave temporary relief. They wanted to operate on me. Then I saw a guy on TV who said that acid reflux is not caused but excess acid but a shortage of it. Taking an anti acid only makes it worse and persistent.

I started taking apple cider vinegar a tablespoon of it and it burned like crazy for a while as my esophagus healed. I have heard that hydrochloric acid pills work too but never tried them. Apple cider is supposed to have other curative effects so I stuck with that. The theory is that lack of acid causes a corrosive gas to burn the esophagus and damage the valve leading into the stomach. That seems to be the case but I can't prove it. Once my esophagus healed the acid reflux went away and I have not had any trouble for years, well until my doc had me take high doses of Metformin for diabetes and that caused constant indigestion.

When I quit taking it the indigestion goes away. The only other time I have trouble is if I eat a lot of meat and go to bed shortly afterward.

Replied by Idot 13
(Ireland)
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 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.

Replied by Chris
(Lakewood, Co)
05/27/2013

If you have H. Pylori, ACV will NOT kill it. It's a bacteria that over half the world's population has in their stomachs. Many people have no problem. However, if you have symptoms, it can drill ( H. Pylori is corkscrew shaped) through the thick mucus lining in the stomach and cause an ulcer. A 2 week treatment with 2 antibiotics and bismith (the ingredient in Pepto) usually eliminates the problem. You would need to balance the severity of your symptoms with the treatment for this since the antibiotics can cause problems of their own.

A simple blood test will determine if you have this bacteria in a sufficient quantity to warrant treatment. A discussion with your PCP would be in order to make the best individual decision on the proper treatment.

Hope this helps!


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!!

Replied by Kary
(Phoenix, Az)
08/16/2010

I have the same problem as you and I was wondering if you drank just the Apple Cider Vinegar alone? I want to try it but I'm on prilosec can you take them together?

Replied by Joey
(Makati , Philippines)
08/21/2010

I've had acid reflux since 2006. I've tried ACV last year it gave relief but I was losing weight so I stopped. Lately I've been on it again 2 tbs ACV and glass of water(300ml)after very meal. About 4 days ago I stumbled into your site. I'm on my 3rd day now on 2tbs of ACV and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda 2x a day on an empty stomach. Can I still take ACV after very meal or will it be too much ACV for 1 day already? Hope to get a reply. Thanks

Replied by Joey
(Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines)
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

Replied by Jimmy C.
(Lincoln Park, Michigan)
10/31/2010

You need to burp after drinking baking soda water? Simply dilute it in VERY warm water. Let the burping begin! :-)


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Erin (Glen Ellyn, Il, 60137) on 06/28/2010
★★★★★

I am 34 years old and have had acid reflux for a couple of years, and possibly longer. I ignored the symptoms until 3 months ago when I experienced throat tightening. I am a teacher, and suddenly I would get extremely congested and my vocal cords would cramp up every day after breakfast and lunch. I would try to drink glass after glass of water just to make it through the day, but at one point I wasn't able to finish reading a story to my students. At the same time, the symptoms started piling on: heartburn, coughing, sneezing, and acid in the back of my throat after eating. I would also wake up with a sore throat every morning.

Since then, I've gotten an upper endoscopy and stopped caffeine, alcohol, chewing mint gum, and limited dairy products. Also, I don't eat 2 to 3 hours before bedtime and sleep on a bed that is elevated 7 inches. Due to this, all of my symptoms stopped except for the throat tightening. At that point, I was desperate, because I didn't know how I was going to be able to teach. I tried two medications, one of which I'm on currently, but neither has helped.

So three weeks ago, at the beginning of my summer school session, I discovered this website and I started drinking ACV. What a relief! When I drink it, my throat and vocal cords immediately relax. For three weeks straight, I have sipped ACV water throughout the day and I have been able to teach and read books out loud. I mix 1 tablespoon ACV with 20 ounces of water and sip it through a straw so as not to have it touch my teeth. I drink this three times a day after every meal. Every day I try to make it without drinking the ACV to see if the medication is going to kick in, but my vocal cord cramping becomes so extreme that I quickly start drinking the ACV just to be able to talk to my students. I'm thinking of going off the medicine since I only needed it for this one symptom and it's not even helping.

Thanks to this website, my tears of frustration have stopped. I will keep drinking ACV for as long as I need to because it works! It saved my summer session and probably my next year of teaching as well!

Replied by Philippa
(Manila, Philippines)
08/21/2010

Hello to Eryn of IL (6/28/2010). After scrolling through the posts, stumbling upon yours gave me a ray of hope and a lead. Also make my living with my voice (broadcasting). About nine months ago began experiencing hoarseness and the symptoms you described. As I have bad asthma, I at first thought this was related to it. Did go to see a laryngologist who said it might be acid reflux but didn't do much explaining and sent me on my way with an Rx for two weeks of antacids. Didn't help. My pulmonologist dismissed the hoarseness and the reflux diagnosis and said it was post nasal drip doing that to me. This bit of advice derailed me and kept me suffering for another five months. Eventually found a great allergologist who was interested in what I had to say about the hoarseness. Said it wasn't asthma doing that anymore. Suggested reflux and requested that I get a barium swallow. He also said the reflux is most likely aggravating the asthma. I got online to do some extra research and found your post. Plan to see another laryngologist to evaluate damage to larynx but will also try the ACV to see how it will help me begin speaking properly again. I don't expect the results to be immediate as I don't yet know the extent of the damage to my larynx, if any, but hope to get better. Will also lay off the coffee and spicy foods first (sob! ). I hope this post will help others out there with my symptoms who are unsure what to make of them. Look up laryngopharyngeal reflux and asthma.

Replied by Adefemi
(London)
05/17/2022

Try blackstrap molasses organic for your throat. Put it in the fridge and lick a full tsp when your throat feels locked. Worked for me.


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.

Replied by Francisca
(Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France)
06/23/2010

Maybe this helps you..... doing some research on health books on Amazon I came across two books on acid reflux.... maybe worth reading.... I haven't read them so I have no idea of what they suggest!



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