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 Rob (Sacramento, CA) on 05/21/2006
★★★★★
ACV really does work. I am a very skeptical person. I have lived on over the counter drugs for heart burn going on 16 years, and guess what, I'm only 32 years old. I started out with max strength Mylanta then on to zantac. I started waking up in the middle of night with acid in my throat not being able to breath and coughing so hard to get that stuff out of my throat I would throw up. I could not sleep on my stomach at all. My symptoms was getting really bad I was scared for my life. So I went to the ER they told me to keep taking zantac. Finally I was told about ACV at work this is where skepticism came in I looked and looked and researched this cure. I was really looking for a big sign saying I was a big jack ass but I went ahead and bought a gallon of ACV I finished it off took approximately 1 to 2 shots three times a day in a big 16 oz glass of water. Heart Burn is GONE GONE GONE thanks to ACV and your SITE. Thanks so much, Rob P.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mark (Fairbanks, Alaska) on 03/26/2006
★★★★★
I took Tums for years, then aciphex for 6 years now. Aciphex worked for 5 of the 6 years. Now the reflux is back. Just started the ACV a few days ago. Seems to help some. I think I need to get with it with my diet. The coffee is a bad habit and I know it is a big part of the problem. So is alcohol..in any form. Interesting.. had to fast for a day for a EGD, and had no reflux problem while fasting.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bonita (Los Angeles, CA) on 02/06/2006
★★★★★
I had a cold/bronchitis for a few weeks, and then developed a severe case of acid reflux on top of that. I had a violent, persistent and productive cough, lost my voice, and was exhausted because I couldn't sleep because of the coughing. I started taking Prilosec OTC but it didn't help. Out of desperation, I tried taking some Apple Cider Vinegar after finding this site. I had immediate improvement the night I took it and was finally able to get some rest. I continued taking it once in morning and once at night, and now I'm not coughing at all and the reflux is gone. I'll be honest, it didn't feel very pleasant going down, but a few minutes after I took the first dose, I noticed improvement. Thanks to everyone who said it worked and mentioned how much and how often they took it.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kwana (Memphis) on 02/02/2006
★★★★★
HI,three months ago I found out I have acid reflux. They prescribed me nexium, I couldn't afford it so a coworker advise me to use applecider vinegar for my reflux. Now I have problems when I get stress but otherwise it helps me. Thank god for applecider vinegar and for this web site. P.S. now I use both items.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gary (Melboune, Australia) on 01/25/2006
★★★★★
I have suffered from reflux for years and heard about apple cider vinegar so thought I'd give it a try. My wife bought some home and I was actually suffering severe pain from reflux when she arrived. 2 teaspoons later and I am sitting here completely cured. Thankyou sooooo much!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Loo (Singapore) on 01/13/2006
★★★★★
hi everybody, apple cider really solve my acid stomach acid problem immedately. Million tks, earth clinic.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Teresa (Spartanburg, SC) on 01/12/2006
★★★★★
over a year ago i was diagnosed with severe larynx acid reflux.it was causing sores on my vocal box,chronic coughing, post nasal drip,& etc. i was prescribed prilosec, it helped some but then it stopped working. then i was prescribed nexium which also helped some for awhile then stopped. so then i was prescribed nexium in the morning and zantac150 at night but of course this also stopped working i started taking organic apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons at night and i am completely off of all the prescriptions i was put on. and it works better than any of the other ever did.plus my sinuses have cleared up,no more coughing,no voice loss, and as an extra plus no more hot flashes at night.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Denise (Colorado) on 03/17/2017
Cwk, ACV nor Betaine HCI never worked for me. I had to buy OTC products for relief and it was horrible heartburn! For another reason, I had allergy testing done for metals as I had a titanium implant that was hurting and drs could see no reason for it to hurt. Also had other metals in my mouth as well. Found out I was extremely allergic to nickel, cobalt, vanadium and chromium. I had the implant replaced with ceramic last week in Dallas and that evening I was dreading eating my soup for dinner. Because I knew I would have to chew an antacid and that would be difficult after surgery. But I ate the soup and nothing! No heartburn since, and other weird symptoms are gone too. So, if you have had any medical or dental implants, that could be a possibility? Silver fillings? It's not a fun, nor cheap things to undertake, but getting rid of all that metal and now detoxing has made a big difference. I also had 8 root canals, 2 of which was infected, but could not be seen by an xray. Only upon extraction was it found. Thermogram also confirmed an infection with drainage into my lymph nodes showing a hot spot. Hope this helps you, I know your pain. Good luck!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Penny (California) on 07/23/2017
I just had a Nissan Fundoplication surgery recently. But I still have GERD. I had to get off the Prilosec so started taking apple cider vinegar. It is working well. However my understanding is that after 3-9 months on ACV the GERD should be cured. Providing you routinely avoid foods that trigger GERD. I think you are having a rebound effect from continuing to take the ACV.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jenny (Uk) on 07/23/2017
hi, can I ask how long it took to help with the heartburn & reflux please been a few days & still not feeling great. Should I give it more time???
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Eve Z. (Sydney, Australia) on 04/12/2021 18 posts
Hi John,
How much ACV do you have and in how much water?
Thanks!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nora (Ma - Massachusetts) on 03/27/2016
★★★★★
Just got over a stomach virus and had terrible heartburn in throat for few days tried antacids, etc still had it. Was told to take apple cider vinegar straight, one tablespoon then drink water. Cured within minutes, on day two and still no heartburn. So don't dilute vinegar, take straight. Have to assume I was low on acid due to vomiting from virus, assuming that you need more acid not less. Not sure how it worked but it did so far for me. Hope it helps. Take organic..
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sanjay Gukpta (Canada) on 10/17/2015
I had acid reflux for years. Now I hardly get it. so I know how uncomfortable it is for you.
I did this:
1. NO oily food eg Samosa, Poori, Pakora etc. and ABSOLUTELY NO meals when you stuff yourself fully. Eat light, quickly digestible stuff. No maida.
2. Take very limited quantity of above it you cannot resist--that too only once a week.
3. keep your weight under control. NO belly. Get ample of Exercise or physical activity.
4. It may take 1-2 weeks to see improvement.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Shawna (Michigan) on 07/21/2017
Perhaps look into gall bladder flushes. Reflux can be a symptom of gallstones.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Raphael (Boston) on 02/04/2016
You are taking the foods that should be avoided; ie a lot of coffee and eat late at night. Should stop these two ASAP.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Julie (Hudson, Wi) on 02/12/2015
I just started this today, because my Omeprazole is no longer working for me. Too soon to know if it's helping. I have one question. Should I stop taking the Omeprazole if I continue, or use both.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bill (San Fernando) on 02/12/2015
Hi Julie...ACV is good for many things and it will certainly help with reflux symptoms. Your problems are probably caused by
low stomach acidity -- not too much acidity.
But ACV is not the cure for reflux. I define a cure as when you take a substance or nutrient for a while and your symptoms go away. And then, when you stop taking that nutrient, the problem does not come back. If you take ACV then you are just treating the symptoms by just increasing stomach acidity -- but you are not treating the core reason for your reflux problem, which is lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. So that's why when you stop taking the ACV the reflux usually comes back because you still have the low stomach acid problem.
When you supplement ACV or even ordinary vinegar you are simply adding or increasing the acidity of the gastric acid. This certainly helps to increase the acidity of the stomach but doesn't actually heal your problem -- which is due to lack of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
So do you want to heal your problem completely or do you prefer to take ACV for the rest of your life to accommodate your symptoms ?
If you have low stomach acid then taking Omeprozole -- a gastric acid inhibitor -- will lower your stomach acid levels even more. This is probably the worst thing you could take if you already have low stomach acid problems.
If you want to actually confirm whether you have low stomach acid(causing the reflux problem) then you should ask your doctor for the Heidelberg Test. This test measures the actual strength of your stomach acid.
To cure your stomach acid problem you should follow the protocol shown here on EC.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gina (Montana, Usa) on 12/14/2013
Hi Vanessa, I have been using both warm and room temperature water with the apple cider vinegar. Now that it's winter, I am craving hot water with ACV! Good luck to you. I truly hope it works for your acid reflux.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Zark (Emerald City, The Land Of Oz) on 11/07/2013
★★★★★
ACV works! I started taking ACV for my prostate problems (worked for that too) and then noticed the reflux had gone away too! Wow how cool is that, what an amazing little home remedy this is. I'm using about 1 and a half tablespoons in juice once or twice a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Christine (Plymouth, Conn) on 03/25/2013
I too thought that ACV seemed an unlikely solution to reflux. I have been on all the meds and they actually seemed to make it worse or I had side effects. So I started to do my own research.
My chiropracter explained that the ACV actually can balance the acid in our stomachs. At this point I am ready to try anything.. Like to warm up the vinegar, honey and water like a tea. Am also trying aloe.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sherrod (Chicago, Illinois ) on 06/24/2012
Simple answer. Granny smith green apple. Only that kind will work. If u don't eat apples, 1st time will feel like you're gonna hurl. U won't. Eat what u want, late as u want. Also, chck food labels for high fructose corn syrup, or sometimes called "corn syrup". In everything from bread to "natural" tea. Its fake sugar made cheap and benefits corporate america. So big name folk all have it. Bbq sauces, katsup, even salad dressing. Since 80s with "new coke". "Old coke" returned but with fake sugar. Causes belly fat, acid reflux, etc. Once u could eat what u can't now all the sudden since about 90s? Thats when kid obesity shot up. it also doesn't fill u up, so u eat more. Mcdonalds leads the way. Increased lines from its addictive nature. Hfcs is the new cigarette.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Reginald (Rowlett, Tx) on 05/17/2012
★★★★★
I really had very bad gerd and having problems swallowing thick food I heard about Apple Cider Vinegar and the first time I took it it burned in my stomach. I seen a change in my acid reflux the very next day and it didnt burn anymore. I noticed a big increase in my energy level lol and I mean I have lots of energy now. I dont feel the burning in my stomach and have stopped taking proliscec. I take ACV in the morning and night before bed. 2tbs in 1cup of water and it smells and taste bad but the results for me are worth it. I'll be taking this stuff for the rest of my life. O yea it has really helped with my constipation also.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 01/27/2012 2042 posts
Becky, the ACV speeds metabolism and releases built-up toxins, and as the O. P. Sequesters toxins, it also allows some to enter bloodstream. Begin 1 grm Vit-C 3 daily and 1 hot bath w/ 1/4 cup Epsom Salt 1/4 cup Baking Soda 3 per week.
Marshmallow and Slippery Elm would help the kidneys. Add more purified water during this episode.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joanie (Basking Ridge, Nj, Usa) on 12/31/2011
Hi, I am so happy to have found this site. I'd like to ask Ted a question. I have been diagnosed with LPR. Almost 3 months of ppi's and no improvement. I have changed my diet completely and am doing everything right. I am reading a lot about apple cider vinegar and have just begun to try it. I am also in menopause now as a 47 yo woman. I'm wondering if hormones could be playing with my LES. Thank you for any advice. I cannot stand living with this lump in my throat anymore. My gi is now saying that maybe it is just anxiety. I don't think that is it but I suppose it could be. I also have post nasal drip and when I go to bed at night, I can feel the reflux coming up into my throat. I have had 2 doses of ACV already and I see my throat feels better already.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Flyman32 (Walla Walla, Wa, Usa) on 10/28/2011
★★★★★
I'm 60 years old and have had severe acid reflux for years resulting in a condition called Barrett's Esophagus. I was taking a prescription drug and it was literally killing me. Couldn't work, could barely function. Not only that but it wasn't stopping the acid reflux any more. I got off that stuff and I started with ACV 2 months ago. I wanted to write here because it's working wonderfully for me. But.. I had to play around a little. I tried with just water, tasted bad and although I have NEVER had acid reflux again since I started, I got some pretty bad heartburn.
As far as the taste was concerned I read someone's post about putting it in V8 juice and I have been doing that for a while. It tastes like a bloody mary and is pretty good. But it still gave me heartburn. Finally I switched to Ted's remedy and now what I do is drink it with the V8 in morning and with baking soda at night, right before bed. I'm acid reflux AND about 98% heartburn free. Still gotta watch out for some things that make it reoccur. Also, I increased the dose to 4-5 teaspoons ACV. I mix 4oz of V8 with 4oz of water in the morning and at night I add 1 tablespoon baking soda. I will visiting my doctor so he can stick a tube down my throat if he wants I guess. Barrett's is a pre-cancerous condition and not to be allowed to progress. THANK YOU to EVERYONE who has posted here. The info here has changed my life.
Ole T,
Walla Walla, Wa
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Rg (Singapore) on 09/25/2011
Hi, Past 6 years I am going through the hurdle of Gastrics & Bloating stomach and subsequently passing the gas with strong odor. I was diagonosed by Gastric Ulcer and undergone the surgery. However my bloating and gastric issues not fixed.
I came across the Apple cider vinegar and Mastic Gum. Can anyone advise me whether I can try this? Just want to make sure not makes the situation worst.
RG
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Melissa (Florence, Arizona) on 08/17/2011
★★★★★
I am 40 years old and have had acid reflux so bad that it got into my lungs and I was misdiagnosed with COPD! I was taking 2-4 prilosec per day and still having problems. Then I saw that medicines like prilosec can cause low iron, calcium and b12 which I have had problems with for years. I wanted to find a better way.
The first day I tried the Apple Cider Vinegar for acid reflux I put about a teaspoon in 8 oz of water and drank it with dinner, which my husband accidentally made spicy! It was burning with every bite and then it stopped and I never got heartburn! Amazing love it!!
I am on day four and still no heartburn. Fantastic! I hope it continues!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 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.
