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 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 Jim (Chilliwack, B.C. Canada) on 10/23/2009
★★★★★
ACV and Honey- Vs Acid Reflux
Apple Cider Vinegar, mixed with an equal amount of Honey - 1 tsp.of each in a glass of warm water is considered an Alkalizing drink - good for the stomach, and excellent when fasting.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Carolyn (Hobbsn, Nm Usa) on 10/14/2009
Response to Galina from Chicago. Galina I had your same problem and I can tell you that I really believe ACV and Honey has saved my life. I drink 2 t. Apple Cider Vinegar (with the MOther in it) and 1 t. honey 30 minutes before each meal. That's 3 times each day. It will put your body in a more alkaline state and you won't produce as much acid. I could hardly eat anything before I started this. Now I am eating all kinds of things except really spicy foods or fried foods. For me this has been a miracle. You will see a little improvement right away but after 3 months you will see a huge difference. I take only Zantac now, the small dosage ones, and I was on Nexium, Prevacid, etc. Like you I was afraid to drink vinegar but believe it or not it is alkaline, not acidic once it gets in your stomach. Try it, what have you got to loose. Good luck, Carolyn
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Galina (Chicago, Il) on 10/14/2009
hi there, i have ben struggling with moderate gastritis and esophgitis for years, using prevacid and nexium does not work, i read about one spoon apple cide vinegar 20 min before meals but i am scared to further damage the lining...can you provide any feedback how has it worked for you? thanks galina
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Calsunshine (La Mesa, California) on 10/09/2009
★★★★☆
Well, its been four weeks I've been taking the ACV and honey. My cough is better! not gone, but better! This may be the answer.;-)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gloria (Houston, Tx) on 10/07/2009
John from Jackson FL. is right. Don't drink the ACV with cranberry joice. That is one of the beverages you should avoid on the Acid Reflux diet. Drink it with honey. I usually have it like a hot tea. Mix 1tsp of ACV and 1tsp of raw honey and enjoy every morning and evening. Then through out the day I add a tsp of ACV to my bottle water and just sip a small amount.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Calsunshine (La Mesa, Ca) on 09/23/2009
I have just discovered this website and the postings about apple cider vinegar and honey helping with acid reflux. I have had a little "tickle" cough for several years. It has become worse in the last couple. Two doctors have told me it is due to acid reflux which I had a HARD time believing since I rarely feel it and I rarely have heart burn. So I have been taking Nexium either in the a.m. on an empty stomach or at bedtime on an empty stomach. I'm still coughing. On the advice of another doctor I have now been taking it both morning and night for about a month and a helf. I am still coughing.
Today I picked up a bottle of organic unfiltered acv and had my first dose: 2 tsp. acv with 1 tsp honey and 8 oz water. We'll see what happens. Is it best to take it before dinner or at bedtime?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Carolyn (Hobbs, Nm Usa) on 09/20/2009
This message is for Carrie from Pleasanton. The ACV and honey should be just fine for your gastritis. I had acid reflux and gastritis and inflammation in my stomach and digestive system. I burned all the time. I was at my wits end and with much prayer I found this site. I started the ACV (2 t. spoons) and honey(1 t. spoon) mixed together with lots of water and I drink that 3 times a day. I'm not cured yet but I am so much better that I just cant believe it. I've been on it for 2 months and I'm hoping and believing that in time it will cure me. Praise God for this wonderful web site. I just know it has helped millions of people and I really believe it has saved my live.
God Bless,
Carolyn
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Carrie (Pleasanton, California) on 09/19/2009
★★★★★
I have acid reflux and gastritis (mild to moderate). I am having pain in my tummy area and am not sure what it's from. I've been using the ACV for about 4 days now and all my acid reflux is gone but I'm worried as to how the vinegar is effecting my gastritis. Is there anyone with information for me on 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 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 James Kilrain (Mchenry, Illinois) on 08/25/2009
★★★★★
____ organic apple cider vinegar seemed to help my acid reflux a great deal.
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 Marie (Kingsland, Ga) on 08/18/2009
★★★★★
I am a lap-band patient for 3 yrs. The last year has been a nightmare with the acid reflux waking me in the middle of the night and feeling like I was choking to death. Sleeping on 5-6 pillows didn't help, nor did the many over the counter and prescription medicines. One night about 6 weeks ago, I googled "acid reflux" and read about the many believers in ACV. I take 1-2 TBS of organic AVC with about 1/2-3/4 cup organic apple juice every evening 30 minutes before bedtime. It works for me and I'm finally not afraid of going to sleep on 1 pillow.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Aware3 (Navarre, Fl.) on 08/11/2009
It must be unadultrated, unfiltered apple cider vinegar found at health food stores, the kind in stores do not have all the enzymes still in it, and other co-factors, also cut out sugar, coffee, strong teas, alcholic beverages, and get a book on balancing your alkalinity in your blood, and simply by adding a good green food, and there are many, which will help balance that. Blessings !
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anon (Dallas, Tx) on 08/11/2009
I use Cran-Apple with my 2 teaspoons of ACV once a day and have had no problems at all with being acidic!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Guillermo (Guatemala) on 08/06/2009
★★★★★
I came across your web page a couple of weeks ago. I have been on acid reflux medication for 10+ years (nexium, omeprazol, etc.). I decided to give ACV a try - I bought organic with "mother". At first I used 2 teaspoons of ACV in a glass of water (I was surpriesd the taste is OK) twice a day but I still had heart burn during the day. I increased to 2 TABLEspoons of ACV in a glass of water twice a day and it seem to be the right amount. I still experienced some minor heartburn in the late afternoon but I treated this eating an apple. Since I intruduced the apple for minor heartburn I have been free of acid reflux symptoms. From my experience, the amount and frequency of ACV needed is determined by trial and error. I feel very confident on the effectivness of ACV and I am gladd to be of the acid suppression medications.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dick (Warwick, RI, USA) on 07/11/2009
Hi, I have had acid reflux for many years, I just started to get breakthru HB, my omeprazole stopped working and the Dr. tried a few other meds, that started to give me diarrhea. I discovered this site about 4 days ago, I stopped the meds and am trying to do the ACV w/the mother. I am on my 4th day and the acid is still not gone. I started with 1 tbs, in a small amount of water 3x a day, for the first 3 days, then discover that I was suppose to be mixing it with a 8 oz glass of water. I started that and still have the HB. How long should it take to start working. I realize that bad acid reflux, for 7 or so years might take some time to clear up, but most people seemed to have much quicker results then I have had. Any help would be much appreciated.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nick (New York City, NY) on 07/10/2009
★★★★★
I am a 29 year old healthy adult who has been suffering from acid reflux for as long as I can remember. I have a healthy and active lifestyle and my diet is realtively good (no read meat and only moderate chicken). I have been taking Aciphex for about a year now and have been symptom free. However, I am fully aware of the negative side effects PPIs have on the body and was direly searching for an alternative, preferably a natural one. The other day I came across this website and decided to give apple cider vinegar a try. I didn't have too much hope as I have tried many natural home remedies in the past...all without much success. I started with 2 teaspoons of ACV in 8 oz of water with a spoonful of organic honey twice a day (once in the morning on an empty stomach, and once before bed). I was surprised at how potable the mixture was. I began the ACV and stopped taking the Aciphex on Monday morning. I am overjoyed that it is now Friday and I have zero symptoms of the reflux. Prior to this, if I ran out of my medicine, I would be in excrutiating pain within 48 hours. I wouldn't call myself sured yet (I am still nervous it is going to come back), but I am amazed and excited about the results thus far. Thank you everyone for the excellent (and hopefully life changing) recommendation!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Steve (Memphis, TN) on 07/09/2009
★★★★★
I'm not big on natural cures, but my acid reflux was so painful for about 3 years I was willing to try anything. I was in the habit of taking Pepsid Complete every night before bed and the drug worked fine. I had no problems if I took the pill. But I decided to see if there was another alternative ... so I decided two weeks ago to give ACV a shot.
This was a difficult step for me, because I have never gone to bed without the pepsid complete for the past 3 years. To my amazement the ACV works wonders. I have only had a couple of minor issues with acid reflux this past two weeks, and amazingly I have not had in trouble at night going to bed when the reflux would really attack. I take two teaspoons per 8 ounces of water 3 times a day ... and the acid reflux is getting even better. I haven't had any issues the past two days.
Thanks to all for the suggestions ... I can tell you it worked for me. I will now browse through this site and see what else I have been missing out on.
Steve
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by William (Seattle, WA) on 07/03/2009
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar works for me. For a year I had been going to a doctor for my stomach problems, first acid reflux, and later, stomach pain, bloating, throwing up, not sleeping, and finally constipation. As some of you might guess, it was the PPI (little purple pill) that the doctor was prescribing. (to bad you were not my doctor!) We did all kinds of tests to try to figure out what was wrong with me but I was always told to keep taking my little purple friend. And true, I did not have acid reflux anymore, I was just miserable. My last exam, a lower GI let the doctor give me the good news, "I don't have cancer." He sent me home with saying, "We still don't know what the problem is." After another few weeks of throwing up my dinner and having trouble sleeping I started search the internet for others with similar problems. (I'm a little slow) Yes, it was the purple pill and those wonderful side effects the doctor doesn't mention. So I went off the pill and tried the apple cider vinegar. IT WORKS, YES IT DOES, IT WORKS. I take a teaspoon with 8 ounces of water and a little honey, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. I have been taking it for two weeks and found it works great. I am amazed. I never take these kind of home remedies or organic solutions, but, it works and that's all I care. What have I learned? My doctor sells expensive tests and doesn't listen and I need to take control of my health care. Bill
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Coral (Indianapolis, IN) on 07/01/2009
Just found out I have acid reflux causing my throat feel like there is something stuck in it all the time.I will be sure to try the acv tonight and tomorrow as soon as I get home from work to see if it helps. I am ready to try anything before I break down and go to the doctor. I am glad to see another Coral recommends this!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Coral (Shoalhaven, Australia) on 06/18/2009
★★★★★
thank you for this wonderful site i have been diognosed today with cronic reflux its been burning my throat which is red raw i have been taking pariet tablets for ages its getting worse so i have tried the acv after dinner it seems to have had instant results my throat has stopped burning i also ate an apple i will take more tomorrow
has anyone also suffered with cronic ulcers due to reflux?
thank you i will keep you posted
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Angie (South Pasadena, California) on 06/05/2009
Dear Tallie: I'm sorry the teaspoon didn't work for you. A teaspoon didn't work for me either though. I needed a teaspoon and a half. I would urge you to try without honey though. The honey might be contributing to the feeling of fullness. Also, in case you are bloated you could use just five ounces of water to one and a half teaspoons acv, that is what I did and it tasted fine. Very cleansing taste actually. BTW: It would be good if you tried watching your sodium intake for a day or so to see if you are feeling full with food or just bloated. Also, for constipation magnesium works really well for me. It's good to take it with calcium for your bones. I also take B-6 for bloating along with limiting my sodium and exercising. You could also check out the bloating and constipation sections of the earth clinic website if these remedies don't help. I should say that if you have a hiatial hernia your acid reflux might be harder to treat than others but I think I might have read people on this board with hiatial hernias say that the acv helped even them. Best of luck, Angie
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tallie (Toronto, Ontario Canada) on 06/05/2009
Thanks for the feedback Angie. I've tried with and without baking soda. I still don't really feel all that better. I feel a fullness in my stomach most of the time. Maybe it's just that I haven't found the right combination. How long does this take to work? Today I used just 1 tsp vinegar in 8 oz water, with half a tsp honey to make it palatable. I know I need to lose more weight but it's not going to happen overnight. Am I being too impatient?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Angie (South Pasadena, California) on 06/04/2009
Thanks for your insight Jim. That was interesting. It doesn't explain why the test was more acidic right before I drank the acv and alkaline right after every time I did the test though. Sorry I didn't see your post sooner. All the best. Sincerely, Angie
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Angie (South Pasadena, California) on 06/04/2009
Dear Tallie: I would skip the baking soda altogether. Most people on this site have had success with acv alone. The baking soda is high in sodium and will elevate your blood pressure. It will also cause people sensitive to sodium to become bloated, especially in the abdomen. I didn't need two tablespoons of acv, I only used one and a half teaspoons diluted with about six to eight ounces of water. It is important to use enough water so that the acv doesn't burn your throat. If you use this ratio you won't even need honey which is terrible for your teeth and gums, and the plaque it causes is sticky therefore promotes more tooth decay than sugar. One last thing, it must be an organic unfiltered acv. These have important enzymes and vitamins and minerals that filtered acv has been stripped of. I would still be using this method but the acv makes me hypersalivat. So sadly, I can't use it even though it works beautifully otherwise. Hope this helps. Sincerely, Angie
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Wanda (Ruckersville, VA) on 06/03/2009
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
My insurance company will no longer pay for my Aciphex which is terrible because I have extreme acid reflux. My throat got raw plus I was unable to sleep. The ACV after 1 week seems to help some as long as I eat an apple before I go to bed and take 2 tums. I do have a questions though-why am I so tired now. It seems that each day I get extremely tired and I'm very restless at night. It's almost like I've run 10 miles even thought I have a desk job. Does anyone have an answer or a remedy. Could it be that I'm going thru detox?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tallie (Toronto, Ontario Canada) on 06/03/2009
I have been reading the posts here but still feel confused about using ACV for Acid Reflux. I have been on Prevacid for a month, and the doc says he thinks I have a hiatal hernia as well. I didn't feel much better on Prevacid and wanted something that I could afford and would be natural. I have tried the ACV: 1 to 2 tbsp in either 4 or 8 oz water, with 1/4 tsp baking soda. The first time I tried just 1 tsp ACV with 1 tsp honey in 8 oz warm water. That seemed to ease my stomach, so I thought I'd try the standard recipe listed on this site. At first it seemed to make me feel better, but right now I feel a fullness in my stomach. How long does this treatment take before one feels better? Should I take it and then wait a while before I eat? I am also concerned about the baking soda with regards to elevating one's blood pressure. Should I switch to a sodium free baking soda? I've seen there is another option using lemon juice, and wonder if that would be better. I am miserable with this acid reflux and desperately want a natural way to cure it. Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tallie (Toronto, Ontario) on 05/29/2009
I am interested in this "cure" as I'm suffering from reflux and the doc says I may have a hiatal hernia. I don't trust doctors anymore after my mother died as a result of a doctor's mistake during her gallbladder surgery, so I am very hesitant to have the hernia removed.
I started researching alternatives to the meds my doc wants me to take for Acid Reflux, and found this site and the ACV. Has anyone any idea about long-term usage of ACV? Can it have any side-effects like stomach ulcers?
Also, once on the ACV, have people found they can eat foods that would normally be forbidden to them, like tomato? The health values of tomatoes are such that I really want to be able to eat them, but right now I am having to avoid them.
I will certainly try this ACV and hope it solves my problems. I'm not fond of taking meds of any kind and a healthy solutions is certainly welcome. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Eric M. (Port Orange, FL.) on 05/24/2009
I am 27 years old and have suffered with severe acid reflux since I was 17 years old. I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia after an endoscopy. I have been on about every type of medication known to man. My current meds were 1-Prilosec a day, then 1 to 3 Zantac 150's a day. I work in the medical field as an Emergency Dept. Tech. and my father is a doctor. I never heard about the Apple Cider Vinegar acid reflux cure until I happened to stumble across this website. WOW, WHAT A MIRACLE!!! I never thought I would find something to make the acid reflux pain go away. Thank you Earth Clinic and everyone who recommended this cure. I have only been on it for 4 days, but those four days have been life changing. I take 1 to 1 1/2 tbl. spoons with 8 oz. of water before breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I have not had acid reflux since.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by FC (Rushville, IN, USA) on 05/21/2009
You should take both. It's dangerous to stop taking a medicine prescribed for ulcers in the esophagus. I really wouldn't want to risk getting cancer in the esophagus.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jim (Pleasanton, CA) on 05/20/2009
Hi Angie,
I just read your question (posted some time ago). The acidity in your stomach has little to do with the acidity in other parts of your body. Normally, if things are working correctly, the stomach secretes hydrochloric acid and when this mixes with food and moves into the first part of the small intestine, it is neutralized by sodium bicarbonate that is secreted into the small intestine from the pancreas. Thus, the nutrients you absorb into your blood from the small intestine are not acidic. Throughout your body, though, there are many processes that produce acidic substances. One of the major contributors to this is the normal breakdown of food (usually glucose) to obtain energy. The food is broken down to carbon dioxide and water. The carbon dioxide then combines with water to form carbonic acid, one of the major contributors to acidity in internal body fluids such as the blood. The kidneys filter blood and remove metabolic waste products and adjust acidity of the blood by moving acid into the urine. If your urine is alkaline, that is not related to the acidity of the stomach.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Farida (Karachi, Pakistan) on 05/01/2009
so u dont know whether it was ACV or controlling ur diet which helped u . if u know cud u let us know
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kim (Pasadena, CA) on 02/22/2009
★★★★★
I have had acid reflux for about two years on and off. I found this website and began using apple cider vinegar (a store brand). The first day I drank a full glass and did experience bloating and pressure so decided to sip it instead. It took two days to get full results but I persisted and have great results now. I sip about 2 cups over the day. But I have also started to watch my diet, controlling spicy foods and other foods that seem to irritate my system (including caffeine, for me). I've told a few other people about this "cure"!
EC: Just to clarify for any new readers -- Kim did not drink an entire glass of apple cider vinegar, but (most likely) 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by MK (Washington, DC) on 04/21/2009
★★★★★
Hang in there Rob. I have a similar story, (see below) and have been using the ACV since the beginning of March. I'm happy to report that I am doing great. It takes awhile to figure out how much and how often you need it and it can vary depending on what you eat and how much. The best part is like you said, the acid no longer comes up into your esophagus/throat. I'm even able to tolerate an occasional glass of wine now. I have been drug free for almost 2 months and I too am angry that in 15 years of seeing GI specialists, not 1 suggested that I might not be producing enough acid. I don't care if I see another GI doctor as long as I live. They are all in bed with the drug companies.
