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 Perry (Phoenix, Arizona) on 12/05/2005
★★★★★
Here's my story if anybody cares to read it. Labor Day 2005 my wife and I were watching TV and all of a sudden I was having chest pains really bad. i told my wife she was going to have to take me to the hospital. She had to get her clothes on and by the time she changed her clothes and said lets go I told her I didn't think I could make it so she called 911 and they were here in about 3 minutes. They treated me like I was having a heart attack. Baby aspirin, nitro etc.and I thought I was too. They took me to the hospital in the ambulance after treating me at home for about 45 minutes and I was there for 3 days and had all kinds of tests run. The next day after all those tests they told me to go home because they couldn't find anything wrong with my heart.The total bill was over $15,000.00. My primary Dr. told me he thought it was acid reflux and gave me a prescription for prevacid that cost $134.00 and I refused to get it filled. I came home and got on the internet and googled acid reflux and found this site and started using apple cider everytime I felt a 100 lb grandchild sitting on my chest (or that's what it felt like). In just a couple of minutes after taking a teaspoon of apple cider vingar straight the pain was gone. And it has worked everytime since. THANKS FOR THIS WEB PAGE AND ALL THE INFO FOUND HERE. Perry from Phoenix
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Julio (Riverside,California) on 09/02/2005
★★★★★
Dear friends: I was suffering of acid reflux for months, the doctors game me prevacid,the reflux got worse and gave me a horrible diarrhea.I took acv and after two days it was gone, now i add two tbs of liquid chlorophyl to the drink. I feel just peachy. thank you.
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 16 posts
Hi John,
How much ACV do you have and in how much water?
Thanks!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Caryn (Channahon) on 10/17/2015
I did ACV and baking soda for a year. Got off prescription. Keep it up.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jill (Chicago) on 05/04/2016
For the women out there, be careful with drinking it 3 times a day. I did this when I first started using Apple Cider Vinegar and it gave me a yeast infection.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Penny (California) on 07/23/2017
You are supposed to take the Apple Cider Vinegar with 8 oz glass of water. That should work better for you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Justin (New York, US) on 03/22/2015
Hi I was experiencing acid reflux for a long time. I believe it to be caused by years of taking glucosamine, omega 3, vitamin c, bayer 81 low dose, calcium and vitamin every day for years on an empty stomach. I had recently stopped the aspirin but I also drank a lot of coffee and ate late at night. Anyway last Sunday I started getting a burning pain in my stomach on the right side between my navel and my breast bone. By Monday it was still there worsening when I ate. I went to the doctor, he had me do a cat scan and sonogram. Both came back negative. He started me on opremezol and told me I neEd to have an endoscopy to see what's wrOng. I took it for two days and stopped because I did not like the way it made me feel and was reading how bad it is for you.
I tried the vinegar last night and today. I took it when I woke up. I was fine until noon after lunch. I started getting a lot of burning but I am not sure what caused it. I took some vitamin d and had a juice of greens with some ginger. My stomach was burning like crazy but all of a sudden it just stopped and now I feel better than I have in a very long time. Should I continue with the vinegar? Did it burn because it's just starting to work and now it's ok.? I am so afraid to do more harm to my body. But I am liking all I am reading on here and feel so much better right now. Is vitamin d bad when your stomach is like this? I heard vitamin d deficiency causes reflux. I also took the vinegar teaspoon straight last night and my teeth feel sensitive today. Are they damaged? Please help.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mj (Mi) on 03/28/2016
And if you take the ACV straight rinse your mouth with water right after because the AVC weakens your tooth enamel.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 02/12/2015
Dear Jacqueline,
It is discouraging that it seems to be taking more and more vinegar to get the results. I tend to think that you would get to a point of too much of a good thing. I personally would not want to be taking more than 4 T. Ideally, 2 T. per day or less.
When I was using ACV for reflux in pregnancy, I just had some ACV in my water and sipped it all day. I would tend to think it is best taken between meals, but you may need to just try different things and see how you do.
Have you tried other things? Making sure you are well hydrated, limiting things like coffee and soft drinks, eating less processed foods, smaller meals, etc. are all things that could be helpful.
Is it possible that your gall bladder is involved in any way? When I have a gall bladder flare up, I have reflux symptoms. Recently, when I had the flu, I had a terrible flare up that responded to nothing and had me about out of my skin in pain. I used a castor oil pack over my gall bladder area with a heating pad and the pain resolved in 20 minutes. I kept the castor oil pack on for several hours.
Just some thoughts. I hope you be feeling very well soon.
~Mama to Many~
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Amaryliss (Ireland) on 03/24/2015
Hi, I had a serious reflux and the helicobacter, ulcers, doctors put me on nexium which ruined my body, this sucks the important acid from your body. I went on a research trail, and came across a fabulous book called 'hard to stomach'. I started on L Glutamine, and took a good mineral supplement before I took these tablets I had a camera the doctor told me the scars would not heal, and even taking antibiotics might not help, then I started on a strict no fat diet and took l glutamine and minerals when I went back to get the camera the doctor said he was amazed the stomach he seen before was not the same the ulcers were gone and my reflux healed. Best of luck
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gena (San Fran, California) on 03/28/2014
★★★★★
I have been trying apple cider vinegar for acid reflux the past 2 weeks and I have to give it 2 thumbs up! I take 2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar in warm water a half hour before eating. Wow, what a difference in my digestion and no more acid reflux! Oh and people are asking if I've lost weight. Guess I look better.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vanessa (Philippines) on 12/11/2013
Hi! Do you have to use warm water with ACV for acid reflux? I have been suffering for a month now and the medicines I tried like omeprazole and pantopraloze only made my feeling worse after a temporary relief. I always feel week all day, would like to vomit, I can't wait and I have nausea. I tried 1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar in warm water upon waking up this morning and it has already improved my condition. I pray that this would be the cure for me. -)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Eddors12 (Wheat Ridge, Co/usa) on 09/22/2012
★★★★★
I have been using ACV for over a year to successfully control my acid reflux I take 2tbs. morning and evening I was diagnosed with acid reflux and did not want to take any more meds. In my case mine is being caused by prescriptions, which im confident I will be able to go off of eventually. If you are on meds your body does not produce enough acid thereby causing the symptoms, Just for the record I am 65 yrs old and 57 lbs overweight which I am now working to rectify. If anyone has any questions please contact me thru this site and I will reply I am on it regularly.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tina (Houston, Usa) on 09/12/2012
Tina, Lifelong acid reflux can be cured by eating probiotic rich foods like home-made kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut and lacto-fermented veggies. Kefir especially is incredible since it goes into the gut and re-colonizes by adding more good bacteria to your body. Much needed!
See here http://culturedfoodlife.com/ to make cheaply at home, or buy BUBBIES brand sauerkraut and dill pickles since they are loaded with probiotics.
Take ACV too.
You should feel brand spanking new in no time.
Tina
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nel (Manila, Philippines) on 08/08/2012
Bill from San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines- Is there anyway we could talk? Would want to chat and gain more information from you about this condition I have and which has taken over my life. I stay and live in Manila. It would be much appreciated to hear from you. Have been suffering from really really bad laryngeal-pharyngeal reflux or silent reflux.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 07/03/2012
Hi Sealbeachluvr... The reason ACV has worked to help with your Reflux problem is because ACV is acid. To help you understand this, a short simple description on how digestion works will help.
* When food enters the stomach, the hydrochloric acid secreted by the stomach normally works to kill all the bacteria and the protein-digesting stomach enzymes(pepsin) partially digest the food with the muscles around the stomach helping to mash and breakup the food. The purpose of this stage is to fully prepare the food for the next stage -- main stage duodenal digestion in the upper intestines.
* When the stomach acid is at the correct strength -- and only when it is at the right acid strength -- a hormone is released into the blood called secretin which in turn triggers the secretion of the pancreatic enzymes in a solution of bicarbonate(alkaline) into the duodenum for main stage digestion.
* If the stomach acid or food chyme mixture in the stomach is not at the correct acid strength (low acid) then the pancreatic enzymes and juices will not be triggered and released for main stage digestion(alkaline) in the duodenum and the acid food mixture (chyme) will just sit there in the duodenum stagnating, rotting and fast breeding bad pathogens with associated spread of pathogens into the upper intestines leading to further problems later. This also causes reflux.
* Another twist to this problem is if your body also lacks bicarbonates. As already described, your pancreas needs stores of bicarbonates to neutralize the acid food coming into the duodenum from the stomach. So if you are lacking bicarbonate stores, the acid food passing into the duodenum will not be neutralized and, again, acid intestine and reflux will be the result.
Therefore two things become apparent:
* You must ensure that your stomach acid levels are at their correct strength and amounts for proper and complete digestion to occur.
* You must have adequate stores of bicarbonates in the pancreatic juices to fully neutralize the acid chyme or food when it passes from the stomach into the duodenum for main stage digestion.
It is also fairly obvious to me that the reason ACV helps against acid reflux is because it is acid -- so this helps to increase your stomach acidity which is what you need to do.
You have already said that your doctor gave you some pills for your reflux. Generally doctors give PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) which actually work to massively inhibit stomach acid because doctors always seem to incorrectly assume that reflux is caused by too much stomach acid, when in fact the direct opposite is true in 90% of reflux problems -- which is usually caused by too little acid in the stomach -- as I have already described above.
To help remedy your problem:
* Take betaine hydrochloride tablets at mealtimes. The way to find the correct dose of betaine(and thereby find the correct stomach acid strength) is to increase the dose slowly by one tablet at mealtimes until there is an acid feeling. Then cut back by one or two tablets. Later you will again get an acid feeling so cut back again. Do this until you no longer have to take the betaine hydrochloride tablets -- your stomach acid is now normal.
* Take pancreatin enzymes to ensure proper digestion in the duodenum.
* Take 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt with water once or twice a day outside mealtimes. The chloride from the Sea Salt helps to generate hydrochloric acid (HCl) which may be lacking in your stomach. Sea Salt also provides your body with other useful minerals.
* Take 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate(Arm & Hammer brand is fine) with water a half an hour after you finish each of your daily meals when all the food has moved out of the stomach into the duodenum. This greatly aids alkaline main stage digestion in the duodenum and also helps to replenish bicarbonate stores in the pancreas. This will also act to reduce the reflux and will also help to reduce the burning acid pain.
* To increase your appetite take B Complex vitamins everyday.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sherri (Charleston, Illinois) on 10/08/2012
Absolutely! I tried the ACV (the mother kind) and it made my problem much worse. I have to take nexium because of a stomach surgery I had a few years ago. I have plenty of acid believe me... Lol. Acid reflux is absolutely no fun, especially if it happens in the middle of the night and goes up your nostrils or into your brochials. That happened to me two nights ago even with the Nexium that I take.
I am now onto a few things that I am trying for another condition. One of the things I am using is Tumeric and first tried it last night. Last night was the first night without any reflux symptoms at all! I am hoping I stumbled onto something that also works for my stomach.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by A.barrett (Cambridge, Shelford, England) on 02/12/2012
my friend, bicarbonate soda and molasses syrup, which brings the acid down in your body.
And cures cancer and alot more. But you have to look at your diet mate also, or colloidal silver, which will build your immune system up. And also kill off many major diseases too.
Good luck god bless
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kapohosue (Pahoa, Hi) on 01/19/2012
What are you talking about when you mention ppi? I do not know what this acronym is.
I plan to give the ACV a try today. Acid reflux has just started and I really hate the idea of getting onto prescription drugs to solve this.
Love this site.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joselyn (Manchester, Ct, Usa) on 01/23/2012
★★★★★
I have just started taking acv. My mother has been using it for over a year and it has seemed to control her acid reflux. I am not sure how, but this seems to do the trick. I cannot STAND the taste of it, so I started off with half a bottle of water, a teaspoon of avc, a teaspoon of honey, and a powdered flavor I can mix in the water. I love it. ACV also cures different types of infections, helps menopause systems, etc etc! It's the magic trick! It won't do you any harm, I encourage you to try this.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by T (Houston, Usa) on 09/06/2011
Sherry,
ACV 2 tablespoons in 8oz of lukewarm water 2-3 times daily (empty stomach or between meals) helped me with acid reflux.
Aloe vera juice has also been very useful, when at times I felt the ACV was too harsh and felt like it was burning my stomach.
Reduce/eliminate sugar, meats, flour and fried foods from your diet for a few weeks as you do this and your system will re-balance itself out.
I do AVC for 4-5 days and am cured for months on end. The acid reflux will pop its head out again if I am not careful with diet and I have learned to in the long run eat what my body needs hence elminating this issue altogether.
Good luck, T
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 09/07/2011
Countrygrl,
lemon juice will also stop acid reflux if you don't like ACV. Lemon juice has many nutritional benefits as well.
Those reflux meds you are on are very dangerous for you (research it). I would stop those cold turkey if I were you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mike (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) on 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
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Erica (Slc, Ut, Usa) on 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...
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Van (Sunnyvale, Ca, Usa) on 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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Myrna (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) on 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 Kary (Phoenix, Az) on 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?
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!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anita (Golden, Bc Canada) on 11/12/2010
★★★★★
Hello all you coffee lovers. I thought I'd add what I found as an alternative to my beloved coffee. It's called Teeccino, and if you're like me, you'll like the Maya Cafe, dark roast. However, if you like a milder blend, try the Meditteranean blend. You brew it just like coffee and it's fabulous! And PLUS! It's good for you. :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Deb (Victoria, Bc/canada) on 04/20/2011
★★★★★
I have been able to have coffee without it aggravating my acid reflux by not putting milk in it anymore. I make a mix of raw almond, coconut, chia seed and hemp seed, with raw cacao blend it and then strain it and mix it with my coffee. The mix keep for 3 days in the fridge. I am so happy to be able to have coffee again.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Grammie (Lawton, Oklahoma) on 12/02/2011
I am trying to get off Prevacid again. I tried last year and when I had horrible pain (which never happened BEFORE the Prevacid), I juiced cabbages and drank that. It was like balm the first time. But later I got another stricture and the endoscopy showed HEALED ulcers all over the esophagus and I was told I must stay on the Prevacid. I worry about the dangers of staying on it over eight years so now I am trying the ACV and Aloe Vera juice. I wondered if drinking cabbage juice might help you to heal. It doesn't taste as bad as you might think if you drink it right down. However you have to thoroughly clean up the juicer and even then your house will smell!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Marie (Santa Monica, Ca) on 02/17/2010
Has anyone felt bad after they have taken ACV? I have GERD and have tried 1 tsp of ACV 1 tsp of honey in a glass of water 3 times a day for the past 2 and 1/2 days and I feel bloated and some slight burning in my tummy. I have mild gastritis so this may be the cause of it. It's hard to tell if my reflux is better because I have a cold and my chest is congested. I hope the cough and congestion is not being caused by the Apple Cider Vinegar!!! Has anyone felt bad at first, then felt better after sticking to the ACV? I'm hoping that as I continue with this "remedy," I will feel better. Please help!!
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 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 Tommy (North York, On, Canada) on 08/25/2010
Hi Wendy, Nexium is very bad for your digestion and for your first line defense which is the stomach acid. The stomach acid is crucial for proper digestion and immune system function. There is an article that talks about the link between Candida and the use of PPI. Your acid reflux could be due to a lot of things like:
1-Hiatal hernia. For that I will recommend you to avoid surgery because they have a high rate failure. Some people get the hernia back right after the surgery.
2- You might also have H. Pylori infection. Some mastic gum with monolaurin and broccoli will do the job.
3- low acid: Yes, the low acid causes heartburn even if it seems strange. The food will be undigested and comes back to the cardia sphincter and that make you feel the burning. If I will have time, I will share with you the article about the link between candida and the use of PPI. Wish you good health.
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 Rob (Portland, Oregon) on 04/16/2009
★★★★★
I was on PPIs (gastritis) for around 10 years. I've taken them all. Decided to give the ACV a try to get off of Nexium. I'll be a monkey's uncle, this is the 4th day off and I feel OK. The second day rebound was hell but a little zantac quelled it. The main thing is this acv keep the acid from splashing back up. I don't know/care why it works but it does (at least with me.) I take a tablespoon 3x daily with 8 oz water. It took me about 2 weeks to work up to this level. I started off slowly and a very weak solution (around 1 teaspoon a day with a lot of water.) Too much would make me nauseous. It may be too early to tell if this is a long term fix, but going off Nexium was unthinkable a month ago. My inner alarm clock keeps reminding me to take my purple pill, but I don't need to! I am a little pissed at my doctors and drug industry at this point. All that $$, all that misery could have been avoided by drinking a little vinegar? Wow!
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sherri (Los Angeles, California) on 03/14/2009
★★★★★
I suffered with severe acid reflux for several years, waking up from a sound sleep due to choking on acid in my throat! I used tagamet, tums, and Nexium. I came across a home remedy site and found out that using acv helped a lot of people. I bought some raw organic acv at the health food store and put a tablespoon in 8 ounces of water and added a tablespoon of honey and drank it. I couldn't believe that the heartburn and acid reflux just disappeared within 10 minutes after the very first drink. Not wanting the calories of the honey on a regular basis, I now leave the honey out and drink the vinegar & water through a straw to avoid getting it on my teeth. I don't understand why doctors don't suggest using acv instead of Nexium. As long as I drink the mixture twice daily, I have no problems at all and can eat anything I want. If I eat something that I know used to trigger the reflux (like chocolate or something fatty), I sometimes drink a little acv/water right after eating. This has been such a relief for me.
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 Shawna (Charleroi, PA) on 02/08/2009
★★★★☆
I am 21 years old and have been suffering with acid reflux and heartburn since I was a lot younger. I was on nexium for about 3 years and on prilosec for about 5 or more. After reading about all the harmful side affects with long use I was desperate to find a natural cure. I found this website and it is quite a blessing to me. I stoped taking prilosec completly on Feb 1st and started taking 2 teaspoons of braggs organic apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water the next day. The first day i took it when I woke up about a half hour before eating anything and I had no symptoms of acid reflux till yesterday. I think I messed up by taking it after I ate. I still have mild heartburn but Im willing to suffer with it and try to make this work! Any other things I should try? let me know! Thanks
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Stephanie Siegner (Seabrook, Texas) on 02/02/2009
★★★★★
ACV for Acid Reflux: I tried ACV (Heinz) and it was great. I slept a full night for the first time in 2 years. Dentist said it is bad for tooth enamel. Went to ACV tablets but got a headache everyday and Acid Reflux came back. Now, trying _____'s 2tsp w/8oz water and 1 tsp honey. Chewing sugarless gum with Xylitol and hopefully that will protect my enamel. Anyone tried this? Either way, it's better than Prilosec which caused many other problems. Thanks for your site! It's great!
EC: I've been drinking ACV (no honey added) in water almost daily for the past 10 years and have absolutely no issues with dental enamel! To me it's a non-issue. I've never followed the suggestions made by people like immediately brushing my teeth, rinsing with water, or swishing with baking soda. False information on the net trying to scare people away from taking ACV?
Deirdre
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Shelley (Miami, Florida) on 01/25/2009
★★★★★
Acid reflux was ruining my life. In order to sleep I sat straight up in a chair at night. I was sickly all day. The doctor put me on Nexium, Protonix and lastly Acidphix. NONE OF THESE THINGS WORKED. I only got worse.
In total frustration, I went to the internet to search for a NATURAL cure. I found a remedy which worked immediately. I eat a red delicious apple everyday and two if needed.
I found Earthclinic and started using Apple Cider Vinegar. When I have a episode, I put a tablespoon in a 1/4 cup of water and down it..... REFLUX is GONE.
The ACV did what the doctor and DRUGS could no do. TRY IT.
Shelley in Miami
