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Apple Cider Vinegar for Stomach Pain Relief

| Modified on Apr 07, 2025
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Apple Cider Vinegar for Stomach Pain

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has gained popularity as a natural remedy for a variety of digestive complaints, including stomach pain, indigestion, bloating, and nausea. Contrary to the common belief that stomach discomfort is caused by excess acid, many cases actually result from low stomach acid—something ACV may help correct.

Why Apple Cider Vinegar Works for Stomach Pain

The acetic acid in ACV helps rebalance stomach acidity, promote better digestion, and calm fermentation in the gut that leads to gas and cramping. ACV may also support healthy gut flora and improve absorption of nutrients.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Digestive Relief

  • Quick Relief: Mix 1–2 tablespoons of raw, organic ACV with a glass of warm water and sip slowly at the first sign of stomach discomfort.
  • Daily Tonic: Add 1–2 teaspoons of ACV to a large glass of water before meals to help prevent indigestion and bloating.
  • Optional Additions: A teaspoon of raw honey or a slice of fresh ginger can enhance flavor and digestive benefits.

Real Stories from Earth Clinic Readers

Mkontol: "I had the absolute worst stomach ache of my 57 years. Even my lower back started to ache. I took 2 tablespoons of regular old ACV—30 minutes later, the pain was completely gone. I only wish I hadn’t waited so long!"

Mrsg: "Twice I woke up with a terrible stomach ache and nausea. I took 2 tablespoons of organic ACV followed by water, and within 10–15 minutes, the pain and churning disappeared. This worked way better than antacids."

Why Antacids May Make Things Worse

While antacids temporarily reduce symptoms, they also reduce stomach acid—further impairing digestion and nutrient absorption over time. This can lead to chronic issues like protein malnutrition, mineral deficiencies, and even gut dysbiosis.

Choosing the Right Apple Cider Vinegar

  • Best option: Organic, raw, unfiltered ACV with "the mother."
  • Avoid: ACV in plastic bottles—choose glass to prevent chemical leaching.

Precautions and Tips

  • Always dilute ACV before drinking to avoid tooth enamel erosion and throat irritation.
  • If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare provider to rule out ulcers or infections.
  • Start with small amounts if you're new to ACV—too much too fast can cause discomfort.

Final Thoughts

Apple cider vinegar is a simple, affordable, and natural way to ease stomach discomfort and support digestive wellness. It may not be right for everyone, but for many, it offers rapid and lasting relief.

Let us know if ACV has helped you, and keep reading below to discover more real-life success stories from our readers!

Related Links:

ACV & Baking Soda Tonic: Boost Health Naturally
Apple Cider Vinegar: Uses, Health Benefits and FAQ
Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux Relief
Natural Remedies for Nausea: Effective Home Treatments

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.
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Posted by Clara (Whitebridge) on 03/25/2024
 ★★★★★

I wake up sometimes with the worst stomach aches, and after a shot of Apple Cider Vinegar, the pain leaves quickly. Acv helps every time.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Gladlenise (Cincinnati) on 04/21/2018
 ★★★★★

ACV knocked out my stomach cramps in 20 minutes

Been doubled over with sharp pains after forcing myself to finish a spinach omelette 2 days ago. Taking antacids afterwards was like drinking water. Finally got relief: 2 teaspoons of ACV, hot lavender tea, crushed ginger. Everything began subsiding in about 20 minutes .... amazing. I should have realized the benefits of natural remedies from the start. Thanks for the inspiration.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Larry (Elkton Oregon) on 12/13/2017
 ★★★★★

Tried your Apple cider vinegar for terrible stomach pain for three and a half days... the doctor gave me pain pills and diarrhea medicine did not cure the cause of pain within one hour and half stomach pain stopped and I finally got some sleep thank you so much.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tamaya (Canada) on 07/12/2017
 ★★★★★

I can't believe how long I have waited to try this. I have gone to the emergency with what I felt was intense stomach pain that went around to my back. The pills given sort of worked within an hour or so but I had to take them daily and at a great cost. This treatment of organic apple cider vinegar had been recommended to me but I could not understand how vinegar could cure stomach acid. Well, desperation and vinegar were there so I took one tablespoon then took a drink of water. I would say less than one minute later it was all GONE!! And stayed that way for a week!!! This never happened with medicine. Now I take my shot of ACV about four times as week just as a preventative.

Replied by Martin
(Sligo, Ireland)
11/11/2017

I have great faith in ACV but to recommend taking it undiluted is crazy. Taking undiluted ACV will seriously damage the esophagus. Fact.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sarah (Caledonia, Ohio) on 05/25/2017
 ★★★★★

Apple cider vinegar for an Upset Stomach.

1 cup warm water, approximately 1 TB raw honey and 1 TB apple cider vinegar, started feeling better after about 15 minutes.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by William (Norway) on 03/03/2017
 ★★★★★

Mindblowen. Have regulary taken ACV for hair, skin, and "just to consume it", but never thought it could "cure" pain.

Last night I ate a big carb meal right before going to sleep. And for some reason, when waking up today, I felt like crap.
Alot of gas, and stomach pain. Just felt really off. Quickly googles APV on stomach pain, and saw this site.
Took a good amount in my glass, filled rest with water, and drank it with a straw.

No idea behind the science but now the pain is going away (5 min after) and no longer feeling like crap:)
Weird coincidence or it actually works lol :)

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Betty (Mexico ) on 02/06/2017
 ★★★★★

I have had severe pain in my stomach for over a week. In the middle of the night I thought I was dying. I don't do doctors or allopathic medicine. I remember having read about apple cider vinegar but was always afraid to take it in case it made the pain worse. Last night I decided to walk through the fear and I drank 1 teaspoonful in warm water. Within minutes the pain subsided and I fell asleep. Just woke up and couldn't wait to find a place to post my results. So happy for a.c.v..

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Marie (Williston Park, Ny) on 01/05/2017
 ★★★★★

After enduring a particularly nasty stomach virus I experienced sharp shooting pains in my stomach which ached right through my back. Nothing alleviated the cramping. I then though to try the ACV treatment. I took 1 tablespoonful of undiluted ACV; then about 1/2 hour later I ingested 1 tsp. diluted in a glass of water. Within 1 hour all pain was gone. Note I used regular ACV, the supermarket brand name.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tuhin (Dhaka, Bangladesh) on 12/09/2016

My dad consumes AVC and it works great for him. BUT when I drink AVC 3 tea spoon with full glass of water my stomach ache/hurts. I feel like vomiting. Why? How to deal with it?

I need to drink AVC to heal my knee pain. I badly ned to drink AVC.

EC: Hi Tuhin,

1. Try taking much less (1 teaspoon to start)
2. Make sure the apple cider vinegar is organic and contains "the mother".

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Wayne (Atlanta Ga) on 10/13/2016
 ★★★★☆

Last week I was constipated and could not do anything but endure the stomach pains. I went a whole week taking laxatives thinking that it would help, I was able to begin using the bathroom however the pain was bad, REALLY BAD! The center of my stomach right underneath my naval, I would have these extremely sharp pains. Well tonight I decided to take some recommended ACV. So far the pain has calmed down a whole lot, I still feel it slightly so I'm thinking about taking two more table spoons. I'm sure that will do it!

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Slp (Il) on 08/10/2016

I just recommended ACV and raw honey to a relative for relief of stomach pain; she has been living off of antacids. She experienced intense stomach pain AFTER drinking the mixture of water, honey and acv. I have never heard of this. Any thoughts? Could this be a sign of an ulcer?

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
08/10/2016

Slp, more likely she had too strong of a dose for her constitution. I've seen 1/2 TEAspoon a day being enough to show an effect on sensitive people. Not everyone can do 2 TABLEspoons.

Replied by Mama To Many
(Tennessee)
08/10/2016

Dear Slp,

Perhaps it is an ulcer. But it also may be that people with chronic digestive issues cannot well tolerate certain things even if they are generally good things like acv.

I have had a history of gall bladder stones and would have severe heartburn that stemmed from it. I myself would notice that sometimes apple cider vinegar in water gave me a stomach ache especially if I consumed it on an empty stomach.

Your relative may want to get a diagnosis of what is going on. (Ulcer, gall stones, whatever.) Then he can address the underlying issue. Living off antacids can cause a lot of problems. I wonder if that is what gave me gallstones in the first place. I consumed untold amounts of them for heartburn during 8 different pregnancies.

I have since gotten rid of the gallstones with gallbladder flushes, and heartburn is happily a thing of the past.

~Mama to Many~

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Marissa (Wilmington, Nc) on 07/09/2016
 ★★★★★

I just had the absolute worst stomach ache after eating pizza & I was miserable. I took two tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar followed by sipping water & my stomachache disappeared in less than ten minutes!! Thank You so very much for posting this valuable information!! :)

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Christina (Lakewood, Washington) on 04/16/2015
 ★★★★★

Anytime I have a sore or upset stomach from food or such, ACV cures it right away in most cases. I take 1-2 TBSP followed by water.

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Monika (Uk) on 02/23/2015
 ★★★★★

I had been treated for helicobacter, with symptoms like:indigestion, painfully swollen upper abdomen. Apparently the bacteria was gone (according to GP) but I was still having painful tummy, swelling and indigestion. I started taking ACV initially for my tinnitus (don't see any changes still) but my tummy is much better, haven't had any indigestion or swelling. I give it to my husband too as he has some stomach problems and I'm hoping it will ease his snoring :-D

Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mkontol (Ormond Beach, Fl) on 01/02/2014
 ★★★★★

I had the absolute worse stomach ache of my entire 57 years. Even my lower back started to ache. I don't use any commercial remedies and was reluctant to take the ACV with such pain. 30 minutes ago I gave in and took 2 tbs of regular old ACV. The pain is now completely gone. Why I waited so long I don't know, but whatever, it worked. Off to get a good nites sleep now.

Replied by Logorrhea
(Arizona, USA)
07/13/2015
★★★★★

Apple cider vinegar is so vital. I thought that I would have appendicitis but when I drank that all the pain was poof , gone.


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