Q: Have you heard of taking apple cider vinegar for acid reflux/heartburn? My husband and I had tried everything on the market (Tums, Rolaids, Zantac, Pepcid, and more) and nothing seemed to work. I went on line and saw something about unfiltered apple cider vinegar. I found some at Trader Joe’s for about $2 and started drinking two to three teaspoons with eight ounces of water in the mornings. You have to rinse out your mouth afterwards, as the acid is hard on the teeth. I found tablets on line and my husband has been taking those. The results have been amazing! The acid reflux and heartburn have almost disappeared completely. I should mention that we are both 52 and in good health, taking no prescription drugs.
I thought this might be something you would be interested in since you have an open mind regarding alternative solutions.
A: Acid reflux affects more than 60 million Americans at least once a month. It refers to the backward flow of acid into the stomach. When this occurs, the liquid can damage the lining of the esophagus. In some instances, acid reflux can progress to gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD), a more severe form of reflux. The action of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) may be an important factor for preventing reflux. The esophagus is a muscular tube, extending from the lower throat to the stomach. The LES is a ring of muscle surrounding the lower end of the esophagus where it joins the stomach. The muscle that makes up the LES contracts, closing off the passage from the esophagus to the stomach, preventing reflux. When food is swallowed, the LES relaxes to allow the food to pass into the stomach and the process repeats again.
Acid reflux can produce a variety of symptoms that include heartburn, dyspepsia, regurgitation, nausea, upper abdominal pain and discomfort, and nausea following a meal. Specific foods that can exacerbate symptoms of reflux include those that are fried or fatty, chocolate, garlic, onions, citrus, and peppermint. Avoidance of these and other triggers can go a long way toward reducing or eliminating symptoms.
As you discovered, there are a number of over-the-counter products such as Tums, Prilosec, and Pepcid that are designed to control unwanted side effects. When it comes to alternatives, apple cider vinegar may be just the ticket. Considered to be one of the oldest prescribed medicines, its acidic nature helps break down fats, while promoting digestion. It appears the only vinegar to purchase for this purpose is one that is raw, unpasteurized, unheated, and organic. Apparently clean apple cider vinegar such as that found on your grocer’s shelf does not contain the necessary nutritional properties. Instructions are to use two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar diluted in water. The product is rich in enzymes and potassium, it promotes digestion and ph balance, and supports a healthy immune system. Externally it is purported to help soothe irritated skin, relieves muscle pain from exercise, and a whole lot more. Precautions are to be adhered to. As with everything, too much of a good thing can be harmful.
