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Apple Cider Vinegar: Cure for Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux, popularly known as heartburn, occurs when stomach acid reverses into the esophagus (the channel linking the mouth to the stomach). Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has lately become a well-liked home remedy for this ailment.

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olia danilevich/Pexels

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help Acid Reflux?

Apple cider vinegar is a beverage with a variety of claimed health benefits, among them being a remedy for acid reflux. The proponents of better acid control of ACV believe that an assist from ACV could help reduce the risk of acid reflux by balancing the acidity of the stomach. 

On the other hand, there is not a wealth of scientifically proven, substantial evidence to back up this statement. Significant evidence is primarily based on anecdotal findings. There may be some cases where people with acid reflux seem to improve after apple cider vinegar intake, in sharp contrast to others where the benefits are not observed.

Who Shouldn’t Drink Apple Cider Vinegar?

Usually, apple cider vinegar is thought to be potentially harmless as long as it is taken in modest doses by the majority of people. However, certain groups might be more susceptible to its side effects and might consider avoiding its consumption. 

These include the consumption of ACV, which may cause aggravated symptoms such as ulcers in the stomach, gastritis, or strictures of the esophagus in chronically ill individuals. Also, the usage of apple cider vinegar is not advisable for people with diabetes, kidney diseases, or potassium deficiency unless they consult a medical professional first.

Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux

Aside from apple vinegar, some other natural home remedies could also be used to reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. These include: –

  • Ginger: Being a natural anti-inflammatory, ginger could unwind the stomach and lessen acid reflux (heartburn) symptoms.
  • Chamomile Tea: Chamomile has been an essential element of natural remedies for intestinal problems such as chronic acid reflux.
  • Liquor ice: Among the supplement options for treating acid reflux, de-glycyrrhizinate liquor ice (DGL) may be the best choice, as it helps guard the stomach lining and significantly reduces the symptoms of acid reflux.
  • Aloe Vera: Aloe vera juice may have a calming effect on the esophagus and assist in reducing the painful discomfort caused by acid reflux.
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Louis Hansel/Unsplash

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Increase Stomach Acid?

The claim that apple cider vinegar is prescribed for acid reflux is a source of debate. One point is that it may increase the level of stomach acid. Even though ACV is acidic, some propagandists say that it can promote the formation of stomach acid, which can also lead to better digestion and diminished acid reflux symptoms. Alternatively, not enough related scientific data exists to claim that raw apple cider vinegar either reduces or worsens acid reflux in all users.

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Anna Tarazevich/Pexels

Apple Cider Vinegar Before Bed for Acid Reflux?

Older adults often start taking apple cider vinegar at night as a folk treatment for acid reflux symptoms. Supporters claim a glass of ACV before bed can even out acid levels at night and stop the infrequent acid regurgitation in the belly. Nevertheless, the note is absent to back up this assertion. Moreover, taking even acidic substances in apple cider vinegar into account could worsen reflux symptoms for some patients.

Apple Cider Vinegar’s Effect on Stomach

Health experts and consumers alike have different opinions about whether Apple cider vinegar’s impact on the stomach is beneficial. Advocates of ACV think that it can be used to regulate acidity levels in the stomach and, hence, improve the digestive system.

On the other hand, such people are warned against the acidity of ACV, which may irritate the lining of the stomach. Initially, apple cider vinegar influences the stomach in a way that may be related to individual factors, mainly prevailing health conditions and dietary choices.

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Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help Heartburn?

Heartburn, which is acid reflux, is a common symptom in many people and can be painful, thus causing a discontinuity in everyday life. Some people believe that apple cider vinegar is a good remedy against acid reflux, but there is a lack of scientific evidence to support this contention.

Make sure to talk to a healthcare provider before using apple cider vinegar or similar home remedies for heartburn. These may not be appropriate treatments for you if you have other health problems or take medicines.

Using Apple Cider Vinegar for Heartburn

If one is trying apple cider vinegar (ACV) to remedy heartburn, it is essential that they are cautious and only take it moderately. Dilute 1 to two tablespoons of ACV in a large glass of water that can be taken before meals. 

Monitor your symptoms carefully, and if adverse effects are observed, stop using it. Furthermore, consider including yet other guidelines and techniques outside of your diet, such as avoiding trigger foods and maintaining your existing body weight.

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Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

Fast Heartburn Relief

For most people, the immediate need for fast relief when they feel heartburn is obvious. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications and antacids are often taken, as these have a temporarily neutralizing effect on stomach acid and thus can provide relief.

Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine (H2) receptor antagonists can help decrease stomach acid production and increase the time of relief. Nonetheless, strictly follow the instructions if the medication is merely for symptomatic relief, and always contact a healthcare provider in case the symptom becomes worse. The over-the-counter drugs do not alleviate it.

Drinks for Heartburn Relief

Apart from apple cider vinegar, other drinks could also work well to relieve heartburn symptoms. These include:

  • Water: Tapped water could help flush the stomach, thereby relieving the symptoms of heartburn and reflux and reducing the discomfort of this condition.
  • Herbal Tea: Something non-caffeinated that may help beat stomach and heartburn, including teas such as chamomile and ginger.
  • Almond Milk: Almond milk has low acid levels, helping to neutralize the stomach’s acid. This is a good relief from the sour taste caused by heartburn, which is a result of too much acid.

Best Home Remedy for Heartburn

This selection process is frequently trial and error, where what is well tolerated by one person may not be tolerated by another. Alongside apple cider vinegar, some people may find an efficient way to deal with heartburn by chewing guts, applying relaxation techniques or staying away from triggers such as spicy foods or greasy foods.

Quick Acid Reflux Relief

In addition to apple cider vinegar, there are several other strategies and home remedies you can try for quick acid reflux relief: In addition to apple cider vinegar, there are several other strategies and home remedies you can try for quick acid reflux relief:

  • Avoid Trigger Foods: Be mindful of your food choices and find out which foods do not trigger the acid reflux symptoms. It would be advisable to avoid foods such as spicy and fatty ones.
  • Eat Smaller Meals: Eating small and more frequent meals can be beneficial for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the chances of acid backflowing into the esophagus.
  • Raise the Head of Your Bed: Lifting your head by 6-8 inches at night can encourage the flow of the sphincter at the head of the esophagus, which helps to reduce nighttime reflux episodes.

Drinks for Acid Reflux

In addition to apple cider vinegar, several other beverages may help alleviate acid reflux symptoms: In addition to apple cider vinegar, several other beverages may help alleviate acid reflux symptoms:

  • Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe vera juice is believed to be an anti-inflammatory agent. It has a soothing action on mucosa and thus is effective in reducing inflammation associated with acid reflux.
  • Coconut Water: Coconut water contains PH-balanced substances that can benefit the body by calming the acidity in the stomach and, hence, relieving the occurrence of acid reflux symptoms.
  • Peppermint Tea: Peppermint may determine the muscle contraction in the esophagus, turning the possibility of reflux into a rare occurrence.

Apple Cider Vinegar Dosage for Acid Reflux

Before consuming apple cider vinegar to ease heartburn, the water should be warmed up to room temperature; otherwise, it might cause some irritation first to the esophagus and then to the stomach lining. Complete with 1-2 tablespoons ACV per large naturally-diameter glass of water before a meal. Please keep track of the symptoms regularly and take the dose accordingly as your body responds to it.

In summary, although many people may find relief from their acid reflux symptoms by using apple cider vinegar, its efficacy and safety vary across a broad spectrum of people. 

However, you need to be very conscious of its use and consult your doctor before it if you have a peculiar health problem or you are on any medications. Additionally, including other lifestyle changes may give more than one medicine and natural cure. These remedies can also reduce acid reflux symptoms and improve how the digestive system functions.

Last Updated on by AnoushkaRoy

Author

Durba Datta

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