Acid reflux is a condition when stomach acids move up the esophagus and cause a burning sensation. It is a painful condition; in fact, it can be so severe that it may even feel like a heart attack. Today, you can find a number of OTC and prescription medications to treat this condition, but these medications may cause side effects as well. To avoid this, you can consider using apple cider vinegar (ACV) for acid reflux. This method has helped a lot people get relief and it will surely help you too.

How Does Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux Work?

People are of the view that ACV works for upset stomach mainly due to so many nutrients it has. Here are some details:

1. Reduce Acid Production

ACV can calm your upset stomach and prevents stomach acid from moving up the esophagus. It is important to note that ACV does not stop the production of stomach acids, but works by restoring stomach pH balance so as to tell the stomach to reduce acids production, which keeps you from the discomfort of acid reflux.

2. Elevate Acidity of LES

Excessively little acid in the stomach may also lead to involuntary opening of the LES valve that allows acid to move up the esophagus and create acid reflux. Apple cider vinegar supplies your LES with the needed acidity and restores pH level in your LES and stomach, so as to bring its normal function back and prevent acid reflux

3. Improve Digestion

ACV contains various nutrients such as phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium, etc. They can aid mineral absorption, food digestion and even weight loss. With a better food digestion, the risk of overproduction of acid is reduced, so does the chances of acid reflux.

4. Build an Alkaline Environment

ACV also provides the body with traces of mineral and various vitamins. This helps make the body more alkaline, reducing the acidity of stomach. Besides, this also helps in killing harmful bacteria in foods and promotes digestion.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux

Using apple cider vinegar for acid reflux is easy and here are several great ways to consume this beneficial liquid:

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Water

The simplest way of using apple cider vinegar to treat acid reflux is to mix a teaspoon of it in a cup of water and consume it before meals to reduce heartburn and fix acid reflux.

You should always consider opting for ACV that is organic, raw, unheated and unfiltered. Unfiltered and unpasteurized ACV contains a cloudy mother enzyme that is loaded with all the nutrients essential for treating acid reflux. Mixing 2 teaspoons of ACV with mother in 8oz. of water will work just fine.

2. ACV with Baking Soda

You can mix baking soda and ACV to neutralize the stomach acids to a great extent. Adding baking soda will also help ensure that the acidity of ACV does not cause any dental sensitivity or enamel erosion.

Take 250mg of water and mix 2 tablespoons of ACV and ¼ teaspoon of baking soda in it. Stir it well and drink twice a day on empty stomach for a week or so to get relief from acid reflux.

3. ACV with Honey

Introducing honey to the equation will make ACV a lot more effective for acid reflux. This is mainly because honey is rich in potassium and can help neutralize stomach acids.

Take 2 tablespoons each of honey and apple cider vinegar and mix them well. Sip the mixture slowly to alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Apple cider vinegar is generally safe if you pay attention to how to consume it, but there can be some side effects associated with the use of apple cider vinegar for acid reflux.

• It may damage your tooth enamel. As it is highly acidic, there is always a risk that ACV will damage your tooth enamel. Consider drinking it with a straw to avoid this problem.
• It may interact with your medications you are taking, such as diabetic drugs, laxatives, diuretics and heart disease medication. Talk to your doctor before using ACV when you have an existing medical condition.
• It may worsen your ulcers. You should not use ACV if you have an ulcer because the acidic nature of ACV makes it quite harmful for your ulcers.

Tips

Take some care when consuming apple cider vinegar and you will be fine. Here are some tips to bear in mind to maximize the benefits of apple cider vinegar for acid reflux.

• Never let it come into contact with your eyes. Wash your eyes immediately if it does get in your eyes.
• Avoid taking ACV when you have osteoporosis or arthritis because ACV can change your potassium levels and lead to certain complications.
• Do not drink caffeinated beverages when you have acid reflux.
• Do not eat three large meals a day; eat less and more frequently to prevent acid reflux.
• Do not drink alcohol and avoid smoking to find relief from heartburn and acid reflux.