APPLE CIDER VINEGAR READER FEEDBACK

[YEA]  03/15/2009: Lita from Tampa, FL writes: "i am 58 in good health taking no prescription medications and experienced a sour stomach, queasiness, and nausea a couple nights ago about 18 hours after eating dinner the night before. i almost vomited and did not because i was swallowing to avoid it. i could taste the acid in my throat and had the upset stomach for about 5 hours and could not sleep half the night. when i felt well enough, i went online to see what may have caused the sour stomach and came to my conclusion upon reading about tophology (combining foods) that i was mixing fatty steak with salad with too acidic a dressing. i read the reasoning behind this inefficent digestion is caused by hydrochloric acid released by the stomach to digest the fatty steak was counteracted by the alkaline stomach reaction of the stomach to digest the acidic dressing cancelling the digestive action of the stomach, causing the sour stomach. i always thought i pretty much had an iron gut since i do not even get gas from 'gaseous causing foods', but attributed it to getting older. So today, i practised eating small quantities of food in single food categories, ie fruit, vegetables, bread and not mixing. the last thing i ate was a grilled ciabatta roll, which is not even an acid reflux causing food, but i actually got that lump in the throat feeling, and then a bit of acid taste! so then i go back on line to research a natural remedy for acid reflux and came upon this site about apple cider vinegar and off i went to the grocery store. upon returning, i immediately drank a mixture of 1 tbs acv, 1tbs honey, and 8z water and was 90 percent relieved in about 15 minutes. in about an hour, all signs of acid taste were gone and i ate dinner of a salad made with olive oil and acv dressing and spareribs, a similar dinner to what caused my sour stomach in the first place with the exception of using the apple cider vinegar in the dressing instead of balsamic, and i feel great. thanks for the remedy that really worked for me. i guess i will see if i need to take it as a precautionary measure or as a remedy, but at least i will know that it works. thanks a million for this website!"

[YEA]  03/14/2009: Sherri from Los Angeles, California writes: "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."

[QUESTION]  03/10/2009: Angie from South Pasadena, CA writes: "Dear ACV - Reflux fans:I would really appreciate some feedback!! I've had terrible LPR for two years. I got to the point where I had to take four prilosecs a day while abstaining from all acidic foods, caffeine, and fat. Still I had a terrible time swallowing and felt like I had a lump in my throat. The worst part was the constant need to swallow. It was embarrassing, people would ask me why I kept swallowing every two seconds.

After reading so many testimonials on this website I was ready to give it a try. All I had in the house was Trader Joes Organic ACV. I took 1 1/2 tsp in about 6 oz of water and it cleared up the lump in my throat and let me sleep that night without taking my usual two prilosecs. And I slept comfortably. The next morning I took 2 tsp. Interestingly, I tested my urine with PH strips before and after both times and both times, remarkably showed that I was off the charts alkaline compared to acidic before taking ACV. Anyway, that day my lump in throat was good but I had the worst case of hypersalivation I ever had. Was it because I was nervous about the ACV? Was I not drinking enough ACV or does the ACV only become alkaline in your bowels but acidic in your esophagus? If anyone can answer this I would love to hear. Also, I just bought Braggs this morning so if I tried it again I would use that instead.

Recently I started taking 60 mg of time released Prevacid, called, " Kapidex". It has been a week and it keeps the acid from backing up into my throat when I lie down but doesn't do anything for the lump in my throat and I'm starting to hypersalivate again though not as badly as when I was taking ACV. I'm going to get scoped in about a month and not sure if I should stay with Kapidex for a little while just to heal my esophagus or if I should return to ACV. And if so, at what dose.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read my entry. Sincerely, Angie"

[YEA]  03/10/2009: Juli from Philadelphia, PA USA writes: "I used 2 tsp ACV in 8 oz water 2x/day (I'm small, around 105 pounds), to treat GERD. I used Eden's Organics unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar.

After almost one bottle's worth of this, I no longer need it. So far, it has been 2 weeks with no problems.

I did a number of things though...I took GNC's probiotics (39.99) twice a day for a while before meals, ACV twice a day, and chewed on papaya enzyme tabs during the day.

I found this website, was so skeptical, but let me tell you..try it. Also, for a professor who is around really sick kids all the time, I didn't get sick this semester for the first time in years.

The Apple Cider Vinegar got me off of the Protonix my doc was giving me, and took a week to noticeably help...but now, I'm medication free.

Thank you earthclinic and all the people who post here!"

[YEA]  03/10/2009: Jason from Buckeye, Az writes: "ACV: I prayed for a solution to my acid reflux after being diagnosed and perscribed aciphex. found this website and gave it a try and my prayer was answered."

[YEA]  03/09/2009: Gil from Niagara, Ontario writes: "Hi

I would just like to say to those wanting to give up, DON'T!

I was not feeling too much better @ first, but gave it some time. The ACV has helped so much, that I haven't taken any meds in over 3 months! I was taking two Prevacids a day before for my Gerds. When you get good results, spread the good news so others can enjoy the benefits as well.

Gil"

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  03/08/2009: Richard from Bishops Stortford, Herts UK writes: "I have just started to use ACV, and the early signs seem good (2TBS 8oz). However, it is early days yet, so I am not counting my chickens yet. I have long history of GERD, and have been diagnosed with a Granuloma, on my vocal chords. At the same time this arrived a weird itching sensation arrived too. Usually at the base of my neck, but also in my cheeks top of chest, and sometimes on my tummy. It is not like a normal itch, it feels like something is movin in my skin, and it goes red too. Could this be part of the effects of the acid? Or is this something else? Any advice gratefully received."

[YEA]  03/03/2009: MK from Washington, DC writes: "I have been on some type of GERD prescription for at least 10 years. I was getting desperate because I haven't been able to sleep through the night lately, even with maximum stomach meds. So I started doing some research online and found out about Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV). My Chiropractor mentioned it before, but I never tried it. Well, I've been off my Protonix/Zantac for 5 days. And it's even better than the medicine because since I've been using the ACV, when I lay down I don't feel stuff come up into my esophagus. I'm still playing with the ACV dosage and the timing, but I'm so much better already and sleeping better, WITHOUT the drugs. I take 2 teaspoons of ACV in a glass of water at mealtime 3 times a day and 1 teaspoon before bed. If I wake up in the middle of the night with any heartburn, I eat 1 or 2 apple slices and it stops it right away and keeps it from coming back up better than the drugs. It is amazing!!!!!!!!!!"

[YEA]  03/01/2009: Martha from Orange, Texas writes: "Hiatal Hernia & Acid Reflux: While pregnant with my 2nd daughter I got heartburn with everything I ate and was drinking a bottle of Maalox a day. After she was born it got a little better, but then worse again until everything including water gave me heartburn. Also I began to have reflux while sleeping and I would wake up after breathing the acid into my lungs. I was pretty scared to sleep lying down so I started sleeping at a 45 degree angle to prevent that from happening again.

I started xray school right after my daughter was born and during the 1st semester of training I saw all these people having Upper GI tests and were prescribed medications but people kept coming back because the meds weren't helping and that's when I decided to look for a solution naturally. I was told if you took a tablespoon of ACV when you had heartburn and the heartburn went away then you needed MORE acid and not less and the pills the docs were giving people STOPPED the production of acid, but you need that acid to help digest your food. I also assummed I had a hiatal hernia because sometimes my food felt like it didn't want to go down and stayed in my throat. After learning about the ACV treatment I did that for about 3 months. It was hard to drink it everyday but I did. I also cut out sodas, sweet tea, and tomato products as these things caused severe heartburn. I kept searching and talking to people and found a company that made food enzymes. I switched to food enzymes for about a year. My hiatal hernia and heartburn went away and I started sleeping flat again. That was in 1995 and I haven't had the problem again. I've told lots of people to try the ACV or food enzymes because I now know for sure that the meds people are put on are not the solution - oh I know it fixes some for a while but then the body is unable to get the vitamins from the foods they are eating and they come back to the hospital for a CAT SCAN to see what problem they have now. Since I work in a hospital and see the day to day problems that people have due to medication or Drs. who are simply overworked and most know nothing about nutrition, I go the natural way for everything. This is a great website and at least when people are searching for a solution they will try it, but I find that people look at me like I'm crazy when I tell them a simple solution to their problem, especially if it is going to mean they can't just take a pill and the problem goes away."

[YEA]  02/24/2009: S from Novi, MI writes: "I get GERD occasionally by eating too much sometimes. I take 2 tablespoons of ACV or red wine vinegar and down it, within minutes I burp and the mucous feeling goes away. The vinegar makes me hypersalivate which I think helps a lot."

[YEA]  02/22/2009: Kim from Pasadena, CA writes: "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"!"

[YEA]  02/21/2009: Marty from Chicago, IL writes: "I am a believer of ACV and it has really reduced my AF..I eat apples and drink 1-2 TSP of ACV in my morning and evening Apple juice. I find this combination settling to my stomach. I have had GERD for probably 27 years (I am 50). Sleeping on my right side for awhile and then waking up gasping for air with bile in my throat was not very pleasant for me or my wife! I have GREATLY reduced my tums and pepsid AC/Priloec intake. I love alcohol, chocolate, coffee and sweets of every kind. I have now addapted a life-style change for the better. The pot and 1/2 of coffee in the am has been reduced to a couple of mugs. I start to feel a little stomach upset and I grab my apple and like magic, the discomfort disappears. I have found this website a blessing! Thanks! Marty"

02/19/2009: Candace from Seattle, WA writes: "Thank God I found this sight. I had a weight loss surgery two years ago. I have what they call a lap band. Just recently I have such bad ACID REFLUX. Its so painful. I can hardly sleep without throwing up. Food has sometimes sat in my chest for hours.I keep a cold and a cough. In the last few weeks its be so bad that I just cant eat..no I should I'm scared to eat or drink! I just want one night of peacful sleep.I found your website by looking for a natural remdy since natural supplments usually work for me.I'm at work right now with a bottle of tums and pepto that just mask the problem. As soon as I leave here i'm trying ACV..Will let you know results today..wish me luck!"

[BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS]  02/17/2009: Jason from London, UK writes: "Hi there, I was suffering very badly from Acid Reflux a few months ago and had to carry rennie tablets everywhere with me when I had attacks. I looked for natural cures on the Internet and found this site. I mix the ACV with some juice and it worked great, at first.

I have started to notice that I have been getting very constipated recently, and the only change in diet is me using Apple Cider Vinegar. I must take ACV to cure my heart burns, then I will get constipation as a result of it & this will then make my acid reflux even worse. It is a vicious cycle that I don't know how to get out of.

I have two choices:

1 - Stay without acid burn pains and feel nauseas, bloated, sluggish and constipated all the time

or

2 - Stay with the acid burn pains after I eat anything and have no constipation

Any help you could provide me at all?"

[YEA]  02/15/2009: Ken from Woodstock, CT writes: "After reading all the positive responses to apple cider vinegar curing GERD I figured why not. I have spent thousands of dollars, countless anguish, and many sleepless nights why not try vinegar.My most severe symptom was some type of anxiety attack when I lay down horizontally to go to sleep. I also had the usual symptoms of waking up choking and severe sinus congestion. Obviously not getting a good nights sleep is beggining to take it's toll. I was up late not able to sleep, and reading your site. I had some balsamic vinegar ,so I took about 4 swigs a minute or so apart and got almost immediate relief. I slept for ten hours only woke up once, and was not choking. I will brush with a little baking soda on my teeth trying not to swallow to protect my teeth from acidity. I can't prove it but it feels like the acidity from the vinegar washing on my hiatal hernia caused the stomach valve to close and my constant indigestion was gone.One night and I am quite hopeful. Thank you for your website."

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  02/08/2009: Shawna from Charleroi, PA writes: "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"

[YEA]  02/07/2009: Philip from Sparks, NV USA writes: "I tried Prilosec for the required 14 days, the next day it was worse then when I started, then I tried an off brand made in Israel it worked for 14 days, but my relux came back. So a guy at work was telling me about Apple cider vinegar, we had the Trader Joe's with the mother and I fiqured I'd give it a chance. I started with 2 tablespoons in 8 oz. of water at breakfast, lunch and dinner, I quit taking green tea in my thermos and started taking ACV and honey to sip on all day, I'll have to say I am a believer, I have no signs of reflux at all, plus drinking this I'm starting to feel better over all. I am going to add some cayenne to help with overall health. It's nice to know that a natural, God breathed apple can heal the body. Have a great day and God Bless"

[QUESTION]  02/06/2009: Roman from Phoenix, Az writes: "Question regarding ulcerated esophagus: I have been prescribed Protonix for an ulcerated esophagus due to severe reflux. Even though I had surgery to reduce the damage done by reflux the ulcers occurred in recent months. My question is should I subscribe to daily doses of Apple Cider Vinegar or simply remain on Protnix indefinitely? Thank you"

[YEA]  02/02/2009: Dan from Holland, MI/USA writes: "It is the day after the Super Bowl, and after consuming several beers, a few mixed drinks, buffalo wings and nachos, I slept all night with no heartburn. About a week and a half ago I found this site and decided to try the ACV cure. I had been living with heartburn and acid reflux for years and taking ranitidine for it. But it became less and less effective. I tried Prilosec OTC and it helped for the two weeks that I took the pills but once I stopped, the heartburn returned. So much for lasting 4 months! Then I was back to ranitidine. Now, I'm not sure I can attribute it all to the ACV. I have also been exercising regularly; watching what and when I eat (except for yesterday); lost some weight; as well as eating apple slices, honey, and the yogurt with the probiotics. My approach is this: get my digestive system working normally and deal with any heartburn if and when it does flare up. The ACV, honey, and yogurt are for fixing my digestive system, the apple slices are for any flare ups. The only caveat I have is that the Prilosec is still in my system and will be for about another month. I am very pleased with the results so far."

[YEA]  02/02/2009: Stephanie Siegner from Seabrook, Texas writes: "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 Bragg'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!"

[YEA]  01/07/2009: Dione from Dublin, OH writes: "I have Hiatal Hernia and just started taking the ACV to avoid taking more meds or having surgery, since those seemed to be my only options. Its only been 2 day but its starting to work. Since to me the 2 teaspoons of ACV in a glass of water tastes like lemonade without sugar (I actually like it), I think if you give to children mixed with some lemonade it may work. Also, based on other's email, in addition to the ACV when I started to feel I was getting the reflux (before going to bed), I ate an apple and it actually helped me get rid of it."

[YEA]  01/07/2009: VAR from Los Angeles, CA writes: "I believe that I have acid reflux. I've had a horrible burning in my esophagus and severe nausea. I went to the doctor and they gave me a drug which is usually used for GERD. But, I hate taking medicines long term and the doctor didn't even tell me I needed to come back and take more of it.

So, every time I've gotten the burning sensation and nausea, I've taken ACV (and it was the aweful tasting grocery store kind), but it totally works. I've discovered that I don't even need a lot of the ACV in water for it to be effective. I used to use about a teaspoon to a tablespoon of ACV with a 8 oz cup of warm water and honey. It tastes horrible, but it works so fast! Now, I take maybe a capful of the ACV in 8oz of water and even that works fairly well. But I'd like to try the daily regimen or the tablet form to get this under control."

[QUESTION]  01/06/2009: Mary from Altadena, Ca writes: "My husband and I are searching for a remedy to help cure our 6 year old daughters acid reflux and GERD. She has been dx for 8 months now. We just recenly took her off Prevacid and started her on ACV. Due to her age, the tea thing, ( no matter how much honey i put in it) just didn't fly with her. So we went to a health food store and bought the tablet version of ACV. It has been amazing. But it is imperative that she has a tablet (equivalent to 1 1/2 tsp acv) before each meal. We have made many modifications to her diet as well. Most of the information that I read on the Web really deals with the adult pt. Because she is just 60 pounds, I do worry about throwing off her electrolytes. These are my 2 main questions:

1)What is a safe dosage of ACV for a child?
2)If we wanted to try adding the baking soda, what is too much for her little stomach?

I would appreciate comments from anyone with experience with children having GERD."

12/28/2008: Joe from Fredericksburg, VA writes: "I am going to give you my testimonial as I am experiencing it. In the time I'm waiting for this ACV remedy to kick in, I will explain to you my follies with Acid Reflux. I developed it about a year ago. This was when something in my life happened that changed my life-style completely (I won't go into detail). Anywho, I love to cook and I love to eat food (fine or fast, doesn't matter to me). About a year ago, I laid down to go to sleep after eating a certain four-patty burger from a certain Royal fast food chain. Big mistake. About three hours later, I wake up with fire in my stomach and throat, thinking I was gonna die. I didn't know what to think, so I took some antacids and stomach-coaters. It worked for the night. I didn't think much of it at the time until it happened over and over again. So, I've been with it for a year with no remedy except time. Now that I've found this ACV remedy it seems to work. And doesn't taste too bad either. Thank you all for discovering this miracle cure."