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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Peggy (Salt Lake, Utah) on 12/02/2007
★★★★★
I tried one of the acv remedies posted for acid reflux, and it did work almost right away. I am still hurting as the pain and rolling in my stomach and chest was horrible and constant for days. I even lost weight because I was afraid of food since' everything hurt me. What I wonder though, does the acv cure the reflux or just treat the painfull symptoms? If it only treats the symptoms then I would be reluctant to go off the omeprazole as it reduces acid therefore it reduces risk of backing up and causing damage to the esophagus. If anyone has asked their doctor this question and knows the answer I would love to know. Please post my question. I can't thank your site and it's readers enough for the valuable information I recieved.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vina (Calgary, Canada) on 02/27/2007
★★★★★
I've used Apple Cider Vinegar for several years now whenever I get an acid reflux attack. It immediately takes the pain away and I feel 100%. Years ago I used the ACV with baking soda for heartburn and it worked as well. After reading some of the comments on this site. I will try using the ACV on regular basis for my blood pressure. This week I will start visiting the Fire Department on a regular basis to be checked for my blood pressure. I'll keep a record of the numbers and get back to you at a later date. I'm glad I woke this morning at 4:10 am and started looking for natural cures. I don't believe in chemicals at all and try my best to stay away from medication if at all possible. I know my Doctor is planning on starting me on high blood pressure pills. I'll be back in a couple of weeks. Vina
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by H Roberts (Windsor, Canada) on 01/31/2007
★★★★★
Had periodical heartburn and acid reflux for last three years. Zantac worked at the beginning but later became ineffective. My Doc put me on Pantaloc twice a day and as with Zantac it eventually became ineffective. I returned to chomping on Tums for relief but I began going through a container every three days. I found this site while looking for long term effects on heartburn sufferers and found this site about the vinegar. I laughed and was laughed at for even considering such a thing. Like many of you I became desperate and bought a jug of Heinz Apple Cider Vinegar. It worked but boy did I ever get a sore stomach. Now I have two shots of it with two shots of water twice a day and the problem rarely surfaces. In fact at first I twisted my face at the taste but now enjoy it as much as I enjoy a glass of wine with my meal. I have never seen the Brachs variety but once I've drank this 4 litre jug I will try to find it to compare. Many thanks!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 05/08/2016
Amanda, as with most things, start low and slow and notice your reactions.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Eve Z. (Sydney, Australia) on 04/12/2021 19 posts
Hi John,
How much ACV do you have and in how much water?
Thanks!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Rob (Valentine, Nsw/australia) on 02/24/2011
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I used ACV to stop symptoms but when a specialist investigated my oesophagus with a gastroscopy I was found to have a badly ulcerated oesophagus. So the ACV masked the symptoms but did not actually prevent damage to this area in my case. Just be careful.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Susan (Ontario, Canada) on 07/02/2010
★★★★★
Apple Cider Vinegar cured my acid reflux. I had suffered from severe acid reflux for many years, and stumbled on your site while trying to find an alternative to ranitidine and PPSIs. My acid reflux was so severe that the pain was similar to having a heart attack, and I could not sleep unless I was sitting up. I started using apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp in one glass of water) 20 minutes before my evening meal,and within two weeks, had no more symptoms. I have now been taking ACV for about a year, and have had NO recurrences of acid reflux whatsoever, and no side effects - unless you count a 10 lb weight loss as a side affect! Thank you to Earth Clinic for offering an alternative to pharmaceuticals! And BTW,the ACV has also cured my toenail fungus. This stuff is absolutely amazing!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joey (Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines) on 08/21/2010
Hi Ted It's me again. I'm on my 4th day of ACV and BS. Last nite I began to experience heartburn chest pains and throat irritation that I had difficulty to eat and couldn't burp. Before that I drank a glass of berry and apple juice. An hour later heartburn began. Not sure if the juice was the cause. After a little dinner at 7pm I drank 2 tbs of ACV to gain relief at 11pm I had difficulty sleeping as I couldn't burp like something is stuck in my throat I can taste the acid in my mouth. Anyway after just 4 hrs of sleep today 4th day I drank 2tbs of ACV and 1/4 teaspoon of BS. It gave relief but still couldn't burp. 1 hr later I ate a light breakfast of chicken rice soup then drank 2tbs of ACV. I'm little bit ok though tired probably for lack of sleep. Please tell me if I'm doing something wrong. I'm really tired. Hope to hear from you. Thanks
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Liz (Atlanta, Ga) on 09/06/2010
In cutting out caffeine, does that include tea? Everybody keeps saying 'coffee' - I'm a tea drinker. Is that okay with acid reflux?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Calsunshine (La Mesa, California) on 10/09/2009
★★★★☆
Well, its been four weeks I've been taking the ACV and honey. My cough is better! not gone, but better! This may be the answer.;-)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Randy (Starkville, Ms) on 08/20/2009
I am considering trying Apple Cider Vinegar to treat my ongoing battle with Acid Reflux. The lump in my throat, and the burning in my chest at night is only getting worse, even after my Doctor perscribed Prilosec to treat it. Like so many others, I don't want to take the meds any longer than absolutely necessary. I'm so hopeful, the ACV treatment will work for me. Which ACV product is the correct choice to use, (the distilled ACV, or undistilled)? Also, is it appropriate to start off with a small dosage and then increase to a more moderate dose if necessary?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Wanda (Ruckersville, VA) on 06/03/2009
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
My insurance company will no longer pay for my Aciphex which is terrible because I have extreme acid reflux. My throat got raw plus I was unable to sleep. The ACV after 1 week seems to help some as long as I eat an apple before I go to bed and take 2 tums. I do have a questions though-why am I so tired now. It seems that each day I get extremely tired and I'm very restless at night. It's almost like I've run 10 miles even thought I have a desk job. Does anyone have an answer or a remedy. Could it be that I'm going thru detox?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Angie (South Pasadena, CA) on 03/10/2009
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 _____s 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
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dana (Los Angeles, USA) on 09/09/2008
★★★★☆
I have been on omeprazole for about 6 months, after an endoscope revealed an esophageal ulcer. It healed after a couple of months, and I've been trying to wean myself off the pills ever since, without success. So I tried the ACV, first time about 5 days ago, and so far, so good.
Now, my question is this: Do I need to keep taking ACV? If so, for how long? Forever? Or does it "reset" the stomach to go back to "normal" amounts of acid production?
So in my mind, a "treatment" would necessitate taking this continually, whereas a "cure" would mean that you take it for some duration, then you are able to stop taking it without further symptoms.
And second question: I have been unable to find a consensus about dosage. I have been taking two teaspoons about 4x each day, spread throughout the day. This seems to be working, but is there a better, optimal protocol?
thanks
Dana
9/8/2008: Dana writes: "Hi again, another question. What are the long-term ramifications of taking the ACV?
And I am taking it plain, in water, with no baking soda. I have mild blood pressure issues, so I don't want to add sodium to my diet. Is there any problem with taking this ACV straight into the water, without sodium bicarbonate?
thanks
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jacky (Greenwood, SC) on 08/03/2008
I was diagnosed with throat muscle spasms (aka Spasmodic Dysphonia). After 12 years of suffering with it, I realize I've had severe acid reflux. It has also caused me panic/anxiety episodes especially when I've had bad nights of acid reflux. Not only is my voice bad but it also affects my mood and immune system. So I am now going to try the ACV and honey remedy. I am also going to be taking enzyme pills for help with GERD. I am so fed up with the main stream doctors who only want to prescribe the purple pill. If anyone has had similar experiences, please share.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sue (Uniontown, Ohio) on 03/16/2008
★★★★★
Hello...I have been suffering with horrible acid reflux for 3 years..Have had a couple scopes and have been treated with many medications, the latest being Nexium which does not seem to offer any help either...When having a flare up I don't dare swallow my saliva as it makes things even worse... Upon finding this site, I have been experimenting with a small amount of ACV honey and cinnamon for a couple days now...I beleive that it is working well but will need to increase my intake to 3x a day to get the full affect...
Wondering if the the ACV cocktail safe for my 7 year old daughter?...It seems to be the only thing that has offered her help...She suffers terribly from acid reflux as well..She was on zantac once a day for a couple years...Since Christmas she has slept with a wastebasket in her bed...It is terrible to see her suffer like this...Recently with doctors orders we increased the Zantac to twice daily and still she was not getting any relief...They changed her meds a couple times since January...Nothing seems to help and this last medication is very expensive...I had her try 2 tsp of the cocktail mixture before bed two nights in a row and can honestly say this has been the only thing that has offered her any relief...I would like to know if anyone has any advise for giving this to children?...
I have found it easiest to put the ACV cocktail in a spill proof sippy cup with a straw..This contains the smell and makes it much easier to take...I am so happy to have found this site and would love to know anything you could offer for our situation. Thank You!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joe (Beaumont, California) on 08/10/2007
★★★★★
Wow! I do not believe it! Had a double by-pass in 2004 and have been on blood pressure medication and medication for acid reflux for years. After I had some side effects from both medications decided to try ACV and garlic pills. Although my blood pressure without medication was only 135/85 my doctor wanted it lower than that because of health history.There was no doubt in my mind that ACV and garlic would not work! Well, dummy me! It worked and worked big time! I have waited 2 months to post my story because I wanted to be sure. Had appts with two of my doctors yesterday and my blood pressure wast 110/72 and later that day 106/70. The big bonus for me was my acid reflux disappeared. I take 2 tablespoons of ACV in a glass of water and a 6,000mg pill of garlic every morning.
Try it! You have nothing to lose. It worked for me and hopefully it will work for you.I also should add that I monitored my blood pressure several times daily to make sure it was working. Good luck
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lee (Springfield, USA) on 03/04/2007
★★★★★
To Whom It May Concern; This to inform you that first off, there is NO such thing as Acid-Reflux Disease. Second off, there is a $3.99 cure, that ends acid reflux in just three days... period... it's called... "Raw - Unfiltered Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, with the mother", one brand name is "_______", and I hope they don't get greedy... and keep the price as is... 9 years ago, taking Bayer Aspirin for a head injury, I developed an ulcer and almost died... then for 8 years took "Dr. Prescription Prevacid" however you spell it... sorry about that... then after years of taking the doctors prescribed medication, with no cure, at $130.00 a month, because I don't have insurance... I read the book by Kevin Trudeau, "Natural Cures Revealed..." now for the past 6 months, I have had ZERO acid reflux at all, I take a tablespoon when I wake up, and one before bed, and that is it. Talked to a seals person at a GNC store today, who said he had researched this 3 years 4 months and a week ago, and told the same story... the Apple Cider Vinegar not only stopped the acid reflux, but cured it.. I feel the same way... I have no more and I can eat ANYTHING I feel like it. There yea go... thank you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Paula (Sacramento, CA) on 11/26/2006
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
Hello I have been taking the AVC (1-2 TBLS) with honey and 30 drops of cayenne tincture each morning. It helps to keep the Acid Reflux in check, but hasn't cured it, per se. I did try Bowen therapy which is a type of body work. Apparently there is a treatment for 'digestion'. My Bowen therapist in Sacramento did this and I had no symptoms for two weeks. They are starting to come back now, so I will schedule another appt. Tom says it is a bug of some sort causing the distress, that is why I also take 30 drops of licorice tincture. I am about ready to try the clay treatment he suggests as well. email me at pcbow @ mac.com if you want the name and address of Ralph for the bowen work. Paula
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by David (Tampa, FL) on 11/01/2006
★★★★★
1 part Apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water at least three times per day especially after meals has lessened acid reflux symptoms by 90% after three weeks steady treatment. I had been taking Nexium for approximately 5 years by doctor's prescription. When I went for a refill and found that I couldn't without going back to the doctor again, I decided to check out your website for help. After 5 years of Nexium and/or Zantac, if I missed taking it even one day, then my reflux came back as strong as the days before treatment. I never went back to the doctor for another prescription. The apple cider vinegar mixture treatment really works for me and is better than the last 5 years with few symptoms. I have also removed coffee and wine completely from my diet. Also, I try not to eat anything within 2-3 hours before bed. That's hard since I am a "grazer" and eat at odd times.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tammy (Carrollton, TX) on 06/11/2006
★★★★★
I just put this to the test, I did 2 TBSP ACV in a cup of water, and my acid reflux went away immediately. I usually get acid every day, so I will test this again as soon as the next time comes around. My stepdad swears by' ACV. I see a lot of cures listed here that I need. I am hoping if I drink this mix 1 to 2 times a day I will see these benefits too!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Denise (Colorado) on 03/17/2017
Cwk, ACV nor Betaine HCI never worked for me. I had to buy OTC products for relief and it was horrible heartburn! For another reason, I had allergy testing done for metals as I had a titanium implant that was hurting and drs could see no reason for it to hurt. Also had other metals in my mouth as well. Found out I was extremely allergic to nickel, cobalt, vanadium and chromium. I had the implant replaced with ceramic last week in Dallas and that evening I was dreading eating my soup for dinner. Because I knew I would have to chew an antacid and that would be difficult after surgery. But I ate the soup and nothing! No heartburn since, and other weird symptoms are gone too. So, if you have had any medical or dental implants, that could be a possibility? Silver fillings? It's not a fun, nor cheap things to undertake, but getting rid of all that metal and now detoxing has made a big difference. I also had 8 root canals, 2 of which was infected, but could not be seen by an xray. Only upon extraction was it found. Thermogram also confirmed an infection with drainage into my lymph nodes showing a hot spot. Hope this helps you, I know your pain. Good luck!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Nora (Ma - Massachusetts) on 03/27/2016
★★★★★
Just got over a stomach virus and had terrible heartburn in throat for few days tried antacids, etc still had it. Was told to take apple cider vinegar straight, one tablespoon then drink water. Cured within minutes, on day two and still no heartburn. So don't dilute vinegar, take straight. Have to assume I was low on acid due to vomiting from virus, assuming that you need more acid not less. Not sure how it worked but it did so far for me. Hope it helps. Take organic..
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kari (Iowa) on 04/27/2016
Give yourself a dedicated full 2 months taking apple cider vinegar 2 tbls in 6-8oz water, 3 times a day (before each meal). After the 2nd week, go down to twice a day. After the 4th week, you may be able to go down to once a day. No doctor here, but I followed this plan and my daily acid reflux struggle decreased to only once or twice a month (after eating a trigger food)! If that's not worth a try than I don't know what is!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Pat (Chicago) on 06/05/2016
How do you know it was the ACV that gave you the yeast infection? A lot of women actually use ACV as a treatment for yeast infections.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Raphael (Boston) on 02/04/2016
You are taking the foods that should be avoided; ie a lot of coffee and eat late at night. Should stop these two ASAP.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kay (Jax, Fla, Usa) on 12/08/2013
★★★★★
I have been reading this website for a couple of years now and I read about all the great things ACV does. Well, I tried this and it does work. I was diagnosed with Acid Reflux after an endostomy. I was put on Omoprofhil(not sure of spelling). After taking the medicines for about 4 months, I decided to try the ACV. I put a 1/2 teaspoon in a 1/2 glass of water and drink it in the morning and before bed. I have been doing this now for two months and no longer to I have to sleep on elevated pillows, I have not heartburn or belching. Its been fantastic! Just wanted everyone to know, it does work.
