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 Erin (Glen Ellyn, Il, 60137) on 06/28/2010
★★★★★
I am 34 years old and have had acid reflux for a couple of years, and possibly longer. I ignored the symptoms until 3 months ago when I experienced throat tightening. I am a teacher, and suddenly I would get extremely congested and my vocal cords would cramp up every day after breakfast and lunch. I would try to drink glass after glass of water just to make it through the day, but at one point I wasn't able to finish reading a story to my students. At the same time, the symptoms started piling on: heartburn, coughing, sneezing, and acid in the back of my throat after eating. I would also wake up with a sore throat every morning.
Since then, I've gotten an upper endoscopy and stopped caffeine, alcohol, chewing mint gum, and limited dairy products. Also, I don't eat 2 to 3 hours before bedtime and sleep on a bed that is elevated 7 inches. Due to this, all of my symptoms stopped except for the throat tightening. At that point, I was desperate, because I didn't know how I was going to be able to teach. I tried two medications, one of which I'm on currently, but neither has helped.
So three weeks ago, at the beginning of my summer school session, I discovered this website and I started drinking ACV. What a relief! When I drink it, my throat and vocal cords immediately relax. For three weeks straight, I have sipped ACV water throughout the day and I have been able to teach and read books out loud. I mix 1 tablespoon ACV with 20 ounces of water and sip it through a straw so as not to have it touch my teeth. I drink this three times a day after every meal. Every day I try to make it without drinking the ACV to see if the medication is going to kick in, but my vocal cord cramping becomes so extreme that I quickly start drinking the ACV just to be able to talk to my students. I'm thinking of going off the medicine since I only needed it for this one symptom and it's not even helping.
Thanks to this website, my tears of frustration have stopped. I will keep drinking ACV for as long as I need to because it works! It saved my summer session and probably my next year of teaching as well!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anita (Golden, Bc Canada) on 11/12/2010
★★★★★
Hello all you coffee lovers. I thought I'd add what I found as an alternative to my beloved coffee. It's called Teeccino, and if you're like me, you'll like the Maya Cafe, dark roast. However, if you like a milder blend, try the Meditteranean blend. You brew it just like coffee and it's fabulous! And PLUS! It's good for you. :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Deb (Victoria, Bc/canada) on 04/20/2011
★★★★★
I have been able to have coffee without it aggravating my acid reflux by not putting milk in it anymore. I make a mix of raw almond, coconut, chia seed and hemp seed, with raw cacao blend it and then strain it and mix it with my coffee. The mix keep for 3 days in the fridge. I am so happy to be able to have coffee again.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Grammie (Lawton, Oklahoma) on 12/02/2011
I am trying to get off Prevacid again. I tried last year and when I had horrible pain (which never happened BEFORE the Prevacid), I juiced cabbages and drank that. It was like balm the first time. But later I got another stricture and the endoscopy showed HEALED ulcers all over the esophagus and I was told I must stay on the Prevacid. I worry about the dangers of staying on it over eight years so now I am trying the ACV and Aloe Vera juice. I wondered if drinking cabbage juice might help you to heal. It doesn't taste as bad as you might think if you drink it right down. However you have to thoroughly clean up the juicer and even then your house will smell!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Marie (Santa Monica, Ca) on 02/17/2010
Has anyone felt bad after they have taken ACV? I have GERD and have tried 1 tsp of ACV 1 tsp of honey in a glass of water 3 times a day for the past 2 and 1/2 days and I feel bloated and some slight burning in my tummy. I have mild gastritis so this may be the cause of it. It's hard to tell if my reflux is better because I have a cold and my chest is congested. I hope the cough and congestion is not being caused by the Apple Cider Vinegar!!! Has anyone felt bad at first, then felt better after sticking to the ACV? I'm hoping that as I continue with this "remedy," I will feel better. Please help!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ko (Altamont, Ny) on 03/12/2011
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I have been drinking the ACV; about a tablespoon in a large glass of water, with about 4 ozs of apple juice mixed in so it's not too sour. I actually enjoy drinking it. I started doing this to reduce my blood pressure. Although I do think it has been helping my blood pressure, I am having a terrible flare-up of my acid reflux. I decided this morning that it might be the vinegar, but according to some folks on this site, the ACV is helpful for the reflux too. I'm stopping it for a few days to see if it goes away. I take a proton pump inhibitor and have doubled up on that. Toss in some Tums as well. AND, take Metamucil, which my stomach doctor advised (pushes food out of the stomach quicker into the lower intestine). In any event, I do think it's the vinegar. :-(
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kp (Lawrenceville, Georgia) on 02/03/2010
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
ACV for acid reflux
I started ACV 2 weeks ago. 1tbsp, acv with 1tbsp honey and a pinch of baking soda in 8 oz of warm spring water. By the way the acv is unpasturized and "the mother" and local pure honey. It has relieved my acid reflux pain but now I have a canker sore starting. I am drinking this tonic in the morning and in the evening. Am I getting too much acid now causing the canker sore?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jim (Chilliwack, B.C. Canada) on 10/23/2009
★★★★★
ACV and Honey- Vs Acid Reflux
Apple Cider Vinegar, mixed with an equal amount of Honey - 1 tsp.of each in a glass of warm water is considered an Alkalizing drink - good for the stomach, and excellent when fasting.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Carrie (Pleasanton, California) on 09/19/2009
★★★★★
I have acid reflux and gastritis (mild to moderate). I am having pain in my tummy area and am not sure what it's from. I've been using the ACV for about 4 days now and all my acid reflux is gone but I'm worried as to how the vinegar is effecting my gastritis. Is there anyone with information for me on this?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Galina (Chicago, Il) on 10/14/2009
hi there, i have ben struggling with moderate gastritis and esophgitis for years, using prevacid and nexium does not work, i read about one spoon apple cide vinegar 20 min before meals but i am scared to further damage the lining...can you provide any feedback how has it worked for you? thanks galina
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tommy (North York, On, Canada) on 08/25/2010
Hi Wendy, Nexium is very bad for your digestion and for your first line defense which is the stomach acid. The stomach acid is crucial for proper digestion and immune system function. There is an article that talks about the link between Candida and the use of PPI. Your acid reflux could be due to a lot of things like:
1-Hiatal hernia. For that I will recommend you to avoid surgery because they have a high rate failure. Some people get the hernia back right after the surgery.
2- You might also have H. Pylori infection. Some mastic gum with monolaurin and broccoli will do the job.
3- low acid: Yes, the low acid causes heartburn even if it seems strange. The food will be undigested and comes back to the cardia sphincter and that make you feel the burning. If I will have time, I will share with you the article about the link between candida and the use of PPI. Wish you good health.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Coral (Indianapolis, IN) on 07/01/2009
Just found out I have acid reflux causing my throat feel like there is something stuck in it all the time.I will be sure to try the acv tonight and tomorrow as soon as I get home from work to see if it helps. I am ready to try anything before I break down and go to the doctor. I am glad to see another Coral recommends this!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Rob (Portland, Oregon) on 04/16/2009
★★★★★
I was on PPIs (gastritis) for around 10 years. I've taken them all. Decided to give the ACV a try to get off of Nexium. I'll be a monkey's uncle, this is the 4th day off and I feel OK. The second day rebound was hell but a little zantac quelled it. The main thing is this acv keep the acid from splashing back up. I don't know/care why it works but it does (at least with me.) I take a tablespoon 3x daily with 8 oz water. It took me about 2 weeks to work up to this level. I started off slowly and a very weak solution (around 1 teaspoon a day with a lot of water.) Too much would make me nauseous. It may be too early to tell if this is a long term fix, but going off Nexium was unthinkable a month ago. My inner alarm clock keeps reminding me to take my purple pill, but I don't need to! I am a little pissed at my doctors and drug industry at this point. All that $$, all that misery could have been avoided by drinking a little vinegar? Wow!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by MK (Washington, DC) on 04/21/2009
★★★★★
Hang in there Rob. I have a similar story, (see below) and have been using the ACV since the beginning of March. I'm happy to report that I am doing great. It takes awhile to figure out how much and how often you need it and it can vary depending on what you eat and how much. The best part is like you said, the acid no longer comes up into your esophagus/throat. I'm even able to tolerate an occasional glass of wine now. I have been drug free for almost 2 months and I too am angry that in 15 years of seeing GI specialists, not 1 suggested that I might not be producing enough acid. I don't care if I see another GI doctor as long as I live. They are all in bed with the drug companies.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kim (Pasadena, CA) on 02/22/2009
★★★★★
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"!
EC: Just to clarify for any new readers -- Kim did not drink an entire glass of apple cider vinegar, but (most likely) 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jason (London, UK) on 02/17/2009
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
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?
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Stephanie Siegner (Seabrook, Texas) on 02/02/2009
★★★★★
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 _____'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!
EC: I've been drinking ACV (no honey added) in water almost daily for the past 10 years and have absolutely no issues with dental enamel! To me it's a non-issue. I've never followed the suggestions made by people like immediately brushing my teeth, rinsing with water, or swishing with baking soda. False information on the net trying to scare people away from taking ACV?
Deirdre
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Shelley (Miami, Florida) on 01/25/2009
★★★★★
Acid reflux was ruining my life. In order to sleep I sat straight up in a chair at night. I was sickly all day. The doctor put me on Nexium, Protonix and lastly Acidphix. NONE OF THESE THINGS WORKED. I only got worse.
In total frustration, I went to the internet to search for a NATURAL cure. I found a remedy which worked immediately. I eat a red delicious apple everyday and two if needed.
I found Earthclinic and started using Apple Cider Vinegar. When I have a episode, I put a tablespoon in a 1/4 cup of water and down it..... REFLUX is GONE.
The ACV did what the doctor and DRUGS could no do. TRY IT.
Shelley in Miami
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dione (Dublin, OH) on 01/07/2009
★★★★★
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.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Frances (Blanchard, LA) on 12/02/2008
★★★★★
I have been using the apple cider remedy off and on for the last 3 weeks. Because I was laid off from work the state run insurance decided that I did not need the Acid Reflux med. They said I could use the over the counter stuff. After 6 months of agony I went to the internet and found the acid reflux remedy. It has been a great relief to me and it also has cleared my skin which really surprised. I use the apple cider vinegar to rinse my hair too.
I have been using 1 teaspoon to 8 oz of water. I use about a 1/4 cup of vinegar in a large 20 oz cup water shampoo and the rinse with the vinegar.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Marsha (Quartzsite, Arizona) on 11/28/2008
★★★★★
I have been on Zantac 50 mg. once a day for the past 15 years. I have been suffering with Acid Reflux for the past 4 months. I have only had 3 weeks relief out of the past 4 months using homepathic medications, I ran out of them and within 2 weeks the pain in my stomach and the pressure in my chest have been so bad I was desperate. My friend has been trying to get me to try Apple Cidar Vinegar and I thought yuck who wants to drink vinegar. I tried it for the first time 2 days ago and could not believe within minutes the pressure was gone. I slept better that night than I have in 4 months.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by DEE (CLEARWATER, FL) on 11/25/2008
★★★★★
I HAVE RECOMMENDED APPLE CIDAR VINEGAR TO MANY OF MY FRIENDS WHO SUFFER FROM ACID REFLUX AND WE ALL AGREE THAT IT'S A MIRACLE RELIEVER OF ACID REFLUX. I AM MORE CONVINCED THAT NATURAL MEDICINE IS THE WAY TO GO. THINK ABOUT IT! WOULD GOD PUT 6 BILLION PEOPLE ON THIS EARTH WITHOUT THE NATURAL MEDICINE NEEDED FROM NATURE ALONE? OF COURSE NOT! PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS ARE UNNATURAL AND IT'S FOREIGN CHEMICALS ARE SIMPLY JUST NOT GOOD FOR OUR BODIES.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Keran (Cocoa, FL) on 11/08/2008
★★★★★
I have suffered for over 20 years with acid reflux. Prilosec used to work when it was prescribed and not able to be bought over the counter. I suffered morning noon and night. Just taking a drink of water in the morning would trigger the acid reflux. Tonight I was so fed up with drinking baking soda, that I typed in "home remedies for acid reflux disease" and hit this site. I immediately drank ACV with water and cannot believe the burning is gone. When I get up in the morning, before coffee I am going to drink it again. WOW what a relief it is, so ironic, I am saying that, isn't that a slogan for a commercial that doesn't work?? I am in heaven. Just so you know, my husband wanted to have sex today, but I was in so much pain from the disgusting pain of acid reflux, I had to pass, but after the ACV treatment, I invited him to bed!!!!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Casey (Chicora, Pennsylvania) on 10/18/2008
★★★★☆
hi this is the first time i have ever replied to a website like this. so here it goes. for the last couple of wks i have . recently i have had severe chest pain, earache, and flu like symptoms on one day. yesterday at work i was in really bad shape my chest felt like i had a 500lb person sitting on it and i am only 117lbs so that is alot. i though i was havin a heartattack. on top of that i took four asprin not all at once but during a 8 hr pd.so i woke up today and took tums. they relieved some of the pain but i didnt really have much. i figured i would look on the internet to see about acid reflux due to i remember havin it a few yrs ago but not thtat bad. i read the acv article and decided to try it. well i have had it in my system for two hrs now and it seems to have helped alot. except for the whole fact of the taste is really bad. lol. i really hope it works and stays away. but we will see. thanks for the advice though and i love this site.
