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Noahthree (Panama City, Fl) on 01/04/2011

Folks, I won't speak to what I do not know, but this I do know: NO real apple cider vinegar is alkaline, even if mixed with honey. Honey and water and even baking soda may well either dilute/weaken its acidity (honey and water), or even neutralize it (baking soda). However, chemically, VINEGAR IS AN ACID. That doesn't mean it's bad, nor does it mean it won't cause your body to decrease (or increase) its own acid production. But vinegar is definitely an acid.

As for me, I've had GERD since I was about 7 years old (I'm 52 now), although my diagnosis only happened about 11 years ago. I'm a singer and speaker, and seem to have some permanent vocal damage due to my GERD. I also have asthma, which again may be at least partially due to GERD. I've been taking prevacid for these 1 years, and I'm much better than I used to be. However, I'm curious as to whether I might be well served by ACV, especially after reading the posts here. I'm going to get some today and try it for myself. I'll report my results as time goes by. Acid to treat acid: it doesn't make complete sense to me, but I don't claim to know how or why many things work. I hope this does!

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Replied By Mike (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) on 01/04/2011

Let me clarify the following for you: "ACID TO TREAT AN ACID CONDITION". To begin with, imagine a valve that separates your stomach acid from your esophagus. Now suppose I were to tell you that mother nature designed your body in a such a way THAT THE OPENING AND CLOSING OF THIS VALVE IS CONTROLLED BY THE PH LEVEL OF YOUR STOMACH. That is, when you are hungry and about to eat, your stomach secretes a lot of HCL acid in order to digest your food. This valve actually stays shut if the PH level of your stomach is very acidic thus preventing acid from damaging the upper portion of your body. If you do not secrete enough stomach acid (some people are born with this condition) then the acidity level in your stomach is not sufficient to keep this valve properly shut. The results is GERD.

SOLUTION: Take the stomach acid test to determine if you secrete enough HCL acid. If it is always to low then that is the cause of your GERD and you should consider taking HCL Betaine supplements. Believe me I use to have GERD although not as severe as you and when I consumed HCL betaine capsules, I immediately felt that suddenly there is no large amount of mucous being constantly secreted inside my throat. Also I notice that my tongue always stays red instead of always being coated with this white mucous stuff. That is how I know that ACID can treat an ACID condition. Hope that helps you! Mike

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Replied By Trh (Goshen, In) on 02/20/2011

When someone suffers from an acid reflux type condition it seems that it is nearly always assumed that they have too much acid in their stomach, but this is not always the case. I suffered from digestive problmes for 2 1/2 years (I am only 22), and yes, that acidic feeling in my stomach, and acid coming up my esophagus. I saw two different doctors and both gave me acid inhibiting medication- exact opposite of what I needed! I researched on my own and found that the symptoms of too much acid are very similar to those of not enough stomach acid production (Hypochloridia).

I immediately stopped taking acid reducers, and modified my diet, I started eating small meals, trying to chew food very well (to ease digestion), and reduced foods that were hard to digest (especially nuts), and those which promote bad bacteria growth- I. E. Sugar. These along with a few other changes majorly improved my digestive health, normalized my appetite and helped me to feel better in general. You should get some kind of a test to find out conclusively what is the problem, and if it is low acid production the things I mentioned along with digestive enzymes, etc. Should help out a lot. -More acid may be exactly what you need!

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Replied By Erica (Slc, Ut, Usa) on 08/07/2011

Noahthree,

I am also a singer. I use my talents often, especially at school, churches and benefit concerts. I was also diagnosed with GERD. Mine was diagnosed as to from too much eating, caffeine cunsuption, etc. They also discovered that the lower esophageal sphincter to my stomach is erroded, so it won't close. That is what is causing my GERD. In the exam, the DRs giving me the exam, said that they had NEVER seen GERD react as fast as mine - the moment it hit my stomach, up went the acid. I did Prilosec, Zantac, etc. I was still having GERD while on those meds. I then did research on ACV. It's harsh but I don't have any issues with GERD when I take it. So much cheaper and it's better for you.

Also, I ruptured my vocal chords when I wasn't diagnosed with pneumonia for 12 weeks and from all the coughing caused the rupture. I thought that I would have problems with ACV and my voice but that hasn't happened. I just feel better taking ACV. This stuff is amazing. I know that this sounds ridiculous and made up but it isn't. I really hope that this helps with your questions and concerns...

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Replied By Van (Sunnyvale, Ca, Usa) on 10/06/2011

I just did a test with apple cider vinegar (ACV). One tall glass with 2T of ACV. When I drank the first have my PH read 6.75. Then I down the last half and put the PH strip under my tounge where my saliva comes out so I am testing the saliva and not the liquid that remained on my tongue. The result was 7.25.

When I first was experimenting with an Alkaline diet with PH drops, I had acid reflux. My PH pointed to alkaline, but I couldn't hold my food down. I was in England at the time and I thought it was the over priced British cuisine (ie hot dog stand) turns out you guys are right, it is due to too much alkalinity not acidity.

A lot of professionals say a lot of weird things or just don't know. Sometimes I have to google the answers for my doctor so they would stop arguing with me. Proof is in the PH strip not always in our common logic.

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Replied By Van (Sunnyvale, Ca, Usa) on 10/10/2011

Seems like I must have ate something bad because I can't get my saliva PH to go up. Neither apple cider vinegar (ACV) or baking soda could get it to go up.
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Replied By Myrna (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) on 01/12/2012

Mike from Montreal, Try half a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar (the one sold at health food stores) in a glass of water half hour before you eat. I read this in the book Take Control of your health and Escape the Sickness Industry by Elaine Hollingsworth, her website is www.Doctorsaredangerous.com My husband had the same problem and the first time he took it the cure was immediate.
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