Have you felt a strange burning sensation accompanied by pain that shifts from your stomach to your chest, and even to your throat? How about the feeling of foul-tasting, acidic liquid rushing back from your throat into your mouth? Or what about the constant need to burp or a feeling of bloating?
These are all symptoms of Acid Reflux. So how can you treat it? Apple Cider Vinegar is known for treating this ailment. But is apple cider vinegar good for acid reflux? If you would like to know the answers, this post is for you!
Acid disorders are caused when the stomach does not have enough acid. Therefore, it uses the available acid inside it to digest the food. This is why sometimes due to the ‘storm’ cooking up in your stomach, you taste the terrible acid thrown up into your throat or mouth from the stomach.
Commonly, many people would pop in an antacid for relief. However, it is a lesser known fact that popping an antacid is the last thing you would want to do in the case of Acid Reflux.
Scores of people around the world swear by Apple Cider Vinegar to help reduce the pain and heartburn caused due to acid reflux. But why would one want to drink something acidic when there is an overproduction of acid in the stomach? Well, that’s because, it is not an ‘overproduction’ of acid in your stomach but an ‘under production’ of acid, which leads to Acid Reflux.
While there isn’t any medical research to prove that ACV can be used in cases of Acid Reflux, ACV has helped scores deal with this nasty and recurring problem.
Many state that the acetic acid in vinegar increases the pH value of the stomach, thus, decreasing its acidity. Hydrochloric acid is a powerful acid produced in the stomach. Acetic acid and salt present in the vinegar help neutralize the stomach acid and maintain its pH level.
How to take apple cider vinegar for acid reflux? Two or three teaspoons of ACV followed by a glass of water is known to bring immediate relief to those suffering from Acid Reflux. Of course, it is always recommended to store ACV in glass bottles rather than plastic ones because, over time, the acid in the vinegar may react with chemicals in the plastic and get contaminated. Also, it is suggested to drink ACV before meals, though some may also drink it when afflicted with Acid Reflux.
Since we now know that ACV is a boon for those who suffer from Acid Reflux, we must understand that dietary changes are also important. We must refrain from eating very large meals or lying down immediately after eating. Eating just before going to bed is another reason for heartburn, and we should avoid it.
Smoking and consumption of tea, coffee, and carbonated beverages may add to your acid reflux problems, so it would be wiser to stay away from them. Also, those who are obese are more prone to Acid Reflux (1). Certain citrus foods, garlic, onions, chocolate and extremely spicy food are invitations to Acid Reflux, as is taking blood pressure medicines and Aspirin.
Once we incorporate certain changes in our diet and lifestyle, we will observe that certain health issues can be avoided and, we can lead healthier lives. Eat smaller meals every day, do not wear tight clothing, quit smoking and, of course, most importantly, exercise!
Have you ever tried apple cider vinegar cure for acid reflux? How well did it serve you? Also, if you know any other remedies for acid reflux, share with us in the comments section below!