What Causes Acid Reflux
There may be several reasons why youre experiencing acid reflux, and all of them have to do with the LES valve weakening or loosening.
All of the following can contribute to the loosening and weakening of the LES:
- Smoking
- Increased abdominal pressure from obesity or pregnancy
- A stomach hernia
Chronic acid reflux with GERD is more than acid reflux from time to time. Its a frequent, even daily, ordeal.
Some people experience acid reflux after eating or drinking:
- Spicy foods, which include minty foods
- Acidic fruits and fruit juices, such as citrus and tomatoes
- Coffee, chocolate, and other sources of caffeine
- Fast food and fried foods
- Carbonated beverages, such as soda and tonic water
- Alcoholic drinks
Natural Remedy For Heartburn
Combining a few top-notch ingredients like apple cider vinegar and freshly grated ginger, with a dose of refreshing water and a little Concord grape juice for flavor and antioxidants, this drink is sure to please the palate, as well as the stomach.
For best results, use a raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar that contains the mother to ensure you are getting the most nutritional value.
Get ready to kick heartburn to the curb by drinking this remedy daily, so you can get back to enjoying life!.
The Benefits Of Apple Cider Vinegar For Acid Reflux Gerd And Heartburn
If using apple cider vinegar for acid reflux sounds like fighting fire with fire, you’re not entirely wrong. After all, acidic foods for people fighting acid reflux and heartburn is typically a big no-no. However, there are a few theories supporting the benefits of ACV for acid reflux let us explain.
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The Importance Of Gut Health
Maintaining a healthy gastrointestinal system is good for a persons well-being. One way to do this is through keeping the right balance of good and bad bacteria living in your gut.
The right balance between good and bad bacteria helps keep diseases at bay. Studies say that 80% good bacteria and 20% bad bacteria can help our body function properly.
The good bacteria in your digestive system can boost your overall immune system, improve digestion and metabolism, vitamin and mineral absorption, and help your body eliminate toxins.
Bad bacteria can lead to irritation and inflammation, which is unhealthy. It can also affect your immune system, cause skin conditions, acid reflux, and constipation and diarrhea. Poor gut health may even lead to diseases like Type 2 Diabetes, liver disease, cancer, diabetes, auto-immune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and even mental issues.
How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Gerd
Doctors recommend purchasing apple cider vinegar with probiotics in it for combating GERD. Specifically, around two teaspoons of vinegar should be added to 1/4th cup of water and consumed. This remedy should be repeated every 5-10 minutes, till the heartburn subsides.
Gastroenterology specialists also recommend taking the vinegar cure on an empty stomach. This vinegar-associated action brings pH levels down. As acid reflux can be the result of too little acid in the stomach, using apple cider vinegar to lower acidity levels could work.
Another value of apple cider vinegar is that it is a potent antimicrobial agent. If acid reflux results from bacterial buildup, this property of vinegar could make it the perfect cure for GERD. If you are low on digestive enzymes, thereby triggering acid reflux, apple cider vinegar can work in this case, too.
Some experts also suggest taking apple cider vinegar pills rather than in the liquid form, as this contains powerful nutrients like amino acids and antioxidants, which ward off acid reflux faster.
Could Excessive Calcium Cause Cardiac Disease?
If you believe prevention is better than cure, even taking this form of vinegar mixed in water for about twenty minutes before a meal works fine. Taking organic apple cider vinegar works best because it retains natural enzymes otherwise lost during pasteurization. This organic vinegar can in any health store. Always use warm water for diluting the vinegar.
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Apple Cider Vinegar For Acid Reflux Drink Recipe
Esteemed nutritionists and dieticians often suggest apple cider vinegar tonics as they are a great way to enjoy the vinegar in a diluted form. There are many ways to create a tonic, but a basic acid reflux drink recipe goes something like this:
- Choose your ingredients. You can always go for the sourness of lemon, the warm kick of turmeric, or a couple of healthy greens. Keep any possible food intolerances in mind.
- Choose your sweetener. Many people opt for artificial sweeteners to avoid weight gain, but honey is a healthier substitute for natural sugar.
- Take up an adequate amount of apple cider vinegar. Mix it with all your ingredients and water.
Alternatively, you can take ACV pills if the taste of drinking vinegar is too much to handle. Even better, the recent market trend of apple cider vinegar gummies is an excellent way to avoid the harsh reality of drinking vinegar.
There Hasnt Been Enough Good Research On Acv To Determine Whether It Has Other Health
Although its touted as a supplement for acne, hiccups, allergies, and more, as a 2017 article noted, in Natural Product Research notes, more in vitro and in vivo validations are necessary in order to precisely weigh the pros and cons of ACV. Reshmi Srinath, M.D., assistant professor in the Mt. Sinai division of endocrinology, diabetes, and bone disease, and director of the Mount Sinai Weight and Metabolism Management Program, tells SELF that while there have been small, non-controlled studies suggesting that apple cider vinegar may be beneficial in some ways, thereâs not enough clinical data to support its use to the general public.
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So Why Can Acv Help Mild Heartburn
When you have heartburn, the acid in your stomach travels up through your esophagus and irritates it, causing that burning, tight feeling in your chest.
Apple cider vinegar is a moderate acid that could theoretically bring down the pH of your stomach. Then, the stomach doesnt have to make its own acid, Farhadi explains. In a sense, by providing a mild acid, youre stopping the stomach acid trigger.
Heres the thing: This doesnt work for everyone and in some people, using ACV will make your heartburn even worse. If youre having significant reflux and a lot of irritation, ACV going over your esophagus can irritate it, prompting those intense heartburn symptoms. Apple cider vinegar may be helpful in mild cases, but it definitely doesnt in moderate to severe reflux, Farhadi says.
If youve got a serious heartburn problem going on, its best to try OTC heartburn medications and, if that doesnt help, see your doctor, Farhadi says.
But if you tend to just have a little heartburn after going to town on wasabi peas, guzzling a huge black coffee, or downing a glass of OJ, you can try adding a little ACV to your routine and see where that gets you. Farhadi recommends taking it on an empty stomach , and having a teaspoon or so of ACV diluted in half a cup of water.
If it helps, great! If it doesnt do jack or it feels like your heartburn is getting worse, its time to try some medication or see your doctor.
Tightening Of The Sphincter Muscle
Vinegar is an important constituent of apple cider vinegar along with other mild acids like tartaric acid and citric acid. It is a well known anti-heartburn drink being consumed since decades.
The vinegar per se or apple cider vinegar is also thought to tighten the sphincter muscle.
The sphincter muscle allows acid to reflux back because it gets lose and can no longer guard the stomach entrance.
Evidence from researches suggests that the astringent effects of vinegar work to contract the muscles of the stomach, including the sphincter muscle thereby making it tight enough to not allow the acid to reflux back in the oesophagus and cause heartburns.
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Are Acid Reflux Gerd Heartburn The Same Thing
Each time you research a digestive issue, you see terms like acid reflux, GERD, and heartburn all floating around in the same context. Possibly, you even think of them as a single digestive disease. However, these digestive diseases are different and should not be used interchangeably.
To understand the relationship between apple cider vinegar and acid reflux, you must first be able to identify the differences in these conditions.
The Problem With Low Stomach Acid
When food arrives in your stomach, your stomach produces acid to help start the digestive process. This is called stomach acid or hydrochloric acid . Stomach acid is important for a few reasons: digestion of proteins, absorption of minerals, control of parasites/bacteria/fungi, and because it signals to other parts of the digestive tract that food is on its way.
Research into the long-term effects of drugs that lower stomach acid gives us some insights into the risks of low HCI production [
- Chronic use of painkillers or antacids
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Erosion Of Tooth Enamel
Acidic foods and beverages have been shown to damage tooth enamel .
Soft drinks and fruit juices have been more widely studied, but some research shows the acetic acid in vinegar may also damage tooth enamel.
In one lab study, enamel from wisdom teeth was immersed in different vinegars with pH levels ranging from 2.73.95. The vinegars led to a 120% loss of minerals from the teeth after 4 hours .
Importantly, this study was done in a lab and not in the mouth, where saliva helps buffer acidity and a person would not hold vinegar in their mouth for 4 hours. Nevertheless, theres some evidence that large amounts of vinegar may cause dental erosion.
A case study also concluded that a 15-year-old girls severe dental decay was caused by consuming 1 cup of undiluted apple cider vinegar per day as a weight loss aid .
Summary
The acetic acid in vinegar may weaken dental enamel and lead to loss of minerals and tooth decay.
Apple Cider Vinegar And Honey
Having high content of potassium which is beneficial for neutralizing the stomach acids and cure heartburn, honey is a key ingredient to a home remedy for heartburn using ACV.
- Mix honey and ACV with the ratio of 1:1
- Sip this solution to lessen acid reflux symptoms
- Drink the solution whenever your heartburn strikes
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Best Apple Cider Vinegar Pills
Apple Cider Vinegar Pills With Mother
Do a little research on apple cider vinegar and you will find that many swear by taking it with mother. Mother is a webby, brownish, cloudy substance that floats near the bottom of organic apple cider vinegar bottles.
The mother is removed from the non-organic vinegars. Mother is the unfiltered, natural byproduct of fermenting raw apple cider vinegar. It is a very rich source of digestive enzymes and proteins! If you read our Supplements for Acid Reflux article, you understand the importance of introducing enzymes to your digestive system.
Organic Apple Cider Vinegar Pills
Here is an organic alternative:
What Causes Acid Reflux And Heartburn
Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows up into the esophagus. Thats the part of the body that connects your mouth to the stomach.
While your stomach is used to the presence of the stomach acid, the same cant be said for other parts of the body.
So, the stomach acid irritates your esophagus. This leads to the burning sensation in the chest and throat commonly known as heartburn. Also, you can experience a sour or bitter taste at the back of the mouth. It might even cause you to regurgitate food or liquid from your stomach into your mouth.
So, what exactly causes these problems?
Well, it all has to do with a muscle situated between the esophagus and the stomach called the lower esophageal sphincter .
LES works as a valve that opens when you swallow and then it tightens and closes again afterward.
If the LES doesnt close all the way or if it opens too often, acid produced by your stomach can move up into your esophagus causing discomfort.
If acid reflux symptoms happen more than twice a week, you may have acid reflux disease, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease .
Takeaway: Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows up into the esophagus. A loose lower esophageal sphincter that doesnt close all the way or opens too often, is the main cause of acid reflux.
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What The Research Says
Apple cider vinegar might improve acid reflux in people not taking medications and with minimal risk. But although theres a lot of anecdotal evidence, theres very limited research.
In fact, no research supporting this claim has been published in a medical journal. A graduate thesis did find that raw or unfiltered apple cider vinegar may prevent heartburn, though.
More research is needed to determine whether apple cider vinegar is a consistent and reputable way to treat acid reflux.
Ways It May Cause Diarrhea
1. There is a theory that drinking too much at one time will cause excess water to be pulled into the bowel, which will lead to watery stools, aka diarrhea–but not much in the way of proof here. That said, drinking or eating excessive amounts of even the healthiest foods can cause digestive issues, so this could be true.
But we aren’t talking about what will happen if you chug an entire bottle of ACV. We are talking about consuming recommended amounts, which might be as little as a tablespoon once a day.
2. Some people with sensitive stomachs may experience stomach pain, bloating, and diarrhea. If you fall into this category it might be best to avoid all acidic foods as best you can and likely spicy foods as well.
The reason for this is because of ACV’s acidity, which is usually around a pH of 3.3-3.5 at 5%. This, however, is less than other vinegars. ACV is more alkaline due to having more alkaline nutrients.
Acidity is also a reason why some people get diarrhea from orange juice, but this is also very rare.
A Constipation Treatment?
One of this folk medicine’s uses is to treat constipation, which we all know is the opposite of diarrhea.
Supporters of ACV supplementation for constipation say that it has a laxative effect, which is pretty much like saying that it can cause diarrhea if supplemented in large enough amounts.
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What Is The Least Acidic Yogurt
As we know that fatty foods and high-fat dairy products leads to acid reflux, Plain yogurt that is low-fat or non-fat is the least acidic form of yogurt that helps in acid reflux. However, even if you choose to eat a flavored variety with added sugar and fruit, choosing organic ingredients will help ensure that it is free of chemicals, hormones, and antibiotics that can contribute to develop acid reflux symptoms.
Gerd Diet: Foods That Help With Acid Reflux
Getting a case of acid reflux once in a while isn’t unusual, but some people suffer from burning discomfort, bloating and belching almost every time they eat. About 20% of the population has gastroesophageal reflux disease , a chronic acid reflux condition that’s diagnosed by a doctor.
Normally, the esophageal sphincter protects the esophagus from stomach acid. However, if the sphincter relaxes, food can push upward through the loosened opening and cause acid reflux.
“Diet plays a major role in controlling acid reflux symptoms and is the first line of therapy used for people with GERD,” says Ekta Gupta, M.B.B.S., M.D., gastroenterologist with Johns Hopkins Medicine.
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The Bottom Line On Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar does have some therapeutic uses but its benefits are modest.
Please dont think of ACV as a panacea for weight loss, blood sugar control or digestive issues. You can take 1-2 tablespoons of diluted ACV per day as a supplement, however for all of these conditions, there are more effective therapies. A better approach might be to use ACV and other vinegars in moderation as part of your healthy diet.
For personalized help with your digestive health, schedule an appointment at the Ruscio Institute for Functional Medicine.
References
Because Apple Cider Vinegar Is An Acid It Can Have A Corrosive Effect On The Teeth
Too much apple cider vinegar is not your smile’s best friend, particularly if it’s undiluted.
“Where could be a problem is your teeth. Because it is a vinegar, it can affect the enamel on your teeth,” Taub-Dix said.
Weakened tooth enamel, in turn, can make you more susceptible to tooth decay, cavities, and oral sensitivity, according to Pittsburgh Dental Excellence Center.
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Apple Cider Vinegar For Acid Reflux Recipe
Things are simple.
If you want to use apple cider vinegar for heartburn, you can refer to the following recipe.
There is not a specific quantity for reflux treatment. Generally, that quantity varies from one teaspoon to one tablespoon.
The important thing is to mix it with water.
You can drink it before or after meals. However, its preferred not to take it after a meal, because it can delay the digestion process .
Once done, you can expect a reduction in symptoms, starting from heartburn episodes.
This simple suggestion may work for many people, while but others may have no benefit.
Thats why its essential that you listen to your body and then decide if and when to take apple cider vinegar.
Below you can find a video that focuses the attention on vinegar for treating reflux and presents some additional information youll want to know.