Does Apple Cider Vinegar Work For Acid Reflux?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) may help relieve your acid reflux symptoms. ACV is thought to balance the stomach’s pH level, but people have varying degrees of success with it. Mix a tablespoon or less of ACV in a cup of water and drink before or after you eat to see if it works for you.

Does apple cider vinegar help or worsen acid reflux?

There’s a lot of debate on the efficacy of apple cider vinegar (ACV). Some resources claim that vinegar for acid reflux works because it’s able to balance the stomach’s pH level through acid neutralization. 

 Others claim that ACV can irritate the esophagus and stomach by increasing acidity levels. 

 Is apple cider vinegar good for acid reflux? It depends on the person. You may or may not have symptom relief, but if you’re looking to treat your acid reflux, it’s worth a try.

How to use apple cider vinegar to treat your acid reflux

Small consumption is generally safe, and you can dilute it with water if it’s too strong for you or upsets your stomach. The method people use most often to treat acid reflux is: 

• Mix a tablespoon of ACV with a glass of water 
• Drink before or after a meal 

The quantity of ACV can vary from a teaspoon to a tablespoon. If a tablespoon is too potent for you, lower the quantity to find the right amount for your stomach. 

 If you have severe acid reflux, this method of treatment may not work well for you. In this case, speaking to a doctor is best.

Other ways to treat your acid reflux

The food and drink you consume are vital as well as the lifestyle choices you make. 

 Simple changes can have a drastic impact on your symptoms and the severity of your reflux. 

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle plays an integral role in controlling acid reflux symptoms. Simple changes can help curb or stop the symptoms you’re suffering from. The changes that have the biggest impact are: 

• Maintain a healthy weight and/or lose weight if you’re overweight 
• Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking 
• Eat slowly and avoid overeating 
• Consume your last meal three or four hours before bed 
• Sit upright for two hours after eating 
• Wear loose fitting clothing 

Antacids, which are sold over-the-counter, can be taken to reduce acid production. It's important to consult with your doctor if you’re already on medication. Overuse of antacids can cause negative side effects. 

Dietary changes

Diet plays a key role in the lower esophageal sphincter’s ability to close properly. If you eat the right foods, you’ll have lower risks of acid reflux, while the wrong foods can make your symptoms worse. 

 Foods you should eat: 

• Non-citrus fruits 
• Lean meat 
• Ginger 
• Oatmeal 
• Vegetables  
• Healthy fats 
• Egg whites

 Fatty and acidic foods often lead to higher acidity levels. You should avoid eating the following foods: 

•  Fried foods
• Chocolate
• Citrus fruits 
• Fatty foods 
• Caffeine  
• Mint  
• Alcohol  

Oftentimes, keeping bad fats out of your diet, or at very low levels per meal, makes a world of difference for acid reflux sufferers. 

Why Omeprazole (Generic Prilosec) is your best treatment option for acid reflux

With moderate to severe cases of acid reflux, making simple lifestyle and dietary changes may not be enough to curb your symptoms. The good news? Prescription drug Omeprazole has been proven to be incredibly effective treatment, alleviating all symptoms!

Take control of your treatment by speaking with one of our online doctors today. They can help you discuss your best course of action, including prescription medication Omeprazole.

The best part? Omeprazole works the same as brand name acid reflux medications—at a fraction of the cost! It works by reducing stomach acid, effectively preventing recurring episodes of acid reflux. Plus, most adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, can safely take Omeprazole.

Schedule a virtual doctor’s appointment, today.

Get help for your acid reflux, today!

Acid reflux is incredibly bothersome & inconvenient. While diet & lifestyle changes may help, your best option to treat acid reflux is to speak with a doctor.

Schedule a virtual visit with one of EMD's reputable doctors & get a personalized treatment plan that works.

Stop living with acid reflux. Get help, today!