Acid Reflux and Vinegar
You may have heard something about apple cider vinegar as a natural remedy for acid reflux. There appears to be numerous success stories posted on forums throughout the Internet. Unfortunately, there haven’t been any studies so there’s no way to know if vinegar is effective at ending acid reflux or not.
In fact, logic seems to dictate that it shouldn’t work. Vinegar is an acid. So taking apple cider vinegar should simply add more acid to the stomach, thereby making the situation worse.
But let’s take a look at some possible reasons why it might work, with one caveat … if you decide to go down this path, be very cautious. In fact, it would be wise to discuss it with your physician first.
Okay, with that said, there is a controversial theory that acid reflux is the result of too little stomach acid. While no studies have been done, the theory goes something like this: undigested food actually ferments in the stomach, thereby causing your acid reflux. If this were the case, then drinking apple cider vinegar should aid digestion and reduce your symptoms.
Another theory is a rather common one when it’s difficult to explain medical results: the success of the vinegar is nothing more than the result of a convincing placebo. You feel better because you expect to feel better. It has nothing to do with the vinegar at all. Of course this could be said of any and all natural acid reflux treatments.
For most acid reflux sufferers, it isn’t important whether or not apple cider vinegar has been proven to work or not, as long the pain and discomfort of their acid reflux is reduced by taking it. Consumed in a reasonable quantity, vinegar shouldn’t be harmful, so you probably don’t need to worry about that.
However, it may actually make your acid reflux symptoms worse. So please use caution, and as previously mentioned, consult your doctor first.
Related posts:
Loading ...
Leave a Reply