Vinegar is a Great Natural Remedy for Heartburn (Yes, Really!)
You might be surprised to learn that something acidic can actually be used as an effective natural remedy for heartburn. While it would seem logical to avoid any substance that contains acid if you’re trying to ease the discomfort of acid reflux and heartburn, many sufferers have reported that apple cider vinegar gives them considerable relief without having to take any prescription medicines or antacids.
The reason for this is not entirely clear but it appears possible that in addition to acetic acid, unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains other natural substances that help to treat heartburn. According to this line of thinking, the acid in vinegar might not even play a part in its therapeutic effect.
Other adherents to the vinegar cure for acid reflux say that this condition arises when you have too little stomach acid, rather than too much. This causes the lower esophageal sphincter, or LES (the valve at the lower end of the esophagus) to become too loose to do its normal job of preventing the contents of the stomach from entering the esophagus, they say. Drinking a small amount of vinegar is said by many natural medicine practitioners to stimulate the LES to tighten and keep reflux from occurring.
Whatever the reason, though, it’s clear that millions of people around the world find vinegar helpful as a natural home remedy when they experience the burning, pain and sour taste of acid indigestion (heartburn) or gastroesophageal reflux. Most of them prefer to use apple cider vinegar, which has a mild and pleasantly fruity flavor, while others say any type of vinegar has the same positive effect on their heartburn symptoms.
So how can you use vinegar as a natural remedy for heartburn? The most common method is to take a tablespoon or two of unfiltered apple cider vinegar before every meal to help prevent your digestive juices from backing up into your esophagus and causing problems. Some people like to dilute it with a tablespoon to a cup of lukewarm water, while others add a quarter teaspoon of baking soda to neutralize the acetic acid.
A more convenient option, especially when you’re on the go, might be to buy apple cider vinegar tablets and capsules at your local health food store. However you choose to take it, you’re likely to find vinegar a surprisingly effective natural remedy for heartburn.
