Acid Reflux and Vinegar - Snake Oil or a Great Home Remedy?

Acid reflux is a painful condition experienced by millions of people every year. In fact, many feel the incidence of acid reflux is on the rise and attribute the increase to the modern high fat, high sugar diet and relatively sedentary lifestyle. Acid reflux is basically severe, recurring heartburn, generally believed to result from increased abdominal pressure. This pressure prohibits the esophageal sphincter muscle from closing off the stomach, and stomach contents (including strong stomach acids) wash up into the esophagus, causing intense pain.

Numerous over the counter and prescription remedies for acid reflux exist , but not all sufferers find relief from medication. Additionally , the side effects of some medications , as well as their expense make them unattractive choices for some afflicted with acid reflux disease. Many people are constantly searching for a more natural , homemade remedy for this issue.

Acid Reflux and Vinegar: A Potential Homeopathic Cure but Proceed with Caution

One of the more popular remedies you may come across on the internet or on message boards , is the use of apple cider vinegar for the treatment of acid reflux. While acid reflux and vinegar may not seem to go together at all , considering the high acidic content of vinegar , there are people who report experiencing relief after drinking it and who will swear by this method.

One hypothesis about why acid reflux and vinegar might be related is a controversial one - specifically , that acid reflux can sometimes be caused by too little stomach acid. not too much stomach acid. This theory holds that undigested food ferments in the stomach in the absence of appropriate levels of stomach acid. Adding vinegar aids digestion and reduces symptoms. Note that no one has tested this particular idea about acid reflux and vinegar.

Of course there are those who aren't concerned as to why acid reflux and vinegar are related to one another but are just thankful for the relief it brings. The hope and desire for an end to the burning sensations are usually enough for most people to try any home remedy , at least once.

The use of vinegar has never been shown to be harmful to people when consumed in reasonable quantities; however there are those , of course , who report that acid reflux and vinegar do not , in fact mix and experience an unfortunate increase in their symptoms.