And while it may seem counterintuitive, some suggest apple cider vinegar may also help soothe heartburn symptoms. If so, that’s great news to the 60 million Americans who experience the gastrointestinal issue (GI) at least once a month. As for apple cider vinegar as a remedy, “The use of ACV to prevent heartburn depends on what the source of the heartburn is,” functional medicine doctor Elroy Vojdani, M.D., IFMCP, says. For example, if someone is overproducing gastric acid and has a weak esophageal sphincter, it’s likely that the acid will make its way into the throat. “So, if you introduce more acid into that environment, as comes from ACV, the heartburn is going to get worse,” Vojdani says. However, for the people who don’t produce enough stomach acid, “Food will get into the stomach but won’t be fully broken down,” doctor of clinical nutrition Brooke Scheller, DCN, M.S., CNS, writes for mbg. “This causes fermentation and gas production that feels like too much acid but is actually due to not having enough.” If someone has determined, with the help of a GI doctor, their heartburn is definitely caused by too little acid, the acids in ACV could be helpful. In fact, one thesis study found, “Although not statistically significant, ingestion of organic vinegar appeared to alleviate heartburn symptoms for some individuals; however, the effect seemed to last only for the first 60 to 75 minutes.” Plus, the probiotic benefits of ACV may help balance bacteria in the gut microbiome, improving digestion and indirectly reducing heartburn, Vojdani explains. That said, “This theory generally applies to people who have mild reflux or too little acid production,” Schehr explains. “However, for most with severe or persistent gastritis or inflammation, ACV could make heartburn worse.” A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found people who supplemented with ACV after eating a high glycemic meal had lower post-meal blood sugar levels than those who didn’t. Always remember, however, that new onset or ongoing symptoms of acid reflux, especially at an older age, should prompt an evaluation by a gastroenterologist as you might need an endoscopy, so please consult with your physician.
