Heartburn or acid reflux is a problem that most of us have to face on a daily basis. People who are suffering with GERD tend to suffer from severe heartburn after eating food, lying down and after exertion or activity. It is not possible to use antacids or over the counter medications for this problem on a daily basis. Using apple cider vinegar for acid reflux is a wonderful option, as it proves to be a safer and natural alternative.
Apple Cider Vinegar For Acid Reflux
- It is best to select organic apple cider vinegar for treating acid reflux.
- Take 2 teaspoons of this apple cider vinegar and mix it in 8 ounces of water. Drink this vinegar and water mix before eating food or as and when heartburn arises.
- Remember to dilute this apple cider vinegar properly as it is an acid and can cause damage to the oral cavity and teeth if used in undiluted form
How Does Apple Cider vinegar Help in Acid Reflux?
There are many theories put forward to explain the mechanism of action of apple cider vinegar on acid reflux.
1) pH Value
pH is the measure of acid or alkaline content of a substance. The LES muscles found at the lower end of the esophagus are designed to function in response to the pH levels of the gastric content.
When ever the acid content of the stomach falls below normal, the LES opens backwards and allows the gastric contents to enter the esophagus causing heartburn and acid reflux.
Drinking Apple cider vinegar maintains the normal pH values of the stomach and thus prevents this flipping open of LES muscles in response to low acid levels.
2) Acidity of Gastric contents
The hyperacidity of the stomach can also be a cause for acid reflux and heartburn. When you drink apple cider vinegar, you are introducing a milder acid with lesser acidity values than the gastric hydrochloric acid. This leads to dilution of the hyperacidity of the stomach contents and thus helps to prevent acid reflux.
Other Benefits of Using Apple Cider vinegar for Acid Reflux
The benefits of apple cider vinegar are definitely not limited to acid reflux. It could also help in reducing blood pressure values. It has also been extolled as a wonderful anti-septic and anti-biotic too. It has also been said to enhance the natural immunity of the body.
Cost of Apple Cider Vinegar
This is probably the cheapest and safest alternative treatment for more than one medical disorder. A bottle of apple cider vinegar rarely costs more than $4 or $5 and will last for more than 1-2 months even if you consume 2 teaspoons daily. So this is definitely a cost effective way to treat your acid reflux and many other health problems.
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