I take Apple Cider Vinegar each morning for my GERD instead of Proton Pump Inhibitors.
BLOG NOTE: The Chief Blonde is not a doctor. Nor does she play one on TV or this blog. This account relates her personal experience and that of her husband. You should always consult a doctor before altering or discontinuing your medical treatment.
According to Ehow.com, up to 33% of people in the US have heartburn syptoms (GERD), and ten percent have those symptoms daily. When you experience GERD, it can occasionally lead to inflammation in the esophagus which can then sometimes lead to cancer of the esophagus. Without getting to graphic, but just to let you know uncorrected (GERD) can also lead to the need for blood transfusions, ulcers, extended bleeding, and sometimes death. However, as reported by Consumer Reports Health.org, the drugs you take for treating GERD , Proton Pump Inhibitors (also referred to as PPI) such as Prilosec and Nexium, can lead to an increased incident of pneumonia and infection from the bacteria C. difficile. Hip fractures are another concern of long-term use of PPIs . Also a recent study the combination of PPIs and the blood thinner Plavix could increase the risk of a second heart attack.
I have had GERD (as diagnosed by a gastroenterologis) for 10+ years. When it first was diagnosed, I was at the point that I would have let the doctor remove my esophagus (kinda hard to live that way) because I was in so much pain with GERD. He prescribed a PPI (which one is unimportant as I took several) and I had relatively good results for years. The reason I stopped taking PPIs was twofold. One, I was concerned about the side effects and two, my husband had went off of them a year earlier after using Apple Cider vinegar with great results.
I took a lot of courage for me to try the Apple Cider Vinegar. To be honest, I tried it once, just taking 3-4 Tablespoons of the vinegar straight up and it soured my stomach and I was convinced it wasn’t for me. Then I retried the remedy, this time I had done a little more research. My approach the second time was to add 2 teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar to 6 oz of water and 1/2 teaspoon of natural honey. Heat in the microwave for 26 seconds (or until Lukewarm). Stir the mixture once warm, and slam back all at once. I drank this every morning and evening, a half-hour before meals. I did this religiously for about 6 months. The results were immediate (relatively) and I stopped taking my PPI within the first month of treatment (PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR–do not rely on my advice). After 6 months of this remedy, I scaled back to just the morning dose and that is what I have been doing for two years–no PPI in sight.
Yes, I still have the occasional GERD flare-up but NOTHING like before. Even on the PPI medicine, I had a hard time with stressful situations, bending over for extended periods (acid would splash up into my esophagus) and eating certain foods. Now, the flare-ups are minor in comparison and usually stress induced.
The Vinegar must be apple cider. I personally use Heinz. You will find various ways to take the Apple Cider Vinegar if you research this remedy. My approach may work for you or another that recommends more Vinegar, less water, etc. Like any natural remedy, you have to be willing to play with this. My gastroenterologist, when questioned about this theory, advised me to stay on PPIs but said taking the Apple Cide Vinegar could not hurt me. I would not take the Apple Cider Vingar undiluted. I always make sure to rinse my mouth thoroughly afterwards to prevent canker sores and then I drink another glass of cold water to rinse out my throat and esophagus. Remember, Apple Cider Vinegar is acidic!
As a Woman over 45, I am thrilled to be off of PPIs. I do not like to take medicine unless I have to. This approach worked for me. I relate it to you as an anecdote. I do not know your own medical history. Only you and your doctor can determine what works for you. As advised by WebMD.com– YOU MUST CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE USING apple cider vinegar to make sure it won’t interfere with other medicines or other conditions you have.
WHAT APPROACH DO YOU TAKE FOR YOUR GERD?
wow thank u for ur blog.great info, i have heard that apple cider vinegar is great for many things
WOW! this is really good for you and never thought to try the apple cider , I was told once about this, but just never knew how to go about taking it without taking it straight up. Thanks for sharing this..
@tisonlyme143
Vinegar and water does amazing things. Also sleep with your head elevated and this helps.
This is really good info. I take medication every day for GERD>
It’s scary to think that 1/3 of the people have GERD, but I know it occurs often with people. Glad their are easy ways to help. Apple cider vinegar has so many healthy effects. It really does seem like something we all should be trying out.
I cannot wait to try out this remedy. Not that I want to have an ailment, but I want to try it to see how good this works.
My mother suffers from this and she takes a lot of Tums. Hopefully, I can get her to try this, think it will help 🙂
when grand was a live she would use apple cider for alot fo stuff and then i have used to use it for the sore thorat with lemon
my mom and grandmother suffer from this- and I hope I don’t start! this is awesome that this worked and that you were able to get off the meds! I will have to let them know about this! maybe it could work for them.
I’m going to research this approach for my dad. Thanks for the information.
Thanks!
I want to know where can I find. In walmart, I can only find the one used for cooking
Some people take it directly instead of adding 4 tbsp of apple cider into the water I will try your method
i dont have gerd but i’ve heard taking vinegar can also help with keeping blood sugar levels stable. i wonder why it works but its better then taking meds!
My sister has a real problem with GERD. I know that she would love to go off of her prescription drug, because it makes her gain weight. Thank you for the information.
ACV is so good for you for all kinds of ailments. I’m glad to see you found a great natural remedy. I say avoid prescriptions drugs whenever we can, some are downright harmful.
i use Apple Cider Vinegar in lots of things and my mother used it to help with blood sugar highs but I’m not a true believer since it did not work for me. Thanks for sharing.
Wow! I’ve heard about this, but never as detailed account like yours where you suffered GERD so badly for years and had great results. I’ve had GERD and other digestive issues for years and take a PPI that I called my God-send for a while because it stopped that awful pain! I will definitely look into this and see if it’s for me!
Hi
I was turned on to the use of ACV as a cure for a gastric ulcer last year; it’s also the fastest heartburn reliever I’ve ever seen. For both of those conditions, I took 2 tablespoons as needed. I’ve recommended ACV for other people’s digestive ills with much success. A key note, though- the vinegar MUST be organic, and unfiltered. If you don’t see sediments/cobwebby formations in the bottle, then it’s been steam-distilled and lost many of its beneficial enzymes.
Chris, I didn’t find I needed organic. The CHief Blonde
I hadn’t heard of this before. I’m going to try it. Thank you!
Well, it worked for me. And if you google it, you’ll see tons of others have tried it too!
The CHief BLonde
SOOOO glad I read this! I am not on a PPI (I have so many health issues and am on different meds, I can’t take anymore right now or I may have a meltdown)…but wow, it is AWFUL. I take so many Tums (ultra strength, of course) that when I had my last work-up, my GI doc was confused as to why I had such a high calcium level. Can you imagine? I shrugged and was like, hmmm, that is a mystery.
I read this because I thought you were going to say you drank it straight, and I HAD to see how you did it. LOL. Believe it or not…years ago (YEARS), my BFF and I were a little ummm, silly and used poor judgment and she introduced me to drinking swigs of apple cider vinegar prior to meals because it cut your appetite so much (probably because it made you want to vomit) so, apple cider vinegar still makes me shudder at this point. Ohhh, the things one will do to lose weight. Ugh.
Well..you could give it a try—I know what you mean about the shudder. I have been doing it for several years now and I still have to brace myself…really.
The Chief Blonde