Apple Cider Vinegar for Heartburn: Does It Work?
The holistic health world seems to love apple cider vinegar, and even though a few studies suggest that some of the touted health benefits may be worth further evaluation (reduced blood sugar spikes and short-term satiety when taken with a meal)1, what about the rest of the claims—namely, the claim that apple cider vinegar can help reduce heartburn?
What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is made the way most flavored vinegars are1; the natural sugars of a carbohydrate source (in this case, apples) are fermented by yeast and turned into sugar alcohol, and then that alcohol is converted into acetic acid, an organic acid that is responsible for that pungent “vinegar” smell.
>Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help With Heartburn?
While there are claims out there that apple cider vinegar can help with digestion and therefore lesson heartburn2, there haven’t been enough scientific studies to substantiate those claims.
One small study conducted at Arizona State University in 20163 suggests that organic apple cider vinegar “appeared to alleviate” heartburn symptoms for some study participants, but those symptoms were only alleviated for the first “60 to 75 minutes,” and researchers concluded that the improvements were “not statistically significant.”
>Can Apple Cider Vinegar CAUSE Heartburn?
One caveat for those who deal with occasional heartburn: even though apple cider vinegar doesn’t specifically seem to cause any major side effects, vinegar overall is a possible trigger food for heartburn because of its acidity4. If you’ve ever experienced heartburn symptoms after eating a salad with vinaigrette, than vinegar might be a personal trigger, and it’s best to stay away from this natural remedy.
Instead of trying to find relief from a treatment that may or may not help, consider using a first line of defense you can trust: TUMS. TUMS Chewy Bites start to neutralize acid on contact, providing fast relief for heartburn, indigestion, and sour stomach. When you’re really feeling the burn, America’s number one antacid has you covered.