Share this on:Copied!

If you talk to friends or family about heartburn or acid reflux, they might suggest trying apple cider vinegar. Some people swear by this at-home method for a quick fix to heartburn.

Apple cider vinegar has been on the rise as a “miracle fix” to problems like weight management, blood sugar issues, and heartburn. But experts still have limited research on its health benefits.

To find relief for heartburn, you should start by knowing your symptoms and finding the best method for treatment.

Why Do I Get Heartburn?   

Heartburn is a digestive health issue. When the muscles in your esophagus don’t work as they should, the food in your stomach can flow back up to your esophagus. The medical term for this process is acid reflux.

Acid reflux causes the burning feeling in your chest and throat that you know as heartburn. So, although related, acid reflux and heartburn aren’t the same.

Is heartburn the same issue as GERD?

Sometimes, your heartburn is a more serious health condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While these two issues have similarities, GERD symptoms are typically more serious than typical acid reflux.

GERD can cause heartburn, but it can also give you an ongoing cough, sour taste in your mouth, and chest pain.

Talk to your doctor if you have chronic heartburn symptoms. They’ll help you figure out if you’re dealing with GERD, and if so, can prescribe the correct medication and treatment.

What foods give you heartburn?

You can have heartburn for many reasons. Pregnancy, obesity, and stress can all cause acid reflux. But you might notice heartburn most after you eat.

Some foods are more likely to cause heartburn than others. Highly acidic, fatty, and greasy foods are among the most common heartburn culprits. You might have heartburn more if you regularly consume:

• Alcohol.
• Caffeine.
• Fried foods.
• Fruit juices.
• Mint.
• Soda or carbonated drinks.
• Tomatoes or tomato sauce.

If you have chronic heartburn, pay attention to which foods you eat most often. Try tracking your heartburn and what you ate beforehand — if you notice a pattern, consider changing your diet.

Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help With Heartburn?

Recently, apple cider vinegar has been a popular acid reflux remedy. But does apple cider vinegar help heartburn naturally?

Apple cider vinegar has probiotics — important microorganisms that help treat stomach issues. Probiotics can balance stomach acid and improve gut health, which is why many people choose to use apple cider vinegar for heartburn.

But probiotics don’t help with every stomach issue, and studies on apple cider vinegar are still ongoing. Health experts don’t yet have enough research to prove that apple cider vinegar helps with heartburn.

Does apple cider vinegar make heartburn worse?

Sometimes, apple cider vinegar can make your heartburn symptoms worse. Extra acid can bother your esophagus, which is why apple cider vinegar worsens acid reflux for some people.

If you do choose to drink apple cider vinegar, make sure not to drink it plain. There are risks of taking apple cider vinegar undiluted, including additional irritation. Add about a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a cup of water before you drink it.

Apple cider vinegar might not be right for heartburn, but it does have some proven health benefits. It can help reduce the bacteria in your food and the chemicals on your produce.

Fortunately, there are plenty of evidence‑based alternatives to apple cider vinegar for heartburn.

The Best Ways to Treat Heartburn: Proven Methods and At-Home Remedies

Although the jury’s still out on apple cider vinegar, plenty of natural heartburn treatments can help with your symptoms.

For instance, you can make lifestyle changes to improve reflux symptoms. Often, even small changes can make a major difference. Some changes to try if you have heartburn:

• Avoid smoking — Nicotine can weaken the muscles in your esophageal sphincter, which keeps acid in your stomach. Without that protection, stomach acid can flow back into your esophagus.
• Change your diet — Try more high-fiber foods like berries, leafy greens, and whole grains. Fiber can absorb stomach acid and help you digest food faster.
• Don’t lie down after you eat — You produce more stomach acid after you eat. That stomach acid can rise into your esophagus and cause acid reflux. Try to stay upright for at least two to three hours after a meal.
• Eat slower — This helps stop you from overeating, which is a major cause of heartburn.
• Elevate your head while you sleep — Elevating your head can stop stomach acid from moving up your esophagus. Try adding extra pillows under your head before you go to bed.
• Exercise — Light, low-impact exercise can help relieve heartburn. But try to avoid exercise that puts pressure on your stomach, like running.
• Maintain a healthy weight — If you’re overweight or obese, you’re more likely to experience heartburn. Extra weight, especially around your midsection, can put pressure on your stomach and bring acid to your esophagus. Try to eat a well-rounded diet or add movement to your routine.
• Reduce stress — Stress can cause your body to produce more acid. Meditation, breathing exercises, and mindfulness activities can all help you manage stressors. If these methods don’t work or the stress is more serious, talk to a mental health professional.

What medications work for heartburn?

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to fix your heartburn, medication is another option to find relief. Often, you can relieve heartburn with the help of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Some of the most effective medications for treating heartburn include:

• Antacids — Neutralize your stomach acid so it doesn’t irritate your esophagus. Antacids can have side effects if you take them daily, so they’re best for occasional heartburn.
• H2 blockers — Control the acid in your stomach to stop and prevent heartburn. While H2 blockers can help right away, they’re not the best choice for ongoing use.
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) — Treat heartburn long term.

For mild acid reflux cases, you can treat your symptoms at home. But when OTC medications fail, it might be time to see a doctor.

When should I see a doctor for my heartburn?

Heartburn alone isn’t always cause for concern. But it can be a sign of a serious issue when you have other symptoms along with heartburn, such as:

• Chronic bad breath.
• Cough.
• Diarrhea.
• Extreme stomach pain.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Trouble swallowing.
• Wheezing.

Don’t ignore heartburn. You can find relief, whether you treat it at home or with the help of your doctor.