Apple cider vinegar a natural cure.

By Raymond Harper

Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy for acid reflux

One natural remedy that can be use for many conditions is apple cider vinegar (ACV). It has been touted as a cure for many ailments including high cholesterol, acne, flu, Candida, chronic fatigue, arthritis, gout, sore throats, dermatitis and many more. It has also been used by many patients looking for a natural home remedy as a cure for heartburn. Vinegar is a much more useful astringent than ice and will reduce inflammation, bruising and swelling in approximately a third of the time that ice will take.

Vinegar was used by the Chinese to prevent the spread of viruses. It is even mentioned in ancient Greece by the physician Hippocrates as being able to cure ear infection rashes and more. It also aids in the breakdown of fat and is widely used in weight loss programs.

Vinegar made from apple cider was acclaimed as a remedy for acid reflux disease (GERD) and has been used for years.  A best selling book “Folk Medicine” by D.C. Jarvis’ wrote about It’s use in 1958, the remedies have been popular ever since, and the book sold over 500.000 copies.

How does it work?

Although very acidic it has been said that Apple Cider Vinegar has such curative abilities because of its ability to change one's pH levels to become more alkaline. To test a substances ph it is burnt and the ash content is mixed with water and tested. When you test the ash of ACV the leftover contents is alkaline.

There is much evidence from users that it’s use is all that is needed to stop acid reflux and heartburn attacks when taken daily after meals.

How is it taken?

One common natural cure for acid reflux is to put two tablespoons of “apple cider vinegar” in a glass of water and drink it after each meal throughout the day. Some people add baking soda in with this to help even more.

The vinegar has to the best of my knowledge never been clinically tested to verify why it works in treating heartburn. This may be so because most clinical tests are carried out by large companies testing there own pharmaceuticals and as apple cider vinegar is not one of them it is probably of no interest. After all why would they try to prove that a natural remedy will work better than manufactured drugs?

Results of using vinegar as a cure may vary widely and it does not work for everyone, but that can be said of the main acid reflux medication, Proton Pump Inhibitors, where one will work for some and not for others, or they will work for a short time and then you have to switch to another brand.

Contents of ACV

Scientists have recorded ninety different substances in ACV such as the thirteen types of carbolic acids, twenty ketones, four aldehydes, eight ethyl acetates eighteen types of alcohols and more. It also has high contents of important minerals, trace elements and vitamins that the body needs, as well amino acids acetic acid, enzymes, propionic acid, lactic acid. The vinegar also contains roughage in the form of potash and apple pectin. Mineral contents include potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, chlorine, sodium, sulfur, copper, iron, silicon, and fluorine.

Vitamin content includes Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Provitamin beta-carotene, Vitamin P (bioflavonoids).

Some people complain of an acidic taste left in the mouth when taking it in liquid form but tablets are available from most health stores if that method is preferable. To see if it will help your GERD, you could try taking up to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 oz of water, adding a little honey to taste after every meal. If you get that bitter acidic taste try adding a small amount of baking soda to neutralize the acid. Mixing the vinegar and baking soda will activate a lot of bubbles so make it in a large pitcher. If you do add baking soda you should wait one hour after your meal before taking the solution as the baking soda can reduce the enzymes and stomach acid required for proper digestion.

If you do try ACV as a natural cure it may take some time to work. You should always inform your doctor in case he has any reservations about taking natural supplements. But remember that taking a natural cure may be a better option than prescription drugs for the rest of your life.