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Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help With Acid Reflux?
Question: I've been having acid reflux for 24 hours - really painful - however, it seems counter intuitive, to drink
1/2 glass water w/ drops of lemon juice in it. Is that the best thing? Apple cider vinegar is difficult
to ingest! Help !
1/2 glass water w/ drops of lemon juice in it. Is that the best thing? Apple cider vinegar is difficult
to ingest! Help !
Brief Answer:
consider trying other meds
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Though apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid some persons do say it works when used to help with reflux.
The exact mechanism that it does this is not medically known since there are no supporting studies.
If it does not work for the you may want to try other means of treatment.
The best treatment for reflux are the PPI medications. PPI stands for proton pump inhibitors, these medications stop the pump in the stomach that is producing the acid.
Examples are : nexium, prilosec, prevacid, protonix
It is possible that one of these may be available over the counter.
Because they can take up to 24 hours to have an effect in some persons, you may want to initially combine with an H2 antagonist such as zantac or pepcid.
These work differently than the PPI so when combined, they should add to each other and help relieve your discomfort.
The other aspect of treatment reflux are lifestyle changes including
(1)using small frequent meals instead of large meals which increase acid production
(2)avoiding spicy/citrus/fried foods . this food list also includes onion, tomato, mint ,chocolate
(3)waiting at least 2 hours after a meal before laying down
(4)weight loss of any excess weight- it compresses the stomach and helps the food and acid to reflux
(5)elevating the head of a bed
Summary: (1) combine a PPI (nexium, protonix, prevacid, prilosec) with a H2 antagonist (pepcid, zantac)
(2)lifestyle changes
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
consider trying other meds
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
Though apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid some persons do say it works when used to help with reflux.
The exact mechanism that it does this is not medically known since there are no supporting studies.
If it does not work for the you may want to try other means of treatment.
The best treatment for reflux are the PPI medications. PPI stands for proton pump inhibitors, these medications stop the pump in the stomach that is producing the acid.
Examples are : nexium, prilosec, prevacid, protonix
It is possible that one of these may be available over the counter.
Because they can take up to 24 hours to have an effect in some persons, you may want to initially combine with an H2 antagonist such as zantac or pepcid.
These work differently than the PPI so when combined, they should add to each other and help relieve your discomfort.
The other aspect of treatment reflux are lifestyle changes including
(1)using small frequent meals instead of large meals which increase acid production
(2)avoiding spicy/citrus/fried foods . this food list also includes onion, tomato, mint ,chocolate
(3)waiting at least 2 hours after a meal before laying down
(4)weight loss of any excess weight- it compresses the stomach and helps the food and acid to reflux
(5)elevating the head of a bed
Summary: (1) combine a PPI (nexium, protonix, prevacid, prilosec) with a H2 antagonist (pepcid, zantac)
(2)lifestyle changes
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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