Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help Acid Reflux? Maybe, But Don't Drink It Straight Up

People use apple cider vinegar (ACV) for many things beyond salad dressings and marinades. Some people swear by it for common health ailments, like acid reflux (heartburn). But can drinking an acidic drink really help reduce that burning sensation? 

Here, we break down what the research says so you can decide whether it's worth trying this home remedy. 

Does apple cider vinegar help acid reflux?

There aren't any strong clinical studies that show ACV can help acid reflux. But there’s some anecdotal evidence that says otherwise. This means many people report that it helps their symptoms, even if larger studies don’t back the claim.

You can still try apple cider vinegar for reflux, even though there’s no research available. But you should proceed with caution, since health professionals generally don’t recommend it. 

That being said, drinking apple cider vinegar is generally well-tolerated as long as you don't take it straight up (by itself, without diluting it first in another beverage). 

How do people take apple cider vinegar for acid reflux?

Drinking any type of vinegar straight — without dilution — can hurt your stomach and erode tooth enamel. Always dilute ACV before taking it. To do this, mix a tablespoon of ACV into a cup of warm water and drink it before or after a meal. 

When is the best time to take ACV for reflux?

You can drink ACV before or after meals. There’s no research saying one is better than the other — or if either works. Many people only drink ACV if they develop acid reflux or symptoms after their meal. 

Are there any risks to taking ACV for reflux?

There's a chance ACV may make heartburn worse. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that causes frequent heartburn. It occurs when acid in the stomach travels up into the esophagus. Vinegar is very acidic. So, if you have GERD, there's a chance that adding more acid to the mix in your stomach may worsen your symptoms. 

Other potential side effects of drinking ACV include:

• Tooth damage: ACV can damage teeth by eroding the enamel, leaving you more prone to sensitivity. Diluting ACV before drinking it can help prevent this. 

• Lowering blood potassium levels: Hypokalemia is the medical term for low potassium levels in the blood. Large amounts of ACV can lower potassium, so avoid it if you have hypokalemia. 

• Medication interactions: ACV interacts with some medications, including anti-diabetes drugs and diuretics. Always speak to your primary care provider before taking ACV if you're taking any medication. 

• Nausea: Some research suggests that drinking vinegar causes nausea. If you're prone to having an upset stomach, you might want to skip the ACV.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Benefits of apple cider vinegar: Some research suggests it can help with things like blood sugar and cholesterol. We review all the reported health claims for you. 

• Home remedies for acid reflux: There are other ways you can treat your heartburn at home. Our experts explain what works — and what doesn’t.

• Foods that help and hurt heartburn: Sometimes, the best treatment is prevention. And small changes to your diet may help you avoid future episodes of heartburn.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

April Benshosan, MS

April has been reporting on nutrition, fitness, and health for nearly a decade. Her work has been published in both print and digital outlets, including Women’s Health, EatingWell, SHAPE, Well+Good, Glamour, Health.com, Abbott, Verywell Health, Lifeforce, and more.

Edited by:

Katie E. Golden, MD

Katie E. Golden, MD, is a board-certified emergency medicine physician and a medical editor at GoodRx.

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