I've recently stopped taking Nexium and have started using apple cider vinegar instead to help my reflux....

Question

After years of being on Nexium I have stopped taking it because I am trying to use a more natural method.On the advice and help of a naturopathic doctor I am trying to put healthier things in my body rather than prescriptions drugs.Anyway,I'm wondering if anyone out there uses the apple cider vinegar for stomach problems/reflux and how is it working for you?It seems to be working for me but I think my body is reacting to being off the Nexium and I haven't been feeling so great.I'm not giving up but was just looking for some encouragement or success stories from someone who uses the apple vinegar.Only serious answers and thanks in advance.

I am well aware of what apple cider vinegar has in it.As I said in my post it is helping me.I haven't had any reflux since being off the nexium and using the vinegar.If I start to feel like I have heartburn and take the acv it immediately alleviates the discomfort.My primary physician who I've seen for 20 years is working WITH my naturopathic doc also.If you go and read about the side effects of Nexium you will see why I wanted to get off of it.My health history is way too long and detailed to list here but going to a naturopathic doctor is how I've become healthier in the last 6 months.I have full support from my primary doc because he is well aware that as much as a Rx can help,there are also many detrimental side effects.I asked my original question looking for people who have had success using the acv.I don't want other peoples opinions.I'm sorry if that sounds rude but I already have docs that are advising me.Thank you for the other suggestions that have been posted.

Answer 1

Apple cider vinegar is acidic... the last thing your acid reflux needs! It will make it worse. You already don't feel good. You may as well be eating tomatoes and onions! You took Nexium for years and had no problems; it is specifically designed for Acid Reflux.

As the old saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. And never go to "natural" doctor without first seeking the advice of your primary physician. Good luck.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

I was on Aciphex for a while and then went off of it and tried Apple Cider Vinegar (which contains Acetic Acid). I started feeling bad again and the Acid Reflux came back. I have since gone back on my PPI and am feeling much better.

I realize that many Naturopaths recommend Apple Cider Vineger, but it simply doesn't work for everyone. I guess the premise is that some people are actually low in HCL and that adding Apple Cider Vinegar to one's diet will improve digestion. However, this is not the case for everyone with Acid Reflux (as I found out). I would suggest sticking with what works, regardless of what someone else recommends.

The only other natural substances you might try are Probiotics, Digestive Enzymes (without HCL in them) and Licorice Root Extract. I have tried all three of these and have not had any negative side effects (as I did with the Apple Cider Vinegar). Although they were not as effective as my PPI, I still take Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes daily.

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Three part answer information, what not to do, and what to do!

INFORMATION!!!!!!
I have a very severe case of Acid Reflux (G.E.R.D.). I have had to go to the hospital for some of the heartburn that I have had because the pain can become overwhelming or your breathing can be effected. It can be caused by Smoking, Drinking Beverages with caffeine (My case), Drinking Beverages with Alcohol, or can be Hereditary

The good thing about G.E.R.D. is that it can be a temporary thing and can be cured. It is never a permit thing even if you end up with it for the rest of your life it has the ability to be cured.

WHAT NOT TO DO!!!!!!!!
In most cases, stress is a factor to the reflux if you watch what you eat and reduce some of the stress it will help. If you watch what you eat for about a week you should find relief, if you do not then that is when you definitely what to listen to the doctor. Things to watch for are as follows:

Fatty Foods
Citrus Foods
Foods That Contain Grease
Fried Foods
Chocolate (including any Coco)
Caffeine
Smoking
Alcohol
Tomato Based Products
Lactose

WHAT TO DO!!!!
The two foods that I recommend is Black strap Molasses and Raw honey. The apple is better for night time reflux while these will work for just about all of it. What you will do is take about a tsp. of whatever one you chose. Molasses being the better because of strength and nutrition, but must be use to the taste. What the substance will do is stick to the sides of the esophagus and do two things, one is heal and the other is protect.
On the healing end, both substances have a healing property in them, and as they sit on the walls of the esophagus they will heal it. This is also helpful if you have a sore throat in the morning from refluxing.
On the protection end, both substances are high in sugar and when acid that is refluxed comes up to that the sugar will neutralize it and it will not longer be a problem at that point.

I would also look to putting Cinnamon in you diet, it has been know to help with digestion and will help you reduce the amount of acid needed to brake down food, therefore causing you to reflux less.

Answer 5

Nexium Uses

Answer 6

Hi Flaming 40s. Your doctor is giving you good advice, so be careful about the 'experts' you hear from on this site.

Nexium has many serious side-effects including: 1) inducing vitamin B12 deficiency, 2) inducing mineral deficiencies (e.g. calcium, zinc, etc.), and inducing Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. There is a good chance you now have issues with all of these conditions. You may want to ask your doctor to test you for them.

There are many, many causes of GERD (Gastro-Intestinal Reflux Disease). It is important to identify and correct all factors that may be involved. An excellent book is available (your doc may be familiar with it) that discusses this issue thoroughly. It is called "No More Heartburn". Sherry Rogers, M.D. is the author. The book is available at Amazon.com.

Best wishes and good luck.

Answer 7

Many people concerned about possible side effects with prescription drugs or even over-the-counter medications, try combining some of the dietary and lifestyle changes mentioned in the reference below along with a tonic of apple cider vinegar before meals as an all natural way to alleviate occasional heartburn symptoms or as a preventative practice.

Some recent testimonials by people using ACV for heartburn are also included in the source below.

Answer 8

Apple Cider Vinegar eBook - http://AppleCiderVinegar.siopu.com/?sKW

Answer 9

To help digest food, the stomach produces about a quart of hydrochloric acid a day. Usually, the acid isn't a problem, because the gastrointestinal tract is coated with a protective mucous lining. But when acid moves up the esophagus (the tube running from the throat to the stomach), look out. Lacking a protective coating, the delicate tissue of the esophagus is vulnerable to the acid's corrosive action, which produces a burning sensation doctors label gastroesophageal reflux -- and the rest of us call heartburn.

Recommendations for Acid Reflux -

1.Orange peel extract - it should be standardized to contain a minimum of 98% of
d-limonene. Upon first experiencing symptoms, take one softgel capsule (1,000mg) every other day for 20 days, and one softgel capsule as needed for ocassional relief thereafter.

2.Calcium Carbonate : 250-500 mg 3 times a day. Chewable tablets provide the quickest relief.

3.Licorice (DGL): 2 deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) wafers (380 mg). Take 3 or 4 times a day between meals as needed

4.Aloe Vera Juice : 1/2 cup juice 3 times a day between meals. Contains 98% aloe vera and no aloin or aloe-emodin.

5.Gamma-oryzanol: 150 mg 3 times a day on an empty stomach.Also know as rice bran oil.

6.Choline : 500 mg 3 times a day. For chronic heartburn, use in combination with pantothenic acid and thiamin for 1 month to see if symptoms abate.

7.Pantothenic Acid : 1,000 mg twice a day. For chronic heartburn, use in combination with choline and thiamin for 1 month to see if symptoms abate.

8.Thiamin: 500 mg a day, taken first thing in the morning. Also called vitamin B1. For chronic heartburn, combine with pantothenic acid and choline for 1 month.

Answer 10

Hope this helps!