Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is made from crushed apples, sugar, and yeast. Created through fermentation, apple cider vinegar is the byproduct of the yeast breaking down the sugars in the apple juice and turning them into alcohol after a few weeks. Once the bacteria breaks down the alcohol into acetic acid, the solution becomes ACV.
Apple cider vinegar contains various acids, such as lactic, malic, and citric, aside from acetic acid. Researchers believe that the presence of these acids will help signal the lower esophageal sphincter to remain shut. Medical practitioners also state that acetic acid and the other component acids present in ACV helps balance stomach juices to optimal levels.
Doctors say that if people wish to use ACV to manage their GERD, they can place a teaspoon of the vinegar in a mug of warm water and consume it before or after a meal. Alternatively, there are also ACV supplemental pills comprising dehydrated ACV and other herbal ingredients. However, doctors recommend not taking apple cider vinegar in large quantities because ACV is also corrosive. Even diluted ACV can irritate the throat, erode tooth enamel, and burn the mouth, stomach, and esophagus tissues.
