Pull up any home remedy site about heartburn and vinegar is on the list as a cure.  Conflicting information about heartburn and vinegar abounds.  Does it cure heartburn?  Does it balance your digestive tract?  Should I take it as a supplement?  Below are the myths and truths about heartburn and vinegar.

Myth

Vinegar is reported to cure heartburn with its alkaline properties.  Although many people swear it instantly cures heartburn, science does not support the claim.  It adds more acid to the stomach therefore increasing your chance of having heartburn.  There is no proof that it relieves heartburn it actually increases the possibility.

Vinegar balances your digestive tract.  Vinegar is an acid.  Your stomach is filled with acid.  There is not a balance, there is only more acid being introduced.  You may feel better by taking some vinegar after a heavy meal because it is acid.

Vinegar is full of vitamins and minerals you need, so it is a good supplement for diets.  Different vinegars have different properties.  Most are processed with very little nutritional value left.

Truths

Many people swear that heartburn and vinegar intake is related.  Vinegar is one food listed on the “Do Not Eat” by Doctors regarding heartburn.  Taking vinegar on a regular basis can cause diarrhea and erosion of your stomach lining.  Vinegar is a condiment and should be used as such.

Vinegar is an acid.  Heartburn is the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.  Taking vinegar adds more acid to your stomach.  How could that help?  One problem that vinegar could help with is slow digestion or gastroparesis.  Gastroparesis is on complication of diabetes.  If you have slow digestion, you can take vinegar to help.  The most common dose is one to two tablespoons 20 minutes before eating a big meal.  Mixing with water or other liquid is ok

Apple cider vinegar is most listed as a supplement since it is the least processed.  Although apple cider vinegar does contain potassium, calcium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron, the amounts are very small.  You would have to drink a lot of vinegar to get a supplemental amount.

There is no scientific proof that alleviation of heartburn and vinegar are linked.  The only link between heartburn and vinegar is that you should not take or drink vinegar if you have heartburn.  There is also no proof that it has any other qualities that you should take vinegar.

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