ACV Warnings & Notes

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) works great for acid reflux. Although in general ACV is pretty safe, it’s best that you keep some of our warnings in mind.

WARNINGS

  • Don’t sip Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV), even if it’s mixed with water, over extended periods. It can result in dental decay and losing of enamel of the teeth. The recommendation is to consume the ACV dose within a period of 5-10 minutes. This should not harm your teeth. As a precaution you may rinse your mouth after taking ACV.
  • Do not use the tablet form of Apple Cider Vinegar for acid reflux. The table form does not have the same effect. Stick to the liquid form.
  • Our medical doctor said even though ACV is just food and it’s not harmful, it’s best to not use ACV one hour before or after your medication just as a precautionary measure. Don’t rely on our information in this regards, always check with your doctor because we don’t know your medical history and we are not doctors.

Some people use baking soda for acid reflux. If you use baking soda, keep the following in mind.

  • If you are on blood pressure medication (or have high blood pressure, but are not using medication), DO NOT USE BAKING SODA without your doctor’s approval. Most doctors may not approve using baking soda due to its salt content.
  • If you are using the baking soda recipe then make sure that you are not taking baking soda with food. Wait one hour after eating because taking baking soda with food will reduce the acids and enzymes needed for proper digestion.

NOTES

  • Always check with your doctor before you try any new treatment, especially if you are using any medications. Our family doctor told us that ACV is safe and there is no harm in trying it, but said a resounding NO to baking soda for patients with high blood pressure.
  • It is best to buy organic, raw, unpasteurized, unfiltered, Apple Cider Vinegar with naturally occurring Mother of vinegar. The organic ACV contains the beneficial microorganisms that turn alcohol to vinegar, known as the “Mother of vinegar”, which are the translucent shapes or veil-like film sometimes floating in the bottle. The “Mother” is a sign of genuine natural, unpasteurized vinegar.
  • It is important to realize that not all brands work for everyone. If a brand of ACV doesn’t work well for you then try a different brand.
  • Do not buy ACV from your local grocery stores because they usually sell Heinz ACV brand which is supposedly very acidic. It’s also not organic and doesn’t include the “Mother.” Go to a health food store and buy organic, raw unfiltered ACV with the “Mother”, which has alkalizing effect and is better for your health. ACV has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-viral properties, primarily coming from the malic acid and acetic acid portion of the vinegar.
  • The only time you want to use Heinz ACV is for food poisoning. It’s not organic and is known to be acidic which can supposedly kill off the bacteria causing food poisoning more quickly.
  • In our opinion the Spectrum brand doesn’t work well with some people. The most popular brand at health food stores is BRAGG. Our experience with BRAGG has been better with other brands and BRAGG also seems to be the recommended choice of naturopath doctors. BRAGG is sold by most health food stores. For example, Whole Foods stores across the U.S. and Canada. GNC (one of the largest stores of its kind in the world) also sells BRAGG’s ACV in US and 46 international markets, including Canada. Click here to locate a GNC store near you. Local stores in your state are now likely to carry it as well. Naturopath Physicians recommend only using BRAGG brand for Apple Cider Vinegar.
  • For baking soda, most people seem to find “Arm & Hammer” brand as the best choice because it’s pure baking soda without aluminum or anything else added.
  • Shake ACV bottle before each use so that the “Mother” can be dispersed throughout.
  • Ideally, ACV should be taken 30 minutes before meals on an empty stomach. This allows enough time for it to work before meals and will aid in digestion. A lot of people with acid reflux also take ACV at bedtime or whenever they feel they have a need. Some people prefer to take it after or with the meal. Our naturopath doctor recommends using 2 TBSP in 1/2 cup of water 30 minutes before each meal for acid reflux. If that’s too strong then use 2 TBSP in 1 or 2 cups of water. For general health you may take 1 or 2 TBSP of ACV with water first thing in the morning. Your chemistry is different in the morning than at bedtime. Taking ACV at bedtime will help you sleep soundly while taking it in the morning will give you an energy boost.

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