Why does vinegar get rid of heartburn?

Question

It sounds crazy, but it works. Why?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

From what i know vinegar is an acetic acid, not a base.
Basic substances like milk should be avoided, as this will precipitate more gastric acid production to neutralize it.

Vinegar is often prescribed as the most effective natural remedy for heartburn. Taking a little apple cider vinegar diluted in water during a meal often totally eliminates heartburn. The additional acid has a way of signaling to the stomach to cease acid production.



Tips To Control Heartburn

1. Avoid foods and beverages that affect LES pressure or irritate the esophagus lining, including fried and fatty foods, peppermint, chocolate, alcohol, coffee, citrus fruit and juices, and tomato products.
2. Lose weight if overweight.
3. Stop smoking.
4. Elevate the head of the bed 6 inches.
5. Avoid lying down 2 to 3 hours after eating.
6. Take an antacid.

Source(s):

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article…
http://seniorhealth.about.com/cs/digesti…

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

thanks!

Answer 2

Vinegar is a base, an alkaline. Heartburn is caused by a buildup of acid in the stomach. The two neutralize each other.

Answer 3

To the person above. Vinegar is so not basic, another name for it is acetic acid. No I have no idea why you find that vinegar helps treat heartburn becuase it is countrary to science. Heartburn is caused by acid reflux, stomach acid going up into your esophagus. To neutralize the stomach acid you would use a weak base, such as sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or milk, or rolaids (containing calcium carbonate).


The only reason why I could think vingear works is if you're actually a freak whose stomach uses basic chemicals rather then acid.

Answer 4

your LES (or lower esophageal sphincter ) forms an entrance to your stomach where all the acid is located.when food is present in your esophagus, the les stays open, when there is no food-it closes. when you eat something very alkaline or low in acid, this sphincter can relax to much, allowing acid to travel out of the stomach and up your esophagus causing the heartburn. the LES sphincter is located on the top part of your stomach where it connects to your esophagus. you have another one located on the bottom of your stomach called the pyloric sphincter which transports liquid into your small intestine.

acid is what triggers the LES to close (to prevent stomach acid from getting into your esophagus). by drinking the vinegar (which is acid-based) you are tricking your LES to close, preventing the stomach acid from getting into your esophagus and causing the heartburn. you should always mix it with water first and only use once a day.

hope this helps you understand better

Source(s):

i work in trauma icu

Answer 5

it probably neutralizes acid that is causing the heartburn.