You’ve just finished a large meal, and an unwelcome, fiery sensation erupts in the area just behind your breastbone. This distress signal from your body is known as heartburn.
Heartburn commonly occurs following a large meal, especially if eaten quickly. It can also happen when you eat spicy, fatty, or acidic foods. The symptoms of heartburn can range from mild to severe and may include:
These symptoms happen when stomach acid travels back into the tube connecting the mouth to the stomach, called the esophagus. More chronic symptoms can lead to a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is created by crushing apples to extract their juice. This juice then undergoes a process of fermentation, transforming into vinegar. Water is added to the vinegar to dilute it to the desired strength, resulting in the final product of ACV.
ACV is known for containing beneficial bacteria due to its fermentation process.
ACV is often talked about as a natural remedy for heartburn or acid reflux. The idea that apple cider vinegar can help your stomach stems from it having beneficial bacteria in it.
The beneficial bacteria in ACV are thought to create a better balance of good and bad bacteria in your stomach, making your stomach feel better and reducing heartburn symptoms.
While we don’t have enough evidence to say for sure it works for heartburn, trying ACV probably won’t hurt. If you are curious and want to see if it helps your symptoms, keep the following tips in mind:
Frequent heartburn can be caused by a number of things, including:
Persistent or worsening symptoms warrant a consultation with a doctor.
If left unchecked, intermittent acid reflux can turn into a more severe condition like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). A serious complication of untreated GERD is Barrett’s esophagus.
In Barrett’s esophagus, the tissue lining the esophagus changes, becoming similar to the lining of the intestine. This change increases your risk of developing esophageal cancer. Other complications from long-term GERD include:
For those grappling with occasional heartburn, relief can often be found through over-the-counter antacids or acid blockers. However, lasting relief usually involves lifestyle adjustments, such as:
If you’re battling persistent heartburn, don’t wait to reach out to one of our specialists to explore your treatment options and get lasting relief – schedule an appointment today!
If you have not registered with the new gPortal yet please select the Register/Learn More button for instructions on registering.
Please note that your current /old patient portal credentials will become inactive after August 31, 2022, so update your account today to avoid any disruption in accessibility.
To pay your bill online, please choose the correct option below: select the “Clinic Locations” button if you’re paying your Physician or Clinic Statement, or select the “ASC Locations” button if you’re paying your Procedure Statement at one of our Ambulatory Surgical Centers.
