Gastritis & the Use of Cider Vinegar

Gastritis, the inflammation of the lining of the stomach, is aggravated by strong foods you ingest, so common sense should keep you away from cider and all vinegar because of its acidic nature. Yet, at least one doctor of chiropractic recommends cider vinegar as a cure for gastritis. Your best strategy is to seek your doctor's advice and undergo treatment under her supervision.

Your stomach can become swollen or inflamed for different reasons. Prolonged use of painkillers, excessive drinking and swallowing poisons severely irritate the organ. In addition, certain health conditions categorized as autoimmune disorders cause your immune system to attack your own tissues. Bacteria, viruses and emotional stress can also lead to gastritis. Pain in the upper abdomen, lack of appetite and vomiting are some of the symptoms. Decreasing acidity in your stomach is usually part of the treatment, a practice that allows its inflamed lining to heal. Thus, your doctor may prescribe antacids and a diet devoid of acidic foods and condiments such as vinegar.

It takes two steps to turn apples into vinegar. First, the fruit is left to ferment until its sugar changes into alcohol. Then, the alcohol is fermented to transform it into vinegar, a liquid whose main component is acetic acid, a caustic substance.

As you eat under healthy conditions, your stomach lining releases hydrochloric acid to help enzymes break the food down. Since the chemical is corrosive, your stomach also covers itself with a protective layer of mucus to prevent inflammation to its lining.

Kyle D. Christensen, a chiropractor and author of "Herbal First Aid and Health Care," groups gastritis and heartburn in the same illness category. He says that poor digestion resulting from low hydrochloric acid causes the two stomach problems. He also believes that a home remedy made of apple cider vinegar mixed with honey and diluted in water boosts hydrochloric acid production, improving digestion and easing inflammation. Although it is possible that the dilution renders the vinegar harmless, it is worth remembering that gastritis has many causes. An alcoholic with improved digestion may continue to experience stomach pain if he cannot stop drinking, as an example. This is a situation where a consultation with a qualified doctor is necessary. She has the knowledge to uncover the reasons for your gastric problems and to make targeted treatment recommendations.