Apple Cider Vinegar & Gas

Apple cider vinegar is a home remedy for many digestive problems. If you suffer from gas, you probably turn to over-the-counter digestive aids to calm the pain and bloating. However, apple cider vinegar may help to quell your symptoms and provide relief. If you have serious digestive upset, make sure you see a doctor to have your condition properly diagnosed.

A bottle of apple cider vinegar surrounded by apples. (Image: gusach/iStock/Getty Images)

Function

Apple cider vinegar contains many nutrients that can help improve your health, like pectin, potassium and acetic acid, according to Kimberly Synder, author of "The Beauty Detox Solution." Apple cider vinegar is most effective for digestive problems when it's in its organic form, Synder notes. Organic apple cider vinegar contains more enzymes because it hasn't been filtered. The enzymes purportedly relieve gas and related digestive issues.

Gas and Indigestion

If your gas is the result of indigestion, you can remedy it by drinking one cup of water with 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar mixed in, according to Dr. Earl Mindell, author of "Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar." The vinegar aids digestion and helps prevent constipation, a primary cause of gas, Mindell claims. Add honey to the mixture to make it taste better.

Gas and Food Poisoning

If your gas is the result of food poisoning, you may benefit from drinking apple cider vinegar as well. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, apple cider vinegar possibly possesses antimicrobial properties that can calm unpleasant symptoms. Though scientific studies on using apple cider vinegar for this purpose are lacking, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends trying it anyway to relieve your symptoms. Drink one cup of water with 2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar mixed in several times a day.

Caution

Drinking diluted apple cider vinegar for gas won't cause harm to most people. However, according to MayoClinic.com, apple cider vinegar can interfere with drugs like insulin and diuretics and cause throat and stomach irritation.