Apple cider vinegar is a powerful natural remedy for heartburn and indigestion. Let’s take a closer look at why this simple remedy works, and how you can use apple cider vinegar to naturally get rid of heartburn, reduce belly bloat and gas, and generally improve digestion.

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night with a heavy feeling in your gut?

Feel like you have a rock/small baby hippopotamus in your belly hours after eating a meal?

Experience heartburn, bloating, or burping soon after eating?

If yes, it’s very likely that you’re not digesting your food properly.

These uncomfortable feelings were so well-known to me that I used to just let them slide as “normal”.

But there is no such thing as “normal” pain or discomfort: it’s a sign from our body that something is amiss.

There’s no doubt about it: proper digestion is key to a healthy body.

The digestive tract — from your tongue to your tushie — plays a vital role in all aspects of our health.

It’s the mechanism through which we receive the nutrients necessary to sustain life, and is a vital component of the immune system.

But think about it: if we are eating the most nutrient-dense foods possible yet not breaking them down adequately enough to actually get to the nutrients they contain… what’s the point?

… and proper stomach acid levels are necessary for proper digestion and nutrient absorption.

As soon as we see, smell, or think about food, our stomach cells begin secreting hydrochloric acid (HCl).

HCl plays a vital role in protein digestion by converting pepsinogen into the enzyme pepsin, which breaks proteins down into amino acids.

It also promotes the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins A and E by stimulating the release of pancreatic enzymes and bile into the small intestine.

Without adequate stomach acid, food isn’t properly broken down and digested, nor are nutrients properly assimilated.

This is a BIG. DEAL.

Factors such as stress, excess carbohydrate consumption, nutrient deficiencies, allergies, and excess alcohol can decrease HCl production.

And according to Jonathon Wright, MD — author of Why Stomach Acid is Good for You — approximately 90% of Americans produce too little stomach acid.

(Now if you’re thinking “Oh, well I have acid reflux/GERD so I make too much stomach acid”, think again. Contrary to popular belief, acid reflux and GERD – gastroesophageal reflux disease – are actually caused by low stomach acid. While antacids do help to alleviate the symptoms, they do not remedy the underlying cause. To learn all of the details, check our Chris Kresser’s 6-part series on the topic.)

Apple cider vinegar improves digestion by increasing stomach acid production.

It’s as simple as that!

By increasing stomach acid production, apple cider vinegar helps our bodies properly break down and digest our food.

How to use apple cider vinegar to improve digestion:

Mix one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in one glass (8 oz) of water and drink 15-20 minutes before a meal.Be sure to use raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with the mother. If desired, increase to 2 teaspoons.

“Swish” and drink a few more sips of water to prevent the acid from affecting tooth enamel and irritating your throat.

Have you used ACV to improve your digestion?

How did it go!? Please share with us in the comments below!