Ask a doctor - Does vinegar cause peptic ulcer?

Q. Does vinegar cause peptic ulcer?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

The answer to this question is both yes and no. It largely depends on the type of vinegar and how it's used. Generally speaking, regular-strength white or cider vinegars do not cause peptic ulcer, but balsamic vinegar can in some cases. Balsamic vinegar contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as acetic acid which can aggravate existing peptic ulcers. In addition, high concentrations of acetic acid found in strong balsamic vinegars can lead to an increase in stomach pH levels which could further irritate a pre-existing ulcerative lesion.

On the other hand, there are ways that plain vinegars might help alleviate symptoms associated with peptic ulcers rather than causing them. Consuming acidic foods like vinegar may stimulate certain digestive processes and reduce reflux by improving digestion of food components such as proteins that might otherwise trigger irritation or inflammation within the gastrointestinal tract lining while strengthening the protective mucus layer of your stomach lining thereby helping to treat mild forms of gastric maladies such as those caused by acid reflux or Helicobacter pylori bacteria growth without needing antibiotics or other medications if used correctly.. Additionally, research has also shown that apple cider vinegar may have antibacterial properties; thus making it a potential treatment option for certain types of infections linked with peptic ulcer formation including H. pylori infection which may be especially beneficial for people who don't respond to conventional treatments like antibiotics since many bacterial strains now develop antibiotic resistance over time — another factor for why alternative therapies will become increasingly important moving forward.. Ultimately though, anyone who is experiencing any signs/symptoms related to an underlying condition like a peptic ulcer should see their doctor immediately instead of trying self-treatment at home!