For the last decade, my life revolved around the ‘burn.’ I couldn’t eat a slice of pizza or even a piece of chocolate without paying for it later. I spent every night propped up on a wedge pillow, yet I still woke up with that sour taste in my throat. It felt like my digestion had just given up as I hit my late 50s.
I tried everything the doctor suggested. I was on prescription PPIs for five years, but I started worrying about what those were doing to my bone density and nutrient absorption long-term. I carried antacids in every pocket. I even tried those expensive alkaline waters, but nothing gave me lasting relief without the medication.
The switch happened when a nutritionist suggested my stomach acid might actually be too low, not too high, which sounds backwards. I started drinking two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a big glass of water ten minutes before my largest meal. I also made a hard rule: no food after 7 PM.
It took about three weeks, but the difference is night and day. I’m off the prescriptions now. I still get a little flare-up if I overindulge, but generally, I feel normal again. No more wedge pillow and no more constant worrying.
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I’ve heard about the low acid theory before. It seems so counterintuitive when your chest is on fire, but I’m glad it worked for you.
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Does the vinegar taste terrible? I can barely stand the smell of it.
The ‘no food after 7 PM’ rule was the game changer for me too. If I eat late, I’m miserable by 2 AM no matter what I took.
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Be careful with the vinegar on your tooth enamel. Use a straw if you can!
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I’ve been on Nexium for years and I’m terrified to come off it. Did you have a ‘rebound’ effect when you stopped?
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Dave, I had a massive rebound when I quit. You have to taper off very slowly. Don’t just go cold turkey.
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Thanks for sharing this. It gives me hope.
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I find that if I drink the vinegar with warm water it’s a bit more like a tea. Easier on the stomach too.
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My doctor actually mentioned the low acid thing last visit. Apparently as we get older our bodies just produce less of everything, including digestive juices. I’m going to try your routine starting tomorrow. I’m tired of the wedge pillow too!
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Spot on. Sometimes the simple things are the best.
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Have you tried adding ginger? I do a ginger and lemon tea at night and it really settles things down before bed.
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Can you really drink coffee again? That’s the one thing I miss the most.
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