Before: For the last three years, I couldn’t sleep through the night without a bottle of antacids on my nightstand. Every time I ate dinner, even something simple like chicken and rice, I’d be upright at 2 AM with that burning sensation in my throat. It felt like my stomach just didn’t want to process anything past 6 PM.
What I tried: I cut out coffee, spicy food, and chocolate. I even bought one of those expensive wedge pillows, but I’d always slide off it by midnight. I tried various over-the-counter tablets, but they only provided temporary relief and I didn’t want to be on them forever.
The switch: A nutritionist friend suggested I stop drinking fluids during my meals and wait at least 30 minutes after eating before having water. She also told me to try a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a little water about ten minutes before my largest meal. I was skeptical because adding acid to an acid problem sounded crazy.
After: It took about two weeks to notice a real change. My digestion feels much more efficient now. I’m not saying I’m 100% cured, but I’ve been able to sleep through the night four times this week without reaching for the Tums. It’s a small win, but at 58, sleep is precious. Has anyone else tried the “no water with meals” rule?
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I’ve heard of the water thing. Apparently it dilutes the stomach enzymes and makes them less effective at breaking down the food.
Does the apple cider vinegar have to be the one with ‘the mother’ in it? I tried the clear stuff once and it did nothing but taste bad.
I’m 62 and my doctor told me the exact opposite about the water. He wants me hydrated! Glad it’s working for you though, everyone is different.
The wedge pillow was a nightmare for my lower back. I ended up just putting bricks under the head of the bed frame itself. Much more stable.
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I started the no-water rule last year. It was hard because I used to gulp down a huge glass with dinner, but it definitely stopped that heavy feeling in my gut.
My reflux started right after I turned 50. I think our systems just slow down naturally. I’ve found that eating my biggest meal at lunch and having a very light soup for dinner makes the biggest difference for me. If I eat a heavy steak after 7 PM, I’m doomed regardless of how much vinegar I drink.
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Interesting tip about the vinegar. Might give it a shot tonight and see how it goes.
Which wedge pillow did you try? I’m looking for one that actually stays put because I have the same problem with sliding down.
Always use the organic vinegar with the sediment at the bottom. And use a straw! That stuff can be really rough on your tooth enamel if you drink it every single day.
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I tried the vinegar thing and it gave me the worst heartburn of my life. Be careful if you have an actual ulcer or something more serious than just slow digestion.
Ah, the joys of getting older. We spend our 20s drinking whatever we want and our 50s debating the merits of vinegar and bed pillows. Life comes at you fast!
Keep us updated on the progress after another month. I’m curious if the effect lasts or if the body just gets used to the routine and goes back to old habits.
