That Time I Had To Do My Own Research

[Crossposted from my X account: @BaronDestructo]

I originally posted this as a casual, anecdotal response to a comment. It engendered generally positive reactions with the exception of one guy who took great exception to my even sharing my experience. In the end, he was such a whiny bitch that I decided to retell my experience as a proper post in the hopes that it will reach more eyes and perhaps help a few individuals. And, maybe, infuriate that whiner even more.

So, about a year and a half ago, I started to experience discomfort. It felt like indigestion but made eating difficult as, every time I ate something, it felt like half my meal would sit, trapped, at the top of my stomach. It got especially worse at night when I would wake up nauseous or sweating and reached the point where I would have to sleep propped up at a 45 degree angle for relief. I was taking antacids every evening and still the problem persisted.

At my wife’s insistence, I went to see my doctor who prescribed a round of proton pump inhibitors (a drug to reduce stomach acid). After about a week, I wasn’t feeling any better and returned to my doctor who prescribed a round of different proton pump inhibitors. Yet my stomach issues persisted. I could barely get through a meal and, as someone who enjoys eating, you can imagine what that must have been like.

Eventually, I went in for an endoscopy that found inflammation, but nothing of concern. So I was prescribed another set of much stronger proton pump inhibitors.

I remember going home that afternoon feeling tired and frustrated. The new proton pump inhibitors were working in their own way, but it felt like they were simply masking the problem. Out of desperation, I did the one thing everyone advises you not to do. Yes, I did my own research.

I came across a youtube video by a fellow named Dr. Berg (
@dr_ericberg
) who broke down my symptoms to a tee: the discomfort, the progression, the futile attempts to address the problem with antacids. His explanation was surprisingly counter-intuitive. Rather than producing too much acid, he argued, my stomach was not producing enough. He suggested the following treatment: 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a half teaspoon of cinnamon and some lemon juice (I came to prefer lime) diluted in a glass of water (I prefer carbonated) every morning.

I was admittedly dubious. Very dubious. It sounded like complete nonsense, the equivalent of holistic witchcraft, but I was miserable, nothing else had worked, and I was willing to try anything. So I did.

Within a day, my condition vastly improved. The nausea disappeared. My appetite returned. I was able to sleep through the night. On the one hand, a simple home remedy had surprisingly addressed my months-long stomach issue. On the other hand, I had only used a single pill from the very expensive round of proton pump inhibitors I had been prescribed.

Of course consult with a medical professional first, but it doesn’t’ hurt to look at alternate, non pharmaceutical options as well. This is not medical advice and everyone’s mileage may vary, but I’ve incorporated ACV into my daily routine (I use a straw to sip to avoid potential damage to tooth enamel and always chase it with water) with terrific results. I’ve also taken Dr. Berg’s advice and made other adjustments to my diet – incorporating sauerkraut, kefir, grass-fed beef and free-range eggs into my meals along with fruits, vegetables, butter and olive oil, and supplements like vitamin D and magnesium glycinate to name but a few.

Like I said, your mileage may vary and consult with a physician first, but if this post helps anyone (or, at the very least, pisses that one guy off just a little more) the time I’ve taken in posting will have be worth it.

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