Chapter 1: A Distressing Encounter

There I was, hunched over on Oak Springs Drive, emptying my stomach onto someone’s lawn when a stylish blonde jogger strolled by. Clad in snug black workout attire and clutching a pink water bottle, she was accompanied by a dog wearing a matching collar. She waved at me. I quickly covered my mouth with one hand, managed a brief wave with the other, and promptly returned to my unpleasant business.

“Please don’t look at me,” I thought desperately. “And please don’t come over in your cheerful pink outfit to check on me. I’m fine, really. Just hoping to make it home in one piece before I feel like I’m dying.”

An imaginary newspaper headline flashed in my mind: "Local Woman Found Dead from GERD on Oak Springs Drive." The pretty lady in pink would surely express her regrets: "I thought she was just another drunk!"

After composing myself, I staggered a few more steps and threw up again. Thankfully, no neighbors were around as I made my way to our front door on Fernwood Place.

A little while later, after a much-needed shower and tossing my clothes into the washing machine, I knew the pain would return soon enough. I decided to search online for “exercise + indigestion.” It’s easy to get lost in Reddit threads, and I certainly did, but one post led me to a WebMD discussion on apple cider vinegar and GERD.

"Apple cider vinegar," I mused. I had a bottle in my fridge back in Naples. I used to drink it or add it to my meals; it was supposed to help manage my blood sugar since I’m pre-diabetic. Oh, right. I had almost forgotten about that little detail.

Now, let’s assess the situation together, shall we? I’m pre-diabetic, twenty-five pounds heavier than when I started my fitness journey, and my GERD symptoms are through the roof.

It’s clear what I need to do. Shedding the excess weight is crucial, as it could significantly lower my risk of diabetes. Plus, it might alleviate my GERD symptoms, which would surely delight both Not Dr. Kim and Not Dr. Mandy.

And me, of course.

But here’s the catch: Losing weight becomes a daunting challenge when every attempt at exercise sends my indigestion spiraling out of control, leaving me nauseated.

I must address the GERD issue—immediately. While I’m reading through threads and contemplating whether to click that link (because what if it’s a scam?!), the discomfort starts creeping back.

Suzy the Speed Reader takes charge.

With a quick click on the WebMD link, I breathe a sigh of relief; no virus in sight. Scanning through the comments about the side effects, benefits, and effectiveness of apple cider vinegar, I note several recent posts and a plethora dating back to 2017 (and possibly earlier). I toggle between WebMD and Reddit, absorbing the advice.

The consensus is straightforward: consume two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar mixed in water (either warm or cold) twice daily. If the flavor is too intense or aggravates my GERD, follow it up with a teaspoon of honey.

Opinions vary greatly. Some users vehemently claim, "This doesn’t work at all, don’t bother." Others share their success stories: "It helped me, my grandmother has sworn by it her entire life, etc."

I ponder the potential risks—what if it exacerbates my GERD? That could lead to an even more serious situation, possibly a hospital visit. But I can’t sit idly by. I have to give it a shot. The burning sensation in my chest has returned, flaring up like a wildfire.

I suppress my gag reflex and stumble over to Safeway.

Drinking apple cider vinegar mixed in water isn’t exactly a delicious treat, but I gulp it down quickly and rinse my mouth to protect my teeth. Moments later, a wave of discomfort, which I can only describe as the “Burning Belch of Death,” forces me to my knees.

With my husband at work and no one else around, I feel utterly alone. Images of being hospitalized flash through my mind. I clutch my phone, ready to call for help, when I suddenly recall the honey.

"Chase it with a teaspoon of honey if the taste bothers you or you feel it’s stirring up the GERD."

Stirring up the GERD? More like someone is revving a cement mixer in my stomach.

I quickly pop a teaspoon of honey into my mouth and swallow. Astonishingly, the pain vanishes. Immediately. I’d say I’ve never been more surprised, but that wouldn’t be entirely truthful. We all know the most shocking moment in my life was that fateful call from the Rappahannock Regional Jail. Still, I’m genuinely stunned.

No discomfort for the rest of the day.

When my husband returns from work, we settle down to watch a movie, and I feel perfectly fine.

Later, I chat with my sister-in-law Nancy about my earlier ordeal with apple cider vinegar and the unfortunate combination of walking and vomiting. I share what little I know about the factors that trigger GERD, feeling relaxed and pain-free.

Finally, I go to bed, propped up like that poor kid in Mask who had to sleep sitting up. I dive into a captivating book that brought me to tears. All I want is to curl up and sleep. But I haven’t been able to sleep on my side, back, or stomach for ages. Should I dare to try?

I take the plunge. Cuddling my pillow, I curl up on my left side, close my eyes, and miraculously sleep soundly until seven the next morning.

When I rise, I stroll around town without feeling nauseous, consume my apple cider vinegar mixture (which, once again, ignites the “Burning Belch of Death,” though it’s less severe this time), down some honey, and continue with my day.

Is this it? Am I finally free from my discomfort? Will I never again find myself wishing for death during my brisk walks? I can’t say for sure. But even if I only enjoy a brief respite from the fiery discomfort in my ribs, I’ll gladly accept it.

Sleeping on your right side is generally not advised for those suffering from indigestion, reflux, GERD, etc.

This narrative is part of a series titled "Life On The Inside." You can find the complete collection here on Medium and Substack. Thank you for your support! If you want to read my latest book, BOUNCE: A Memoir of Resilience, you can access the first two chapters for free here.

Chapter 2: The Power of Apple Cider Vinegar

Exploring the potential benefits of apple cider vinegar, this video discusses why it might be a valuable addition to your health routine.

Chapter 3: Weight Loss and Apple Cider Vinegar

In this video, Dr. Oz outlines the weight loss advantages of apple cider vinegar, shedding light on its role in a healthy lifestyle.