5. The Bitterness Void: Absence of Acidic Aftertaste
One of the surprising nuances of rumination syndrome is the lack of an acidic or bitter taste post regurgitation. When one thinks of vomiting or reflux, the unmistakable tang of stomach acid comes to mind. With Merycism, that’s notably absent.
It’s a startling realization for many. When food returns, there’s an expectation of that sharp, unpleasant taste associated with stomach contents. Yet, the regurgitated food often tastes quite similar to how it did when first consumed.
This is largely because the food hasn’t been in the stomach long enough to mix with a significant amount of digestive acids. It’s almost as if the food takes a brief detour, only to return without having been processed.
This lack of bitterness can sometimes lead individuals to believe they aren’t experiencing a ‘serious’ symptom. Without the expected acidic taste, they might dismiss the regurgitation as a mere hiccup or anomaly. (5)
