Dropping Acid: The Reflux Diet Cookbook & Cure

Don't let the glossy photographs of the recipes in this book fool you. Cleverly disguised as cookbook, this book is both sophisticated and scientific in presenting a groundbreaking view of and approach to a highly misunderstood and under-diagnosed condition--acid reflux. (Of course, it is also a terrific cookbook.) By teaming up with Master Chef, Mark Bauer, Drs. Koufman and Stern, present not only a persuasive treatise as to how, when and why the modern American diet is literally "eating us alive." This book is also a specific, dietary road map that can help those afflicted. Brilliant in structure, the book starts with what every patient wants to know, "How can you fix me, doc?" The "Cure" is then presented through the journey of discovery that these physician-scientists completed over many decades. This book is written with the patient, the layperson, in mind. The authors ably explain the complexities of how acid reflux from the stomach results in tissue damage and symptoms not only in the stomach and esophagus, but all up and down the airways, causing a variety of conditions one would not ordinarily associate with a "GI" disease. Asthma, sinusitis, vocal symptoms and chronic cough, to name but a few, all can be caused by acid reflux. Several important new discoveries are highlighted and tied together early on, making the case for following the dietary recommendations made less onerous with delicious appearing, albeit slightly sophisticated, recipes. The critical role of pepsin was discovered by Dr. Koufman; and it is unfortunately poorly understood by many physicians treating these patients. Knowing that it may be re-activated by acidic foods being put in the patients mouth, days after any reflux comes up from the stomach, is critical in understanding why reflux symptoms are increasing, reflux is affecting different areas of the body, is becoming more virulent (seen in the rising rate of esophageal cancer) and is fast becoming a national health hazard of the greatest proportion. Most interesting is the research that went into developing the historical perspective of how America's food and our society's eating habits have been transformed. Market forces appealed to our increasing preference for food and beverage variety. Legislation was created to protect our food supply as transcontinental shipping became more commonplace. Both have had unintended negative consequences which are hard to reverse. Simply telling the patients, no matter how much they might suffer, that they cannot eat this or that, just doesn't work. And that is where these physicians go beyond the science. They fill a much needed gap by laying out some basic food rules. Then they engage a master chef to create recipes that look, sound, and taste delicious. No more excuses for the foodie who doesn't want to give up taste for health. This is integrative medical care at its best! While some of these recipes seem daunting (and perhaps more time consuming that I might like), most can be tweaked and easily adapted for the less culinarily talented amongst us. The photographs alone, all taken by the authors, are enticing enough to want to make one try. So, for all you acid reflux sufferers - and for all you doctors who care for these sufferers - you will feel much better after reading and cooking with Dropping Acid--The Reflux Diet Cookbook and Cure. I certainly did!

Great read, full of important info on the gerd diet and why it helps asthmatics, funny, entertaining and informative book

If you suffer with GERD or "silent reflux" then this book may really help you to learn about and control your condition. Being someone who is unable to take medication for acid reflux because of allergies, this way of eating certainly helped me. The "induction diet" isn't easy but I got used to it and amazingly~~I didn't have any symptoms of heartburn and my asthma was even more controlled (and I even lost a few pounds). I have now added foods to my diet that I never would have thought would actually help to counter acid reflux like fresh fennel and ginger root. DROPPING ACID contains some really helpful charts that show the PH level of various foods. Here's what I like about the recipe section~~they show photos of the finished product. Nice touch. I find myself referring to this book often.

The amount of information in this book is great. It is easily understood by anyone. The information in this book can assist your determination to make a good choice on how to modify your diet to overcome some of the awful symptoms of LPR.

With a book like this, the million dollar question is always "Did it work?" Sadly, in my case, the answer is no. After several weeks, I occasionally feel slightly better, but not nearly enough for me to speak/sing without significant discomfort. Does that mean the book is flawed? Not necessarily - Dr. Koufman readily admits that roughly a third of all LPR patients have poor esophageal function and will need surgery no matter what. She also does not disguise the fact that this diet has not yet been clinically evaluated, and is mostly based on her personal experience with LPR patients. I do, however, have to object to the use of the term "cure" in the title, seeing as only a third of all patients who adopt this diet see their symptoms disappear completely. That having been said, this diet has clearly proven to be effective for some. Rather than relying on my own anecdotal experience, let me instead say that this book gives a very concise, readable breakdown of what LPR is and how it works. The dietary advice is very straightforward and comprehensive, although I didn't love every part of the cookbook. A lot of the recipes were complicated and "foodie-ish", and simply more trouble than a lot of people likely care to go to. I was also a little disappointed that the book focuses almost exclusively on diet, and fails to touch on any other lifestyle factors like exercising and sleep position. One more area where I thought this book fell short was addressing the sheer difficulty of some of these diet modifications. For some, just giving up chocolate would be a monumental task, let alone cutting out all of your favorite foods cold turkey. Of course, resources exist for quitting vices like drinking and smoking, but there isn't a lot of support out there for people making such a comprehensive dietary change. Some more nuanced advice on how to muster up the willpower to stick with the diet would have really improved this book for me. LPR is a condition that doesn't get nearly as much attention as its cousin heartburn, and as such, it's not easy for sufferers to find resources that focus on our needs. As nice as it is to find a book that speaks to us directly, I can't say that this is the golden solution that the title might lead you to believe.

The book has 4 parts, each explaining clearly what the problem, the diet, and the cure are about. There is also a recipes section. For years I thought I had asthma, sinus problems, nasal congestion, and a "full" right ear! But NO hearburns. I went to see an allergist, a pulmonologist, and 3 ENTs. Results of all exams: normal. My allergist, Dr. Hunter in Frederick, MD was the firt MD to mention LPR (LaryngoPharyngeal Reflux) after testing my pulmonary functions over a period of months and suggested I see an ENT. First ENT did the Fiber scope exam. Result: normal. But I kept coughing day and night, all other symptoms still persist. I went to see a pulmonologist. Exam and X-rays: everything is normal again. He told me to get a gastroscopy with a gastroenterologist: Normal again. A second opinion ENT was consulted. He put me on Prilosec: No effect. Reading about medication's adverse/side effects, I stopped taking Prilosec after a week. Still lots of clear mucus, cough, and congested nose and full ear. Frustrated after 3 years of trying to solve this, I searched for an ENT specializing in sinus problems. In the Washingtonian Top Doctors list (online) Dr. Michael Sigiel, ENT in Rockville, MD specializes in sinus problems. He listened to me and looked at my throat: it was mildy irritated. He told me that I have the "Silent Reflux" and to purchase this book, read it and follow its advice. In Dr Koufman's book, she advises to follow the 2 weeks strict diet regimen and then follow book diet guidelines for the rest of my life. Yes, a life style change" definitely. After 2, 3 months, I returned for a follow-up with Dr. Siegel. I am symptoms and problem free! All my problems gone! I no longer eat citruses, and other fruits (all berries, plus more) except for watermelon, honey dew, cantaloupe, papaya....and have practically avoided any read meat (pork, beef, veal), fried food, and pastry .... But, I can have chicken, fish and seafood, and yogurt, to name a few. Whole grain is better. I can still eat all veggies except for tomatoes, garlic, purple onions ...Book gives you more details and guidance. Well, it worked. I take NO drugs, I have been free of coughs, sinus congestion, post nasal drips, and full ear sensations for over a year now!! I lost 4 lbs not that I am overweight or anything) following the regimen. My cholesterol levels (already good) now reach newer HDL high and newer LDL low. Same goes for triglycerides. GERD or LPR sufferers, try this natural route before popping pills in your mouth. I know it takes self-discipline but for a better NO DRUG quality of life, you would want to try this book's advice and guidelines. Cheap, since the book now costs only about $17.00

I can't say enough good things about this book....I want to send an e-mail to the doctors or hopefully they pay attention to their amazon reviews....these people are miracle workers ! I had very bad acid reflux for a long time, and it was getting worse. I was not knowledgeable about how foods ( and drinks, like coffee and carbonated soda ) can profoundly effect your health. Yes, I know we are barraged with this info all the time, to lose weight, etc. and there are a million fad diets out there, but I never really got it, nor did I ever have the correct diet instructions, to make this all happen. Following these instructions to a " T " cured the acid reflux, and in the process, in a few months I lost 18 lbs. and still counting. ( want to lose another 15 lbs ) This book is simple, straightforward, has very very clear lists of what to eat and what not to eat. The only change I made was that the book says to stay on the 'induction' phase for 2 weeks, eating only alkaline foods high on the safe scale, like above 5 points ( this will be explained in the book ) In my case, I stayed on the prelimary, higher alkaline diet for about 6-8 weeks, eating sensibly but following the instructions to the letter. That, and sleeping with a wedge pillow to raise my torso up ( acid flows into your throat at night apparently, if you are an acid reflux sufferer. ) cured the whole thing. Now, I will add that this book is not a substitute for a visit to your gastrointestinal doctor, but the book, the diet and the doctor overseeing everything is a winning combination. Yes, in my case, I had to turn my eating around 180 degrees...dropped most of the coffee drinking and all the soda drinking, junk food, etc., but I have never felt better, am losing weight and no more reflux !

A must read for LPR

Seguendo i suggerimenti di questo libro ho risolto il mio fastidiosissimo problema di riflusso oltre ad avere scoperto una dieta equilibrata. Lo consiglio davvero a tutti quelli che desiderano smettere di prendere medicine più dannose del riflusso stesso!

I'm so glad I found this bible of a book for reflux disease. Jamie Koufman gives you a straightforward eat-this-but-not-that diet which, if followed, brings quick relief. My cough is nearly gone, my voice is almost restored and I've even lost weight. Definitely worth its weight in gold. Thumbs up! If you have reflux and don't yet have this book, get it. The diets in English are easy to read and understand with the color-coded lists - green for eat this, red for avoid. Thank you Jamie Koufman!

Excellent book for regular or silent reflux suffers. Thorough information about the causes and repercussions of acid reflux, as well as explanations for which foods to eliminate or avoid and which foods are ok to eat. A variety of recipes that actually have flavour, considering the limitations of the foods still available eat. Beats the bland repertoire normally offered acid reflux sufferers. Written by a doctor specializing in this area, and recommended to me by an ear, nose and throat specialist. I couldn't ask for a more qualified recommendation and was not disappointed. The recommendations in this book combined with raising the head of the bed per the specialist, have helped me gain control over my silent reflux - This was prescribed to help heal the lesions in my throat.

Very good book as an induction to Jamie Koufman's Theory. I've been following the suggested diet and it has worked very well on me (less reflux symptoms). Really recommend it if you feel reflux is damaging your life style.

Recibí un libro usado. El libro en general se ve en buen estado. Lo acabo de recibir. La cubierta mostraba daño ligero en las orillas. Pero dentro incluso hay páginas ya con líneas subrayadas y anotaciones. La compra indicaba que el libro era nuevo, y así se hizo el pago, pero claramente enviaron un libro usado.