Dropping Acid: The Reflux Diet Cookbook & Cure Hardcover – September 1, 2010

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!

Years of silent reflux, aka LPR, have left me with very unpleasant symptoms, coughing to the point of seeing stars, sore throat and ear discomfort, just t mention a few. This book was like reading my own history. My symptoms have started resolving after implementing the dietary changes in this well written book. I highly recommend this book.

I turned to this book in desperation because I received a dx. of Barretts and the PPI's don't work for me, and might be causing the arthritis I am beginning to experience. I have Silent Reflux, or LPR and have had the tests that show it. Like another reviewer, I thought that Dr. Koufman's Induction Diet to be lacking - it's just a list of what to avoid and what foods are ok, probably available on other places on the internet. (don't eat any food with PH lower than 5.0 for two weeks). On a positive note, she claims that if you do this you can reverse your symptoms, and heal your Barretts - this is much more helpful than my GI doc's instructions to take two PPI's per day and drink lots of water and fiber, basically useless information.The writing bugged me because it was poorly edited and contained contradictions (i.e., a Table that says Barretts is not a problem for people with LPR, and text that says it is a problem (it is). The book is in great need of strong editing, but it is still helpful in that she is the first person to put out the idea that LPR needs to be addressed by ENT's, GI docs and pulmonary docs as a new category called Integrated Aerodigestive Medicine, which is revolutionary, and in my opinion, on the right track.I haven't tried any of the recipes yet, but they look really interesting.

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