The Acid Watcher Diet

I've been an Amazon customer for over a decade and never wrote a review, but this book changed my life and solved the mystery of my Acid Reflux and so since I couldn't thank Dr Aviv in person, at least I could write a sincere public thank you for better educating me on Acid Reflux and helping me figure out what the heck was causing it. I knew for the most part over the last ten years what typically caused acid Reflux and even since I was a child I knew there were just certain things I couldn't eat or I would pay dearly for it. However, this book helped identify foods I never thought could cause Acid Reflux and also helped me better understand Ph levels of foods to just finally enjoy life again without the nagging Acid Reflux monster lurking in the background. I absolutely do not like taking any medication and always thought my body was simply trying to tell me that some foods I just couldn't eat, but who would have thunk it could have been "good for you" foods like Citrus, Fruits, etc. Further enlightening was the fact that while some foods are great for you, too much of them can cause acid Reflux - for me that was bananas - 1/2 banana vs a whole made all the difference - incredible! Thank you Dr Aviv. I have shared my discovery of your book and how it has helped me with anyone and everyone I can. Beating Acid Reflux "naturally" has been a wonderful achievement in life and not relying on big pharma or having to remember to carry antacids with me like they were some kind of life saver has been such a relief. The book is well written and easy to follow. Dr Aviv explains the root causes of Acid Reflux and provides historical background on how our food has changed over the past decades, contributing to the Acid Reflux problems many of us experience today. The Ph scales/levels are extremely helpful and make for a quick reference for determining acidity of common foods. The recipes are easy, ingredients are readily available and simply work. The healing and maintenance schedules make it easy to succeed and follow along. I highly recommend this book to anyone experiencing Acid Reflux, indigestion and/or heartburn. I've tried everything over the last ten years to figure it out and nothing worked as well as what Dr Aviv suggests in his book.

First of all, acid reflux or GERD, is terrible. While many people get reflux, it isn’t something that everyone gets regularly. If you do, like I do, then this book is necessary starting point in your journey. I got put on medication, like many of you seekers have. I didn’t like the idea of being chained to medicine though. This book enlightened me to why I need to take GERD seriously, and also to how my diet is so very powerful as a solution to solving it. It does discuss things like cancer, but I believe it is there just to encourage you to take it seriously. The first half of the book explains why you feel the way you do, in very simple terms. It discusses components of your body system, particularly your esophagus and stomach, and why the reflux happens. He discusses medicine, but steers more toward food as your true medicine. Hopefully, It will open your eyes to a new way of eating. At first, pulling garlic, coffee, soda, or onions out of your diet might be a turn off, but it might in fact start you on a path that will save your life. The second half of the book nearly outlines a diet, including recipes, on how to eat better. The food is delicious. I never thought a trip to Whole Foods to pick out the strangest items (at least to me at the time) would be something I’d do. Beets? Never! Kale? Gross! While it doesn’t taste as good as bacon or chocolate, I feel much better from eating it. It’s hard to understand just how much better you feel from eating well after years of fast food, pizza, and junk food. But it’s real. Some things I didn’t follow super close. I didn’t buy Celtic salt, even though he recommends. I also used some milk during my time to supplement my supply of non cow milk. It all still works out. 10/10 recommend

I've had this book for about 2 days and have been pouring through reading and studying it. I have to say Dr. Aviv GETS IT. I am the patient he describes, endless visits to ENTs and my PCP for years until I was finally diagnosed with "silent reflux" (LPR) by an ENT I will forever be grateful to for finally getting it right. I've been told for over 3 years that I have "allergies" although no allergy tests show any major reactions to anything. I've used antibiotics for supposed ear infections and sinus infections, used nasal sprays and decongestants for post nasal drip until I finally did some research of my own and asked for a new ENT's second opinion. He diagnosed me, put me on PPIs & Gaviscon Advance, told me drink alkaline water before meals and lose weight but didnt offer any more direction. So, my story goes as many do - I tried the "alkaline diet" - only to find conflicting, confusing claims and info and after trying to muddle my way through it for about a month without much improvement other than losing a quick 10 lbs, I started to get concerned that I would be doomed to stay on stomach meds forever - and that just isnt safe. In comes the Acid Watcher - and I'm so glad I found it. Much of what Dr. Aviv says about the dangers of ignoring LPR, I already knew, but for someone who doesnt - it's a LOUD warning. Almost too loud, in my opinion. As others have commented, Dr. Aviv frequently mentions the risk of cancer and Barretts esophagus. While it's good t know the risks, to motivate serious action, I dont think it's necessary to mention it so often that it becomes scary. As a 9 time brain surgery survivor, I dont scare easy when it comes to health. But that cancer word, eessh, that's terrifying for anyone - and honestly really only needs to be stated once, maybe twice. No need to drive your patients to panic, ya know? Especially since stress is one of the triggers for reflux, so in the future, my advice to the author is not to dwell so much on the danger. Now, as far as the solution - well that was enlightening and refreshing! I've been eating such a restricted (confusing) "alkaline" diet, I was missing meat - and so was my body! What Dr. Aviv does is tell you how to eat COMBINATIONS of food that neutralize acid offenders and I found that education to be VERY helpful. He also shows a variety of foods - including helpful recipes - to broaden your tastes and open your eyes that eating for a healthy gut doesnt have to be restrictive - and food is a healer! YES! Does the Acid Watcher Diet work? I dont know yet, this is my first day and I've only gotten as far as planning meals to start fresh next week. I'll update this review with my results after the first month Healing Phase. I also appreciate that this book is written in understandable terms. I've spent much of my life talking with neurosurgeons who forget to be human and forced me to learn the meaning of words with 6 syllables. Dr. Aviv writes this in plain english and breaks down myths and reasoning in easy to understand words which I really appreciate not having to look up words I dont understand. I also appreciate the substitutions for common foods like garlic and onion with foods like fennel and some of the spices that I didnt know produced certain flavors. So, why didn't I give it 5 stars? Three reasons - one I already mentioned about all the cancer talk (just too much, but I definitely got the message that you're passionate about helping your patient and care) the other two critiques I have for this book are this: 1) Too many olives. Ok, so this might be a personal preference, but I absolutely cannot stand olives of any kind. And there's quite a few recipes that include olives and not a very good sub. I might just have to try them, but I'm not looking forward to it at all. 2) No celiac friendly whole wheat subs. Now, the book makes it very clear that bread MUST be 100% whole grain and theres quite a few meals that include toast or whole wheat flour, especially the mini meals. But what does a celiac sufferer do? I say this because my best friend is gluten free because of celiac. So, I would warn anyone who needs to live gluten free or has celiac disease, this book will leave you with limited options. My advice to the author is just to take that into account since gluten is a big problem for a growing number of people. I personally use almond or coconut flour by choice and have never used whole wheat flour and the book doesnt make it clear if it's ok to substitute so it seems like you can't. I've also purchased the other book of Acid Watcher recipes and should get that soon. I'm looking forward to a bigger selection and hoping there might be some other varieties of flour or bread - but I'm afraid there wont be because of how the book absolutely forbids processed foods and many of those are unfortunately processed. I'm thinking the almond flour might be ok though, because almonds are on the approved nuts list. Overall, this book has proved to be a great resource and it makes sense - reading a book that describes exactly what you've experienced and been misdiagnosed for so long is empowering. I now feel like I have a new direction to begin healing and hopefully be PPI-free soon. I'm looking forward to showing my ENT this book and all the steps I plan to take in my diet/lifestyle to combat this problem. One other thing I appreciate is that Dr.Aviv tells you what to expect from your doctor - so now I'm armed with questions for my ENT to make sure that more of this dangerous condition is not overlooked. I especially value the discussion on TNE vs an upper endoscopy. As a frrequent flier to the operating room, I know the aftermath of sedation and procedures - any time I can avoid anesthesia, I'm happy to do that. Thank you for a wonderful resource. To those with LPR symptoms and not knowing where to turn for help, this book is a good read and highly informative. I encourage you to read it - and bring it to your doctor like I plan to do.

This book was a genuine life saver—maybe literally. The Acid Watcher Diet doesn’t just hand out vague advice; it gives clear, practical steps that actually helped me adjust my diet and feel healthier. The daily guidance is easy to follow, and the background information explains the “why” behind everything in a way that finally made the whole reflux puzzle click. It’s part science lesson, part action plan, and part “here’s how to stop feeling miserable.” The combination of practical tips and solid explanations made a real difference for me. If you’re dealing with reflux and want something that’s both informative and doable, this book delivers.

I can’t read this quick enough! Packed full of incredible knowledge and learning every paragraph. Gastro NP recommended this book since I wanted to get off from 2 meds- and I’m thankful! I feel so much better in my stomach and throat, and it’s only day 3. The foods are filling and satisfying. I have been eating a LOT of Greek yogurt daily for years- and I don’t even miss it. Looking forward to incorporating the fitness part shortly. Thank you, Dr. Aviv!! :)

An excellent, thoughtfully written, and thoroughly researched book. If you'd like to know all about acid reflux and what you can do about it before resorting to prescription drugs, this is the book for you. Even though the title accurately suggests it's mainly about diet, Dr. Aviv dedicates roughly the first half of the book to the condition, its causes and mechanisms, and lifestyle changes you can make to help, of which diet is just one. Some reviewers have complained the book is too alarmist about the dangers of acid reflux, but I beg to differ. Acid reflux can cause cancer and it's becoming dramatically more prevalent, so it IS rightly alarming. Roughly the second half of the book provides recipes you can use to control acid reflux through your diet. There are dozens and dozens of detailed, delicious-sounding recipes. It looks like they've been carefully developed, or at least curated, by Dr. Aviv or someone close to him. One gets the sense he is not just a great doctor, but also someone who is very handy around the kitchen. This book is obviously a labor of love. Every page shows the author's passion for helping people manage and avoid this potentially life-threatening condition. It has helped me, and I highly recommend it.

I have to preface this review: I'm just getting started with the 28-day meal plan and haven't read the first two parts of the book in depth yet. What I have read of the educational content is really interesting and insightful. But with that said, I'm finding the 28-day Healing Phase section very confusing. There are multiple lists of foods and habits to avoid, making it difficult to keep track of them all. And on top of that, there are a number of inconsistencies when it comes to specific foods. The prime example is garlic and onion. The first mention of them is on page 122 of the Healing Phase section, and it says that they are two of the "Dirty Dozen" that are not allowed at all during this phase of the diet. But in this mention, both say "raw" in front of them but the explanation that follows makes it sound like it's all onion and garlic, not just raw. Then on page 145, he talks about onion and garlic being completely off the table in this phase of the diet. And then, to help you make up your own menu if you want, he provides "A Complete List of pH 5 Foods Allowed During the Healing Phase" and guess what appears on the second page: "Garlic" and "Onion (sweet)" with no mention of raw or cooking or anything. So can I have garlic and onion at all? Only cooked? Really confusing. This is the most prominent example of inconsistency but there are several.

This book did just what it said it would do. I no longer need to take medicine on a daily basis to control reflux. The book is detailed and well written and includes meal plans. Excellent.

Anyone who is struggling with GERD will find this very helpful. I've been on the PPI merry-go-round for ages and was even advised by a gastroenterologist to take omeprazole for life. This didn't feel right for me at all as the side effects creep up on you. I'm was very confused by the various pieces of advice I was picking up on the internet - some very bad advice indeed. If you're wondering how you can help yourself and ween off medication then I strongly suggest the buy this book. It is a fantastic resource on every level and Dr Aviv is very well informed. His meal plans and recipes are great and very very helpful. He lists all the foods and the PH level. I'm so empowered by controlling this problem myself now which if not treated in some way (holistically as Dr Aviv explains it or with PPi), can became very very serious as a damaged oesophagus can become very complicated. So not to give away spoilers but you will probably have to give up some of your favourite foods and drinks but tasty alternatives are offered. Dr Aviv also has an excellent website called acid watcher, and you can also find YouTube videos of interviews he's given. He has also created an additional recipe book which I have bought. I think he is wonderful and really knows his stuff. Highly recommended. I would like to add that if you read the book(s) - he has a recipe book too, you can join a closed fb group which is a very supportive community and offers many ideas and recipes and is extremely helpful in this journey. It also answers all your questions.

Very useful and well written book. The price is reasonable.

This book changed my life! I was on omeprazole for 5 years and told I was going to have to take it for the rest of my life. Desperate, and looking for answers I tried this diet after seeing the amazing reviews on Amazon, I really didn't want to be on medication forever. I decided to go cold turkey on omeprazole on day 1 of this diet, the first 1-3 weeks were HARD. Going without coffee etc was hard for me and my acid reflux went so much worse as I was coming off omeprazole, but I trusted in the diet and powered through anyway. Then around week 4 I woke up one day and my acid reflux was GONE. It healed. I couldn't believe it! But sticking with it for the 4 weeks truly worked. I slowly started drinking coffee again maybe around week 6 and slowly went back to my normal diet - no issues, but if it had flare ups I'd go to back to the diet. I would also formulate my own recipes based on the ingredients we are allowed to you (you don't have to stick to his recipes, you can make your own just be very vigilant with the ingredients, stick to them too a TEE). Also if you like sweet treats like me I started having dates and almond butter at night and that tied me over! Anyway, it's been a year now and I have no acid reflux, I can drink coffee, eat acidic foods and I am completely fine and have no reflux at all. Highly recommend this book and make sure you stick with it to see results!

had GERD and this book helped me how to and when eat what type of food. It has great recipes and you can manage that according to Indian stype

Libro completo che offre un sacco di consigli utili a chi soffre di reflusso gastrico. Gli argomenti sono trattati in modo organico e la lettura è molto scorrevole.