This seems like a very fitting book to write a review on given I deal with a stomach disorder that flares with acid EVERY DAMN DAY. I was a bit apprehensive to read a “how to” book about something I know and oftentimes despise greatly, but I figured I give this book a fair chance. The Acid Watcher Diet by Dr. Aviv approaches acid and its effects on the body in a very approachable way. There aren’t too many fancy words or overly-explained jargon…instead, the book is broken into three easily digestible (HAHA, STOMACH JOKE) sections.
Part I is about acid and how it can disrupt your diet. This section includes a lengthy discussion on acid reflux, inflammation, and what symptoms you should look out for when seeking medical treatment.
Part II is about “food and lifestyle prescriptions,” which is mainly about how proteins, fiber, pH/alkaline levels, and other acid-creating foods can have an impact on your overall health and well-being.
Part III is a culmination of Parts 1 & 2 in that it actually gives you a 28 day plan on how to reduce acid in your diet in order to achieve a happier gut.
Overall, I really liked this book and how it approaches health in such a friendly way. There are quizzes throughout the book, which are engaging to a reader that might otherwise check out (as many do when reading health and wellness titles). There are also lots of little lists (which I LOVE) that talk about specific foods and behaviors one can look for when say, you’re trying to see if you’ve got some variety of acid reflux (e.g. look for hoarseness, phlegm, shortness of breath, etc.).
This isn’t to say this book should by in ANY means be a replacement for seeking treatment from a medical professional, but it is a start for a) someone who is hesitant to go to a doctor right away, or b) someone like me who already has a diagnosis, but is trying to learn more about homeopathic treatments and a different medical professional’s opinion (and how it may or may not differ from the gazillion stomach doctors I’ve seen myself).
Another absolutely great aspect to the book is the 28 day meal plan, as it provides many easy to make recipes that take the guesswork out of “is this too acid for my delicate gut?” The recipes are broken down in “healing” and “maintenance” phases, which again underscores the necessity of reducing acid gradually and then keeping up with a modified diet. Many of the healing recipes would be totally fine for someone without acid problems (e.g. the roasted beets and fresh cucumber with creamy white bean dip). Each appetizer, entree, or snack is no more than a page long, coupled with serving size and prep/cooking times.
As a whole, I’d recommend this book to acid-suffers looking for some guidance, as well as normal guts looking to try something new. The book is totally approachable, easy to read, and methodically laid out.
I’ll be sharing some of my favorite recipes from this book in the coming weeks!
Score Card: Cover Art 4/5 | Content: 5/5 | East of Read: 5/5
I was provided a complimentary copy of this text in exchange for my honest thoughts after reading it.
