21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
A one sided and incorrect assessment of this condition., July 29, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Stop the Heartburn: What You Can Do to Reduce Your Symptoms of One of Americas Most Common Health Problems (Paperback)
The author takes a very "medical" look at heartburn. What this pamphlet (at 96 pages, half of which are blank or almost blank, I cannot call this a book) preaches is the same nonsense that medical doctors have preached to me for years, but there's just one problem: their four phase "treatment" process does not work very well in the long run, if at all. The first part of the book explains (in incredibly simplistic to the point of insult) terms what heartburn is, and what may cause it. This explanation and treatment process are completely one sided, as the author never for a second mentions that it may be the DEFICIT of stomach acid, not an increase, that may cause reflux and symptoms of heartburn. Unfortunately, medical doctors in this country swear by the process that is described in this book, and this is likely why this country has the largest occurrence of heartburn. Phase One is "lifestyle changes with occasional liquid antacid use." Garbage. If the cause of heartburn is in the DEFICIT of stomach acid or digestive enzymes, taking antacids will make the condition worse over time. Phase Two is "addition of H-2 blockers and more liberal use of antacids." The nonsense piles up. Phase Three is the "addition of stronger acid-blocking agents." You see the pattern. And finally Phase Four is surgery which promises symptom relief for "as long as five years." What exactly happens afterwards, the author does not say. He then proceeds to outline costs of each phase of the process. It becomes clear that the only ones benefiting from it are the MDs, drug companies, and pharmacies -- but not the patients. The book is also full of useless little facts. For instance, did you know that in 1994, a 6 year old burped 844 consecutive times which set a new world record? Finally, while the author fails to mention any alternative treatment methods that have actually been shown to work, he does provide about a dozen recipes said to prevent or reduce reflux. Let me close this review by saying that one of those wonder-recipes contains 3 cups of marinara sauce. Here comes heartburn salvation! NOT.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Everything you ever wanted to know about your heartburn, May 10, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Stop the Heartburn: What You Can Do to Reduce Your Symptoms of One of Americas Most Common Health Problems (Paperback)
I began searching for educational materials on heartburn after I had lived with it for several years and had poured all kinds of antiacids into my stomach. This book is very informative, explaining the causes, treatments, and even the long-range effects of continuing heartburn. It educated me to where I was able to discuss my condition knowledgeably with my physician and had no "fear of the unknown" when it came time to begin treatment.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
