Dr Perlmutter is a favorite pop science author, but this one is less convincing in my (not especially scientifically educated) opinion.

One might question why they would want to read a book about uric acid, but this book explains how important it is to understand. It’s science, as many medical books are, but written in terms a non medical professional will understand. I especially liked the recipes at the end. Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for allowing me to read and review.

Drop Acid

by David Perlmutter
with Kristin Loberg

Be prepared when you read Drop Acid for a book that concentrates on a medical theory that attributes many of our medical woes including obesity, diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, premature death, stroke, coronary artery disease, Alzheimer’s and hypertension to high levels of uric acid. In his efforts to convince the reader of his theory, Dr. Perlmutter, a neurologist, spends about half of his book expounding in detail the scientific basis of the principles of his LUV (Lower Uric Values) Diet, a trademarked designator. He spends a further 16% of the book at the end on notes for further reading.

The second part of Drop Acid lays out a plan of action for the reader to follow in lowering uric acid levels in three main areas: food; sleep, exercise, exposure to nature, and timing of meals; followed by fine tuning the process. He concludes with recipes that he developed with Tricia Williams, a food therapist.

I was really excited to read this potentially life-changing book. Unfortunately, my eyes glazed over during the details of the first half, and I failed to be convinced that this is a program I personally want to commit to. Even the recipes are challenging. Although Perlmutter claims substitutes can be made in ingredients, I have to ask why one would suggest recipes that specifically include Castelvetrano olives, za’atar seasoning, Tuscan kale, or dulse flakes.

I apply a healthy dose of skepticism when members of the medical community make a business out of healthcare. Perlmutter, in an effort at full disclosure, shares that he is on the board of directors of a company marketing a device, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to measure and monitor blood glucose, a device he maintains is not necessary for his program but would be very useful. He frequently in the text refers the reader both to that device and to his self-promoting website. He also introduces the website of Tricia Williams where his business is again promoted and ready-to-eat meals following this diet are available for purchase.

I am not a scientist or a medical professional, and I have not tried his program myself. I am reviewing the book for readability and appeal, not evaluating the efficacy of the LUV diet.

I would like to extend my thanks to NetGalley and to Little, Brown & Co. for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 2/5

Category: Health, Mind, and Body

Notes: 1. Perlmutter is the author of a family of five books focused on gluten-free diets. His flagship book for that effort is Grain Brain.
2. Perlmutter ties his Covid wagon to a uric acid star, seemingly willing to accept most of the pandemic deaths as the inevitable result of comorbidities associated with high uric acid rather than admit most could have been avoided with the right therapeutics.

Publication: February 15, 2022—Little, Brown, & Co.

Memorable Lines:

As you will soon learn, long before any symptoms develop, asymptomatic hyperuricemia may well be fomenting an unending, irreversible storm and subtly stoking biological processes that ultimately result in elevated blood sugar and blood pressure, bad cholesterol, excess body fat, and systemic inflammation, which opens the door for any number of chronic degenerative conditions.

Contrary to what Big Corn will tell you, fructose and glucose are not siblings with equal biological effects. Fructose is more like glucose’s evil twin: when you eat glucose, your body uses it to produce energy; but when you eat fructose, it triggers changes in the body that favor the storage of energy in the form of fat.

If elevated uric acid precedes and predicts biological mayhem and future risk for most chronic diseases, then we must start paying attention to this important metabolite.

Thank you to the Little Brown Spark publisher and NetGalley for the electronic review copy of this book. This interesting book provides research and discusses effects of uric acid on health. Dr. Perlmutter provides guidance how to reduce uric acid, adjust the diet, and live healthier, longer lives.

An informative and clearly written book on how we are inadvertently and lethally overburdening our metabolism with uric acid by our overconsumption of certain foods. Perlmutter covered many of the same issues in his previous books, Grain Brain and Brain Wash although the focus on this guide is slightly different. It's an easy book to read and it's good to be aware of the foods and habits that lead to an overload of uric acid and how slight modifications can make a huge difference in long term health. Half the book is recipes and sample meals, and this will appeal to many readers. He's also included a hefty list of his own references, which I very much appreciate.

There is no such thing as a magic pill but the suggestions in this book are sound and sensible for anyone who is wanting to be proactive about long term health, both physical and mental.

#netgalley

Everyone I know (including me) is looking for the magic key to weight loss and good health. By now I’ve learned that there is no such thing. But every year or so, a new theory emerges that seems to promise the moon. This book appears to be well-researched, and the ideas seem valid. However, I’ve learned that unless one can make a permanent shift in mindset and lifestyle, this type of program, with its “yes” and “no” lists of foods, the list of required supplements, etc., is just not sustainable. At least it isn’t for me. Having said that, I did learn some things about uric acid that I will keep in mind. I imagine that there will be a receptive audience for this book, who have the discipline and desire to follow such a program. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Drop Acid by David Perlmutter is a fascinating look into the effects of diet, specifically excess uric acid has on the human body. The book is full of scientific references but, it is told in a conversational tone that is easy to understand.

The book is told in two parts. The first part gives you all the scientific data that supports the role uric acid plays in human metabolism. The second part is all about how to lower uric acid using the author’s LUV (Lower Uric Values) diet and gives the reader a three-week diet plan as well as outlying the foods to avoid, and the foods that help lower uric acid levels.

I found this book gives the reader a good scientific background of the role of uric acid, told in a way that most readers can understand. And the book gives a good solid way for readers to lower uric acid levels using diet and supplements.

This review is based on the book and the way it is laid out and told. I did not try the LUV diet, so I cannot give a first-hand account of how it works.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to try to understand the effects of uric acid on the body. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book is supported by the latest research on how to live a long healthy life. It will help you get on the right track to wellness.

This book explains SO much of the underpinnings of health! Who knew that uric acid was so important in so many ways? I highly recommend this book, which also gives clear guidance on how to improve uric acid (and thus health)!