The PPI Nexium has been very effective in treating my LPR. However, I still suffer coughing bouts of up to an hour after trigger foods. I can't classify the triggers in any way - the usual thing that get y'all don't bother me. But I started the diet "Body For Life" on Monday, which is done in conjunction with a weight training and exercise program. The big difference for me is that it has you eat about 300 calories every 3 hours. I discovered over the last 4 days, that I haven't been coughing as much after eating. Keeping my portions small and frequent has been a blessing.

I have also been exercising for 4 months now and have lost 23 pounds. I've been weight lifting as well, but began having some problems with the acid after doing stomach crunches. I would be feeling terrific, then go to the gym, do a few crunches, and then I'd be sick for days. I think the crunches were forcing a lot of acid into my esophageous - more than I could handle. I've stopped crunches and any kind of aerobics that twists the body into a crunch-like position, and this has been very effective. I guess I'll never have a six-pack, but a soft tummy is all right if I'm not coughing, as long as I get thin again.

Back to food - I don't understand why these foods give me severe coughing fits:

- backed chicken breasts (If I have a piece of chicken thigh or leg that was cooked as a whole baked chicken, I have no problem). Only the ultra-lean breasts cause problems.

-Most red meats.

-Potatoes (plain, baked, no skin)

The foods that make me cough understandably are:
-anything fried
-greater than 1 oz of any cheese
-more than 1 egg

Foods that, strangely enough, do not make me cough:
-Coffee (but it can make the LES area a little sore if I drink more than 1 cup)
-Wine
-Tomatoes and Sauce

I think the most common theme here is that small portions are the best - just eat more frequently.

I'll keep everyone updated on Body for Life - I'd like to win that $1,000,000 prize next year!