Our health is directly related to the balance between alkalinity and acidity. Too much alcohol, a meal high in fats and fried foods, too many sweets, too many allopathic medications, and exposure to external toxins can all lead to an acidic condition. When our acidic levels exceed the norm, we are then creating an internal environment that invites bacteria, viruses, and other unwanted guests to a very destructive party!
Over-acidity is one of the main culprits in creating dis-ease and all of its implications.
Acidosis
Acidosis, which is when the body holds a high acid count, happens when calcium and oxygen levels are low. This condition prevents the body from defending itself against invasions of viruses, bacteria, fungi, yeast, and mold. When we have acidosis it is often accompanied by excess mucus and symptoms of colds and flu. Cancer cells love an acidic environment, as do other major diseases.
pH Balance
Preventing discomfort, illness, and disease comes with maintaining a high level of alkalinity in the body. When we observe a good pH balance we are strengthening the immune system, which is also essential in slowing down the aging process as well as assuring that our internal system is functioning at its best. When the body obtains a healthy alkaline balance, our calcium and oxygen levels are then able to eliminate the cause of illness and disease, whereby we absorb up to 20 times more oxygen than when there is too much acid in our system. The healthier the body, the more oxygenated it is as toxins cannot survive in an oxygenated environment.
Testing for pH
Our pH level is determined by the balance between an acidity and alkalinity. It is easy to test for this by getting pH strips at your local drugstore. Simply spit on the strip or pass a drop or two or your urine over it and watch what happens to its color. The chart on your package of strips will indicate your pH level at that moment. If the strip turns blue, you are in good alkaline health. If it turns another color, you will see by the number where you stand in terms of pH balance. Ideally we should maintain a balance at 7.4, which indicates a balance of pH. The greater the alkalinity, the more chance we have at maintaining health.
Losing Weight Through pH Balance
An alkaline system makes it easier to lose body fat. Acidosis inspires the body to protect itself against excess acid seeping into the organs by creating more body fat, which can lead to ulcers and other complications. In this state, the body has difficulty absorbing nutrients as well as producing sufficient calcium. This can lead to a search for extra calcium in the teeth and bones, where the body will extract it for the organs to share, thus causing teeth and bones to weaken. In the case of our teeth, this leads to weakened structure as well as decay. In the case of our bones, this leads to depleted bone mass, which in turn leads to osteoporosis. When we have a higher degree of alkaline present, the body can maintain its proper calcium and oxygen levels, helping us to maintain an ideal weight while insuring our teeth and bones the calcium and other nutrients that they need.
Eating Alkaline
Our diet determines our level of pH. What eat causes us to either absorb or combat external toxins that compete to turn our systems into acid factories.
Drinking pure, filtered water along with the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon is a great way to keep the body alkalized, especially if you feel the symptoms of acidosis. Add a tablespoon of sodium bicarbonate to give yourself an extra boost of alkaline, especially if you have had too much alcohol and want to avoid a hangover the next day. You can also look for alkaline water at your local health food store.
Exercise helps the body maintain an alkaline state, especially exercises that do not over-tax the muscles into creating excess lactic acid. When we exercise, we are filling our cells with needed oxygen, which helps to eradicate excess acid. Varying your workout throughout the week will keep your cells oxygenated while strengthening and toning the body.
Taking vitamins that help oxidize fats and carbohydrates such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and the B vitamins can be helpful, especially if your healthcare provider feels you are not getting enough of these nutrients from your foods.
Here is a partial list of foods high in alkaline content. Make sure they comprise the predominant part of your menu each day and you will celebrate a healthy body with reduced body fat that exults in consistent energy:
· Broccoli
· Brussels sprouts
· Cabbage
· Carrots
· Cauliflower
· Celery
· Kale
· Spinach
· Tomatoes
· Apricots
· Bananas
· Citrus fruit (grapefruit, lemons, oranges)
· Almonds
· Millet
Buy organically grown foods that are grown by local farmers whenever possible. If you are eating acid foods, eat a larger quantity of alkaline-based food to keep your pH at or above 7.4.
Here is a partial list of acid-forming foods:
· Animal proteins
· Poultry
· Eggs
· Seafood
· Most cereal grains
· Butter and margarine
· Cheese
· Pasta
· Peanuts
· Chocolate
· Coffee and tea
· Alcohol
Smoking can also lead to acidity, but by now of course, if you smoked you have stopped! If you do eat meat and poultry, make sure you buy them free range, farm-raised and without hormones and other additives that create a high acidic level.
Other Advantages of Proper Alkalinity
When our bodies are at a proper alkaline-acid ratio, we are also helping to enhance our brain function through the support of extra oxygen intake. With a healthily alkalized system we also experience a sense of emotional balance as our digestive system functions optimally and we feel the absence of aches, pains, and other debilitating symptoms. As we all know, feeling well is the key to creating a better life for ourselves and those around us, as well as giving us a sense of joy and appreciation for the world we live in.
