Health is truly a balance among all the systems of the body. The cells of our body are so interconnected that when you improve the balance of any one system, it improves the balance and vitality of the rest of the organ systems. For example, improving cardiovascular health improves digestive function. Improving the function of the nervous system will improve the lymphatic system, and possibly most important, when you improve the acid/alkaline balance of the body, you simultaneously improve every other system in the body at the same time.
Finding balance begins in our bloodstream, as does repairing injuries, reducing inflammation, burning fat, building strong bones (reversing osteoporosis), and the increase of energy and vitality.
In order to function properly, the blood and other body fluids must maintain a very narrow acid/alkaline balance, which is measured by the pH factor (potential hydrogen). pH ranges from 0-14 (very acidic to very alkaline). A pH below 7.0 is acid and above 7 is alkaline. Keep in mind when and if you test your pH that there is a tenfold difference between each number. For example, a pH of 5.0 is 10 times more acidic than a pH of 6.0
Blood pH does not shift easily. The pH of our blood is between 7.25-7.45, and if the blood’s pH falls below or above that range, the body cannot function properly. A tremendous amount of energy is expended to maintain pH levels, all the while pulling from the body’s alkaline mineral reserves, causing deficiencies and health disorders.
When we maintain proper pH levels, injuries heal faster and health challenges improve more quickly because the body is oxygenated and therefore can detoxify and heal itself. If cells are energized in this way, we develop a strong immunity to diseases and a significantly lower propensity for cancer.
The best way to maintain optimal pH levels and optimal vitality is through what we eat and drink and how we react to stress. For the diet, if you follow an 80/20 rule, 80% alkaline forming foods and 20% acid, you should experience all the benefits that a body balance has to offer. Have a look at the following lists to see which foods do what and where you might be able to increase your alkaline-forming foods. Keep in mind that the foods must be organic because ALL pesticides are very acidic.
ALKALINE FORMING FOODS:
DAIRY: acidophilus, whey, kefir/yogurt
FRUITS: apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, berries, cantaloupes, cherries, currants, dates, figs, grapes, grapefruits, guavas, lemons, limes, mangoes, melons, nectarines, oranges, papayas, passion fruits, peaches, pears, persimmons, pineapples, raisins, strawberries, tangerines
VEGGIES: bamboo shoots, green beans, lima beans, string beans, sprouts, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, cauliflower, chard, chicory, chives, collard greens, cucumber, dandelion greens, dill, dulse, eggplant, endive, escarole, kale, garlic, leeks, legumes, lettuce, okra, onions, parsley, parsnips, sweet potato/yam, bell peppers, white potatoes, pumpkin, radish, rutabaga, turnips, watercress
MEAT: No meat is alkaline
NUTS: almonds, chestnuts, coconuts
MISC: ginger, honey, kelp, alfalfa, clover, mint, sage, green tea, quinoa, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, all seaweed/sea veggies
MINERALS: calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese
ACIDIFYING FOODS
GRAINS: all white flour products, buckwheat, wheat, corn, barley, oats, rye
DAIRY: butter, eggs, cheese, cottage cheese, cream, ice cream, custards, milk
FRUITS: jams/anything preserved, cranberries, pomegranates, olives
VEGGIES: artichokes, asparagus, garbanzo beans,
MEAT: All
NUTS: peanuts, pistachios, walnuts, macadamia
MISC: alcohol, brine, coffee, cocoa/chocolate, candy, many dressings (because of the vinegar), drugs, jams/jellies, mayo, some spices, soda, lack of sleep, stress, worry
