Alkaline Balance for Superior Health

 

Most of our immune systems are being weakened by a losing battle with bacteria, viruses, fungi, yeasts and molds. Antibiotics are becoming increasingly less effective as a result of over prescription over time which has caused resistant new strains of mutated bacteria. Our tissues and cells need to maintain a proper level of alkalinity to function properly.

There is growing recognition that the most significant first step you can take towards good health and to protect against sickness and disease is to maintain a healthy pH balance. An acidic body environment is also lower in oxygen and provides a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, fungus and mold. This is known as acidosis and also causes a deficiency of calcium in the body. Calcium is necessary for the process of conveying nutrition to cells.

If it is so important that our bodies maintain a healthy pH balance, then how do we recover a healthy level of alkalinity if our body currently possesses an acidic environment? The first step is to give yourself a body-cleanse to get rid of toxins. The second step is to eat foods and take supplements that provide nutritional support for the body and build new and healthy cells. Calcium, in particular, has a strongly alkalizing effect and is best taken as ionic coral calcium. The third step is to change your diet to include mostly alkalizing foods and a minimum of acid producing foods.

Seventy to eighty percent of your diet should contain alkalizing foods and the higher alkaline they are the better.

Alkaline Foods

Vegetables are the most alkaline of foods and therefore to maintain a healthy pH balance you need to eat a diet rich in vegetables.

Alkaline Vegetables:

High Alkaline Vegetables: barley and wheat grass, sprouts (particularly alfalfa and broccoli), parsley, kale, cucumber and seaweed.

Moderately Alkaline Vegetables: avocado, beets, broccoli, cabbage, celery, endives, garlic, ginger, green beans, lettuce, okra, onion, spinach, and tomato.

Slightly Alkaline Vegetables: artichoke, asparagus, brussel sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, leeks, peas, rhubarb, turnips, watercress, and zucchini.

Beans and Legumes

Moderately Alkaline: lima beans, soy beans and white beans.

Slightly Alkaline: Lentils and tofu.

Alkaline Fruit

Slightly Alkaline: coconut, grapefruit, lemon and lime.

For oils, use olive oils to maintain a positive pH balance in preference to vegetable oils. Goat milk is slightly alkaline as opposed to dairy products from cows which are acidic. For a sweetener choose stevia as opposed sugar or honey.

The more acidic a food is the less of it you should eat. Meat tends to be moderately to highly acidic and so too are most grains. The grains that are alkaline include buckwheat, quinoa and spelt and you can eat these grains to your heart’s content. Of vegetables, mushrooms and potatoes are the most acidic. Of fruits, dried fruits are the most acidic and moderately acidic fruits include apple, apricots, bananas, berries (all types) fresh figs, grapes, honeydew melon, mangoes, oranges, papaya (paw paws) peaches, pineapple, and watermelon.

While you can certainly include acidic fruits in your diet (since most fruits are acidic), the key to restoring an alkaline pH balance is to eat a diet comprising mostly of vegetables and augmented by meat (or other complete protein), fruit, nuts seeds, oils, and grains.

You can find far more comprehensive lists of alkaline and acidic foods by doing an internet search. However, by following this guide you will be on track to restore an alkaline balance to your body and improve your health and well being.

Learn how pH balance affects your state of health at: http://www.yourphdiets.com

PH Diets.

Know What You Are Eating - Alkaline And Acidic Food

 

Types of Food
There are 2 main types of food: acidic food and alkaline food. Examples of acidic food are meat, fish, prawns, chicken, bread and flour. Alkaline food are vegetables, milk, seaweeds, fruits and egg white.

It cannot be confused that acidic food contains acid, but rather, it is the end product of this food after digestion and assimilation that contains acid. For example, lemon is acidic initially, but they produces alkaline ash after digestion. The latter is what we are concerned about, as it is the end product that affects our body.

More on the lemon issue, it has to be highlighted that this only applies if the fruit is plucked from the tree in the ripened state. If they are unripe (green) and turn yellow due to rotting, these fruits becomes acidic after digestion.

This fact holds true not only to lemons, but to many others such as pineapples, mangoes, peaches and apples. Be sure to buy fruits that are ripe, and not rotting.

So, back to the topic of acidic and alkaline food, which of the two should we eat? In fact, both types should be taken in moderation for good health. According to Dr. Ragnar Berg of United States, "Everyday's meal should have the proper proportion of 20% acidic food and 80% alkaline food."

Whether your body is acidic or alkaline depends mainly on the food you consume. A healthy body is slightly alkaline (pH7.3 to 7.4). It is highly important that you should know what type of food you are eating so that you can achieve the healthy balance of 80% alkaline and 20% acid.

Recent studies have shown that patients with high acidity in their urine have a slower rate of recovery from various diseases as compared to patients with low acidity in their urine. Experiments have also been done on animals to study on this area. Alkalinized and acidized animals have virus injected into their body. The alkalinized animals were found to have suffered slight damage and quickly recovered. Acidized animals, however, suffered diseases or death.

It can be concluded that a high alkaline body is the first line of defense against diseases and death. An overly acidic body can accelerate the ageing process, reduce immunity to sickness and disease, and cause system degeneration.

Diseases and Conditions caused by acidic body
There are so many diseases and conditions that may be caused by an acidic body. Though this may not the only factor, but it is a major contributing factor.

Some of these diseases are:

• Constipation
• Muscle pain
• Acnes
• Skin Allergy
• Pigmentations
• Kidney diseases
• Heart disease
• Hypertension
• Hyper-cholesterol
• Headache
• Cancer
• Gastric
• Gastro-intestinal disorder

So how do our body gets acidic? When we have high intake of meat, eggs and animal products, this imbalance cause an over-acidic pH. One of the fastest way to ensure proper pH balance is by consuming spirulina, a blue green algae termed as a superfood due to its high density of nutrients. This health supplement is 100% alkaline and can reduce the acidity in your body.

Alvin Ng writes articles on several health topics for Health Session ranging from nutrition to diseases to body systems, and invites you to read more of these articles at healthsession.com

There is no other way to improve your health than to understand what your body needs. Learn with us as new discoveries and researches provide a greater knowledge to better health. Read the original article at Alkaline and Acidic Food.

Complete List Of Alkaline Foods & Their Benefits

 

All the foods we eat can be divided into three broad categories namely, alkalizing foods, acidic foods and neutral foods. The foods on the list of alkaline foods when burnt leave an alkaline ash as opposed to acidic foods that leave and acidic ash. The ratio between the acidic ash and alkaline ash should be 20 /80 respectably. To maintain this ratio over 80% of our food should constitute of items from the list of alkaline foods.

Most vegetable and fruits are on the list of alkaline foods. Cabbages. Lettuce, potatoes, bamboo shoots, broccoli, garlic, sprouts and almost all vegetables are to be found on the list of alkaline foods. Green vegetables are highly alkaline but others such as potatoes, tomatoes and eggplants also have their place on the list of alkaline foods. These should be consumed in large amounts to keep the normal slightly alkaline ph of the body balanced. Substitute an alkaline apple for an acidic potato chips pack when looking for a snack.

Most fruits except for cranberries are also on the list of alkaline foods. A good judge of alkaline fruits is to see if they are sweet. But this is not to say that sour fruits like lemons or citrus fruits are not alkaline. Melons and grapes are also highly alkaline in nature and should be consumed in plenty. Fruits and vegetables if eaten raw also provide a dual purpose of not only energy but also fiber.

Even though it may seem that only vegetable and fruits are to be found on the list of alkalizing foods but this is not the case. Dairy products have a slot too on the list of alkaline foods. Acidophilus milk, buttermilk, yogurt and whey are all dairy products that are on the list of alkaline foods. Milk is also alkaline but only in its raw form. All processed forms of dairy are acidic and should not be consumed in large quantities. For those who are inclined to non-vegetarian diet meats are a clear no. For those looking for some protein there is chicken breast, which is alkaline and can be eaten for good health. Other meats are all acidic and should form no more the 20 % of ones diet.

For the beverage drinker there is herbal tea and coffee substitute on the list of alkaline foods. Lemonade made with stevia and sea salt is also highly alkaline and very refreshing. Alcohol is extremely damaging and is totally off the list of alkaline foods. Honey, almonds and fresh coconut all have their special place on the list of alkaline food.

Quinoa and Amaranth are on the list of alkaline foods and so are millet and buckwheat. All other grains are acidic in nature.

The list of alkaline foods should be treated as doctor?s orders and followed thoroughly. Not only do we gain a new lease of life but also live a healthier life.

Download The FREE Comprehensive List Of Alkaline Foods and Discover How Alkaline Foods Work & Why An Alkaline Diet Is Recommended: http://www.AcidAlkalineDiet.com/Health

Acid and Alkaline Foods and The pH Diet

 

There is a saying that goes, " we are what we eat. " In fact, if people take a deeper look at the food being consumed, only then will the person realize that a lot of it are unhealthy which is why most people are obese.

The reason is because the most of these are acidic or have a high concentration of alkaline in it. Some examples of acidic foods are peanuts, meat, sugar, beans and legumes. Those that contain alkaline are certain vegetables, fruits and juices.

The types of beverages available also has high concentrations of acid. Coke and beer for example has a pH2 while coffee that has caffeine is a pH 4.

This is not harmful in small amounts but when someone eats for example a slab of steak together with a can or two of beer, then there is bound to be a problem in the future. This is because micro form and pathogens start to develop and this will spread to different areas of the body.

The body defense mechanisms will do its best to regulate the pH levels. However, it has limitations and when it can not, the person may suffer a stroke or other sicknesses that could permanently paralyze the individual or be fatal.

One way the body does this is by using calcium. Everyone knows this is good for the bones and lack of it especially in women may lead to osteoporosis.

Children who drink milk often can prevent this from happening but once the person reaches adulthood, things are different. This is because milk also has a high acid content so this can be regulated by substituting this with skim or Soy milk instead.

The example just shown has happened to many people. This is the reason scientists and doctors recommend those who are overweight to exercise and make some lifestyle changes like going on a pH diet.

One way is by changing the way the food is cooked. Instead of frying it, a healthier way is by steaming it. The person may even reduce red meat and change this with fish. A dietitian will be helpful in planning a menu and it would not hurt to read up and experiment on new recipes.

As for drinks, the person should stay away from coffee or dark colas. This is because the regular and the diet versions still contains elements of phosphoric acid. A healthier alternative will be freshly squeezed juice, tea or water.

The person does not have to wait until something should happen and one is off to the clinic or the hospital. This is the reason that people are encourage to visit the doctor at least once a year to check if everything is normal.

At home, the individual can buy pH strips that can check if one is acidic. This is done through a urine test and if this is between 6.75 and 7.25, then the body is maintaining the right pH level.

Should this be higher or lower, then the person is potential health risk. There is another version that can tell if this is normal or not based on color and the results will determine whether or not it is time to make some changes.

There are other things to watch out for to ensure healthy living and the first step is by watching what is being eaten because too much acid or alkaline in foods can be dangerous to one's health.

Ronald Firquain is a writer, marketer, entrepreneur, webmaster and has 16 years of computer knowledge. You can download e-books for making money online, building a website, improve your golf game, playing guitar and much more. For more information go to: http://www.ebooks-mall.org

Acid Alkaline Balance In Your Body - It's Extremely Important

 

The human body is a complex balance to maintain. There are many functions being carried out simultaneously. But for all these functions to be carried out smoothly one basic requirement is necessary. The ph of the body should be ideally at an alkaline 7.4. If this ph gets tilts towards the acid side then the consequences are disastrous. The body?s acid alkaline balance is a must for the immune system to fight diseases as well as cell degeneration for be prevented.

The acid alkaline balance in the body is at a ratio of ideally 1 is to 4. Where for every one part of acid there are four alkaline parts. This can be easily maintained by eating foods in a similar acid alkaline ratio. We should make sure that about 80 % of our food intake is alkaline in nature while only 20 % of the total food intake is acidic. When we start to consume more of acidic foods our body ph tilts towards the acid side. As soon as this happens cell degeneration starts and the immune system gets weakened. Immediately the acid alkaline balance of the body gets altered. Not only does the body feel fatigued all the time but also becomes a target of various kinds of diseases like arthritis, osteoporoses and even cancer. The human body cells are naturally round in shape and red in color but this when the ph of the body becomes acidic these blood cells become off color as well as loose their shape. Needless to say this causes serious problems. These cells also change their polarity which is normally negative and become positive and so start to stick to the walls of the arteries causing them to clog. The result is coronary diseases. If the natural acid alkaline balance of the body is tampered with serious consequences arise.

The acid alkaline balance ratio must be maintained by consuming alkaline foods. Animal proteins, dairy products, fats, alcohol, and processed foods should not form more that 20 % of our food intake. These are all acid forming foods and if consumed too much cause the acid alkaline balance of the body to tilt to the acid side. On the other hand alkaline foods should be consumed in plenty since they help maintain the acid alkaline balance of the body. Green vegetables, fruits, almonds, honey, and olive oil are all good for maintaining the acid alkaline body balance. Care should be taken to wash the vegetables and fruits thoroughly so as to not consume any pesticides that are sprayed on them. Another important aspect of these alkaline foods is that we should remember that when we cook food we loose its nutrients so as far as possible we should eat them raw. One should stay away from wheat, barely, rice and lentils too. They are acidic in nature also. Lemons though acidic in their essence when consumed leave an alkalizing effect on the body, so help in maintaining the acid alkaline body balance.

Apart from food we also drink water for survival. Ordinary water is not as beneficial as alkaline water is. Alkaline water helps to restore as well as maintain the acid alkaline body balance. One should drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of alkaline water so as to wash away those toxins from the body.

The natural acid alkaline balance of the body must be cared for and maintained if one desires to live a healthy and long life. If we ignore the acid alkaline balance of the body we shall be sealing our own death wish

Discover How Acid Alkaline Balance Works and Why An Alkaline Diet Is Recommended, including Free Foods Chart: http://www.AcidAlkalineDiet.com/Health

Acid Alkaline Balance is Critical for Your Health

 

Have you ever wondered if many of the diseases raging through our society have a common cause? Many doctors, herbalists and nutritionists believe that the explanation may come down to three words which is acid alkaline imbalance.

Over acidity of the body which can become a dangerous condition that weakens all body systems, is very common today. It gives rise to an internal environment conducive to disease, as opposed to a pH-balanced environment which allows normal body function necessary for the body to resist disease.

pH (potential of hydrogen) is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. There is a very tight window of pH where our blood can operate. Blood pH must be kept between 7.34-7.45. A pH of 1-6.9 is considered acidic and a pH of 7.1 to 14 is considered alkaline. 7.0 is considered neutral. So the operating pH of blood is just slightly alkaline.

The body must keep the pH of the blood in this tight window in order for you to stay alive. Breathing out carbon dioxide and other waste products along with the excreting and filtering done by the kidneys allows our bodies to keep the pH of the blood within that window. There are also buffers stored in the body to help as necessary.

So we see that the body has systems in place that maintain the delicate pH balance in the blood stream. However, a person can become more and more acidic if he or she takes too much acid forming foods. Therefore, it is critical that a person watches his diet. People who have serious illnesses always have low pH values because of too many acid forming foods.

Therefore, body pH is an important concept to understand, whether you want to restore you own health, or just remain healthy. Muscle contractibility declines and hormones like adrenaline and aldosterone increase as the body becomes slightly more acid. When the blood is too acid, symptoms include drowsiness which could progress to stupor and coma. When the blood is too alkaline, symptoms include cramps, muscle spasms, irritability and hyperexcitability.

Acid forming foods are important foods that provide very important vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats and fiber. A diet is not complete without them. However, these acid-forming foods should compose not more than 20 percent of our diet. If not, when the body becomes less efficient as we age, our cells become more and more acidic.

An alkaline diet would not allow a person to become acidic as they age. An alkaline diet contains the minerals and vitamins we need, and allows us to live long healthy lives. Such a diet would contain 75-80% of alkaline forming foods like vegetables, fruits, kefir, coconut oil and palm oil. The diet would contain also 20-25% of the acid forming foods like rice, grains, nuts, seed and meat.

Sources say coconut oil and palm oil are the only alkaline forming oils. Using coconut oil as your cooking oil will help you regain your acid alkaline balance and stay in optimal health.

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Understanding Acid And Alkaline PH

 

The notion of acid and alkaline is one of the most misunderstood concepts in nutrition. It is commonly referred to as terrain medicine, a reference to treating the whole individual. It has been established that PH in the blood, saliva, urine, and other areas is a critical factor for building health.

How can you determine an acid or alkaline condition?

Blood work, saliva tests, hair analysis, muscle resistance and urine are just some of the tests being recommended by current nutrition experts. Most of these tests can show relative amounts of acid or alkaline, which is very interesting to compare.

But what people do not know is that there are so many varieties of acid and alkaline appearing in the system that to get any conclusive results about acid and alkaline status. It is still best to read the intracellular fluid?a test rarely performed.

Most current diagnostic tests show the acid wastes are present in the body fluids such as blood, lymph, urine, mucus and saliva. The problem with such tests is that they do not show how much acid waste is within the cellular fluids since these fluids are running through tissues and removing acid wastes.

It might be possible to measure the relative acid or alkalinity of body fluids. But it is rare and more complicated to evaluate the acid or alkaline quality of body tissues such as skin, organs, glands, muscles, ligaments, arteries, and vessels. The majority of standard tests focus mainly on saliva, urine, or blood.

What does all these mean?

The tissue quality of skin, organs, glands, muscles, ligaments, arteries, and vessels is the determining factor of your health. When acid wastes are not eliminated, they are reabsorbed through the colon, gets filtered through the liver, and end up being re-released into the general circulation. Simply means that you are re-circulating waste, when it is supposed to be cleansed and rejuvenated already.

Even measuring a person's blood for acid and alkaline variations is not an easy task. When acid is introduced into the blood, alkaline minerals from other parts of the body are immediately mobilized to maintain a crucial pH balance of 7.35 to 7.45. The blood cannot tolerate elevated acidity. It must alkalize.

To do this, it goes on an alkaline borrowing spree immediately, with no intention of paying back the bone, tissue, and digestive juice mineral donors. This means that to do a blood test for an accurate acid and alkaline reading, testing would require your doctor to take blood samples at numerous intervals throughout the day and only after eating one particular food to obtain a good reading.

Very exhausting, costly, and still not that reliable.

A number of nutrition writers suggest testing acid and alkaline levels with litmus paper (saliva) or urinalysis sticks (urine). Determining acid and alkaline though pH testing is assumptive, simplistic, and misleading.

Saliva or urine is not reflective of your overall acidity. Such arbitrary and unpredictable testing does not read the cellular fluid or tissue quality of skin, organs, glands, muscles, ligaments, arteries, and vessels. It can only give in a partial evaluation.

The proof of your body's acid and alkaline condition can best be determined by your own experience, not by peer-reviewed studies, medical establishment support, or static dietary guidelines.

Without getting too technical, the most practical advice would be to experiment for several weeks with a food plan that stays close to the middle of the acid and alkaline scale. Check out some diet that is high on both. You will notice dramatic and positive changes that can only be attributed to your experiment. This will be your best doctor.

There are supplements and products that will help you become less acidic and more alkalinic. Some say that certain health problems can only occur if the body is too acidic. Also look at some charts of common foods and see if what you eat and drink
may be closer to a 2 ph than a 7.Dee Cohen is a publisher and website owner. Study more about health and staying balanced . Visit Wake up Your Health