Reduce Acid Reflux Symptoms With An Alkaline Diet

 

Many naturapathic doctors share the view that an alkaline diet works best for reducing acid reflux symptoms. According to this theory, the acid – alkaline balance is an important factor in the health and functioning of the body. And diet is one factor that influences acid – alkaline balance. Hence, you ought to consider the acid or alkaline forming nature of the foods that you consume.

To understand the meanings of acidity and alkalinity, here are some background knowledge. An acid is a substance that releases hydrogen into a solution and an alkali or base is one that removes hydrogen from a solution. The amount of free hydrogen is measured on a scale ranging from 1 to 14, called ph. Ph denotes the exact level of acidity or alkalinity. A ph value below 7 is said to be acidic and above 7 alkaline.

Many functions of the body occur at a certain acidity or alkaline level. Also, any enzymes and chemical reactions in the body work best at a particular ph. A small change in ph can have a significant effect on body function. For instance, muscle contractibility declines and hormones like adrenaline and aldosterone increased as the body becomes more acidic.

Many body functions are involved in the regulation of acid – alkaline balance. These functions include respiration, excretion, digestion and cellular metabolism. The lungs assist in acid – alkaline regulation by eliminating carbon dioxide from the blood. The kidney also responds to the ph of the blood. If the blood is too acidic, the kidney excretes extra hydrogens into the urine and retains extra sodium. Phosphorus in the form of phosphate is required for this exchange. The body obtains this phosphorus from your bones if it is not available elsewhere.

In the digestive process, acid – alkaline balance is affected by the secretions of the stomach and the pancreas. Thee secretions are absorbed onto the blood stream and effect the rest of the body. When food is eaten, the stomach secretes hydrochloric acid. In response to this acid, the pancreas secretes bicarbonate which neutralizes the stomach acid so that pancreatic enzymes can work properly.

What holds true is the saying that “you are what you eat”. Generally, if you consume foods that acidic in nature, your body which absorbs these become acidic as well. Highly acidic foods include instant and highly processed foods such as hot dog, potato chips and cow’s milk, as well as red meats like beef and pork. More stomach acid needs to be produced in order to digest them. However, when this happens, acid reflux can occur because more stomach acids back up your esophagus.

If you choose to eat more alkaline foods, then you would have less of a problem with an excessive production of stomach acids. Highly alkaline foods tend to include more vegetables such as wheat grass, barley grass, alfalfa spouts, broccoli sprouts, cucumber and kale, as well as certain nuts and oils.

You must also allow your esophagus a chance to heal. By refraining from foods that are acidic will help lessen the impact of irritants to it. You should also avoid anything that relaxes the LES (lower esophageal sphincter). The LES is the muscular valve separating your esophagus and the stomach. It is when this valve relaxes, that stomach acid backs up to your esophagus, causing acid reflux symptoms.

There are also other benefits of eating more alkaline foods. When you have an acid overload, your body tends to get weakened of energy. Unfortunately, this energy is required to help fight viruses and disease. An acidic body and a weakened immune system allow germs, yeast, bacteria, molds and fungi to breed and flourish. In an alkaline environment, they cannot thrive or multiply. By keeping your body alkaline, holistic experts say that that you can prevent many diseases and ailments.

It is said that 7.5 ph is the ideal alkaline body level. For optimal health, it appears imperative that you manage this acid-alkaline balance. In addition, to reduce acid reflux symptoms, stick to early dinners, eat and chewing slowly in a relaxed environment and consuming your food in smaller portions.

You can manage acid reflux symptoms through a combination of diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. More tips are available at this acid reflux resource directory here http://www.treat-acid-reflux.com

Alkaline Foods - What Are They & Which To Eat

 

A body which is higher in acid is like a magnet attracting all kinds of diseases. The human body maintains an ideal body ph of 7.3 which is more alkaline than acidic in nature. An alkaline ph helps the various body mechanisms to function well as well as the different vital organs to carry out their designated functions to an optimum level. Now what is needed it to maintain this ideal ph level by consuming various types of Alkaline foods. Acidic foods should be consumed minimally while most of our diet should consist of alkaline foods.

The various types of alkaline foods are mostly vegetables and fruits. Consuming these will help oxygenate the body system and so lead to rejuvenation of body cells. The various types of vegetables that fall in the alkaline foods category are garlic, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, mushrooms, sprouts, barely grass, wheat grass and many more. Apart from cranberries all other fruits are alkaline foods. Apples, bananas, honeydew, melons, cherries, dates and all the rest are alkaline in nature. Even though lemons are acidic in essence but when consumed they have an alkalizing effect on the body as opposed to having an acidic effect. Even citrus fruits which are acidic before consumption have an alkalizing effect on the human body. These fruits should be consumed in abundance so as to maintain a normal ph. Melons is not good foods to combine with other eats so should be consumed separately.

This is not to say that only non protein foods are alkaline foods. Eggs , cottage cheese , yogurt, chicken breast, tofu, pumpkin seeds, squash seeds , millet, nuts ,sunflower seeds are all proteins that are considered alkaline foods. They can safely be consumed and shall be beneficial to the body. Green tea and herbal teas are also alkaline foods. Various fruit and vegetable juices are also classified as alkaline foods. Those with sweet tooth should take stevia which is a flower obtained sweetener and is the only alkaline sweetener. Miso is a highly alkaline food and taking miso soup can be very beneficial to the body.

Many spices such as cinnamon curry leaves mustard chillie pepper and sea salt are all alkaline foods. Sea salt containing iodine is highly recommended. Acidic foods like various meats and oils should not make up for more than 25% of our food intake. One the other hand 75% of our food should constitute alkaline food so as to keep a healthy body. If there is a constant feeling of fatigue or frequently reoccurring illnesses then a lot of alkaline food should be consumed. All illnesses have their roots in the body ph getting acidic and a lot of care should be taken to keep the ph levels alkaline in nature. There fore a high consumption of alkaline foods is highly recommended in order to lead a healthy and long life.

Discover How Alkaline Foods Work and Why Alkaline Foods Are Recommended, including Free Foods Chart: http://www.AcidAlkalineDiet.com/Health

How To Get An Alkaline Body pH Balance

 

The alkaline diet trend is fast catching up. Today many people from diverse places understand the benefits of maintaining an alkaline body. An alkaline body is much less susceptible to illnesses than an acidic body is.

It is beneficial to know that a healthy life can be maintained only if one has an alkaline body. A bit of an exercise routine along with an alkaline diet will reflect in ones inner and outer self. To achieve an alkaline body it is necessary that over 80% of our food intake constitute of alkalizing foods. To begin with one must first take the body ph test. It can be easily tested via the saliva test or the urine test. Once it is clear that the natural alkaline body ph is tilting towards the acidic side, immediate intervention is needed. A look into your diet will surely reflect an acidic trend just like your body ph. Societies like America who live primarily on meats and worse still processed food are highly prone to losing the alkaline body ph. These kinds of foods have an acidifying effect on the body and cause enormous amount of damage to it. The American society suffers not only obesity but also a lot of heart problems, this is due to their mainly acidic diet.

But there is a silver lining in this situation. An alkaline body can be achieved with just a little alteration in your diet plan. Simply put one should consume a lot of vegetables and fruits. Most of the acidic foods should be substituted by alkaline foods. A daily intake of about eight to ten glasses of water is a must. Soda should be avoided like poison is. Soda is highly acidic in nature and it takes over 30 glasses of water to balance on the acid in one glass of soda. An alkaline body helps in reversing the aging process and also maintaining a disease free body. Those who want to shed weight but do not want to loose energy should try alkaline diets and look and feel fit. Most of the other diets leave one feeling exhausted and as soon as one goes off the diet the lost weight is regained. But in an attempt to achieve an alkaline body not only does one feel fit and energetic but also the diet can be incorporated into becoming a way of life rather than a crash course in hunger.

So get our there and check your body ph right away. If you find that it alters from the natural alkaline body ph then change the way you eat immediately. You will find that as your alkaline body ph returns to normal you will feel better not only from within but also glow on the outside. Your skin will feel younger, your hair will shine and your nails will not be brittle any more. A lethargic feeling you felt all day long will be a thing of the past. So get out there and get an alkaline body and get your young life back all over again.

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

Christmas - Awesome Festive Damage Control With 'Alkaline' Water - A Transformational Health Gift!

 

Christmas is a time of giving and there is no better gift than to give yourself and your family the awesome gift of alkaline water. We know that water sustains all forms of life. We now know that two thirds of our body is water and three quarters of our planet is made up of water! You need to understand that not just any water is good water.

Water Therapy: Our brain is made up of 80% water and 90% of our blood is water. Water has so many benefits for your body such as flushing out toxins, preventing dehydration, reducing fatigue, constipation, and can even reduce kidney stones and heart disease. Water therapy can minimize or reverse certain medical conditions. Having a glass of water 30 minutes before eating helps with digestion of food. It is better to avoid having a glass of water while eating your food although small sips are ok. The reason for this is that water during eating dilutes the acids in the stomach leading to improper digestion of foods. Researchers also tell us that water helps with heart burn, arthritis, hypertension, asthma (decreases the inflammatory process) and even headaches. You can benefit by simply drinking more water.

The best way to start your day is with a glass of water with a twist of lemon in it. This will help with releasing toxins and acids in the body. Know that hunger is often a mistaken signal for thirst. Drinking water decreases hunger pains. So when at a festive function reach for a glass of water when you think you are still hungry and watch those hunger pains simply disappear. This works! Even slight dehydration slows down metabolism this is why drinking more water helps with loosing weight.

We have all experienced afternoon fatigue blues and they become worse when dehydrated. Most people when feeling tired in the afternoon will reach for coffee, soda or tea. These sugary or caffeine drinks will only create more dehydration. Water is what you want to be reaching out for as it will energize, hydrate you and keep your body functions healthier and less prone to health issues!

We loose about two and a half litres of water a day. Food supplies us with about 20% of our water intake. While researchers tell us that 8 glasses a day are a good measure for our health, we now know that if you are exercising you need to add an extra 1-2 cups per hour to keep hydrated. If you exert more excessive exercise then add 2-3 cups per hour. If your urine is colorless or has a slight color you are probably drinking enough water.

What type of water is best? We know today that often house-hold water running from the tap may be less than adequate containing contaminates. So what is the best water? This has been a topic of major controversy. Should it be alkaline, distilled, reverse osmosis systems or filtered? Research today appears to conclude that alkaline water is the most beneficial. Alkaline water only has benefits compared to the others which have pros and cons. It even has minerals too!

Most people don't realize that we actually absorb more chlorine through our skin in the shower than by drinking it. Having a shower filter can make a huge difference for the health of our body and can effect topical skin conditions too. There are countless testimonials of softer healthier skin, less rashes etc after a shower filter has been applied.

Most people are acidic in lifestyle. Accumulation of acid waste increases the aging process and conditions related. The goal is to help to dispose of the acid waste build up in our bodies. Alkaline water can even change a depressed mood into a brighter mood according to Japanese doctors.

What You Must Know About Storing Water in Plastic Bottles:

Dangerous toxins can leach from plastic water bottles. Here is what you need to know. This liquid life force called water needs to be stored correctly. Today you can buy various types of water in plastic bottles. However, you need to be aware of the toxins in plastics and the best way to avoid them. When next buying water turn the bottle upside down and you will see a triangle with a number in it. The safest plastics to use are the ones with the number 2, 4 or 5. These plastics are softer. The harder types of plastics can leach toxins into the water from the bottle.

So best practice is to avoid hard clear plastic bottles particularly bottles with the number 1 in the triangle on the bottom as research suggests they leach toxins. In the triangle on the bottom avoid bottles with DEHA (possible cancer causing agent) and DEHP (possibly toxic to reproductive system too). Avoid bottles marked with number 7 on the bottom of hard plastics. Do not re-use clear plastic bottles. Do not use scratched plastic bottles or discolored. Get rid of them as they leach toxins into the water. Stainless steel and glass are the best to use.

So when at the festive dinner or party reach for a glass of water rather than another alcoholic, soda or caffeine drink. You will increase hydration and won't feel fatigued and end up with a hang-over either! Water has been called the elixir of life and no wonder with its amazing healing powers. Water sustains all forms of life and scientists are still discovering amazing facts about water. With an understanding of water and drinking the right kind of water you will help to give the gift of health and longevity!

Recommended great resources: Dr Mercola www.mercola.com Dr. Roopa Chari and Deepak Chari from The Chari Center (www.charicenter.com)

Visit http://www.HoHoHoChristmas.com & sign up for our FREE Newsletter full of tips, tools & resources for reviving the fun, joy, magic and real meanings of Christmas PLUS receive our bonus f*r*e*e 10 day e-course with audio - Amazing Ways to Enrich Your Christmas Experience from The HoHoHo Expert, Bernadette Dimitrov, author of the world's best Christmas ebooks and audio books. The HoHoHo Factor!? everything you?ll love to know & share about Christmas & the new fun adventure series ?Bluey, Santa's New Recruit!? Your resources for creating fun, meaningful and cherished memories today!

How To Maintain An Acid Alkaline Balance & Its Benefits

 

The human body was designed with an alkaline ph of 7.4. This is the normal and natural ph level of the body. Maintaining this acid alkaline balance is all that is required of us to stay healthy and prevent cell degeneration.

It is essential to maintain a ph balance of 7.4 so as to stay away from illnesses. An acidic ph is a magnet for all diseases. All kinds of illnesses have there roots in an acidic ph. The acid alkaline balance of the body is a must. The ratio between the acid and the alkaline ash in our body should ideally be 20 % to 80 %. Our body ph of 7.4 can be maintained only if this acid alkaline balance is reflected in our diet too. What you eat is what you are. The saying holds very true in this case. If we eat acidic foods our bodies shall be acidic in nature and if we eat alkaline foods then we shall be alkaline in our ph. It is extremely important to keep the acid alkaline balance in our body maintained. If this balance tilts towards the acidic side it spells disaster for the body. Serious ailments like arthritis, migraines, cardiovascular diseases and even cancer have their roots in an acidic ph. An acidic ph does not allow the cells to breath easily. Since oxygen gets cut off from the cells it does not remain healthy any more. So a red colored round cell looses not only its color but also its shape. A non round cell which is off color is the base of all diseases. Thus it is extremely important that the acid alkaline balance be followed thoroughly.

In keeping the acid alkaline balance in our body we have to eat alkaline foods and avoid the acidic ones. No more than 20 % of our food intake should constitute of acidic foods. A lot of green vegetables and fruits should make up most of our diet. Green vegetables are highly alkalizing foods and help maintain the acid alkaline balance. One should try and eat as many greens as possible and also keep in mind that cooking food destroys its nutrients. Consuming raw vegetables and fruits is more beneficial than cooking them. Also various green powder products in the market like ultra greens can be consumed for optimum benefits. Alkaline water is also much better to have over ordinary water. Honey, almonds and olive oil are safe to consume. All these steps help in maintaining the acid alkaline balance of the body.

The other side of the alkaline acid balance is the acidic side. We have talked about what we should eat. Now let us discuss what we should not eat to maintain the acid alkaline balance in our body. Stay away from all animal flesh. It is highly acidic and causes the ph balance to tilt to the acidic side. All fats are also acidic and so are the various processed foods. One should steer clear of acidic foods. All sodas and alcohols are also acidic and should be avoided if the acid alkaline balance of the body is to be maintained.

Our body is nature?s gift to us; we should appreciate and look after this gift. The acid alkaline balance is the only way to achieve good health and long life and all of us owe it to ourselves.

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

Health Implications of Acid - Alkaline Imbalance

 

Have you ever checked your body's pH? Do you know what body pH is and how it plays an important role in good health? Do you suffer from acidosis? Many people never ask themselves these questions. Yet, body pH plays an important role in maintenance of your body' many intricate systems.

Acidity and alkalinity are measured according to the pH scale. Pure water, with a pH of 7.0, is considered neutral. Any substance with a pH below 7.0 is acid, while anything with a pH above 7.0 is alkaline. The ideal pH range for the human body is between 6.0 and 6.8 (slightly acid). For the body, values below pH 6.3 are considered on the acidic side. Values above pH 6.8 are on the alkaline side.

You can obtain a pH test kit and determine your own body pH by doing a self test. This test will determine whether your body fluids are either too acidic or too alkaline. Apply saliva or urine to litmus paper. The paper will change color to indicate if your system is overly acidic or alkaline. Red litmus paper turns blue in an alkaline medium and blue litmus paper turns red in an acidic medium. Always perform the test either before you eat or at least one hour after eating. If your test indicates that your body is too acidic, consult the recommendations for Acidosis.

Acidosis is a condition in which the body chemistry is imbalanced and overly acidic. Symptoms of acidosis include frequent sighing, insomnia, water retention, recessed eyes, arthritis, migraine headache, abnormally low blood pressure, acid or strong perspiration, dry hard stools, foul smelling stools accompanied by a burning sensation in the anus, alternating constipation and diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, halitosis, a burning sensation in the mouth and / or under the tongue, sensitivity of the teeth to vinegar and acidic fruits, and bumps on the tongue or the roof of the mouth.

There are two classifications of acidosis: respiratory and metabolic. Respiratory acidosis is caused by an interruption of the acid control of the body and results in an overabundance of acidic fluids or the depletion of alkali. Simply put, it occurs if the lungs are unable to remove carbon dioxide. Respiratory acidosis can be a result of asthma, bronchitis, or obstruction of the airway. It can be mild or severe.

Metabolic acidosis is caused by chemical changes in the body which disturb the acid-base balance. This results in an excessive amount of acid in the body fluids. Diabetes mellitus, kidney failure, the use of unusually large amounts of aspirin and metabolic diseases are some of the conditions that can deplete the body's alkaline base. Other contributing factors can include liver and adrenal disorders, stomach ulcers, improper diet, malnutrition, obesity, ketosis, anger, stress, fear, anorexia, toxemia, fever and the consumption of excessive amounts of niacin and vitamin C.

Guidelines for avoiding or reducing pH imbalance include:

1. Practice deep breathing.

2. Eat a diet of 50 percent raw foods including apples, avocados, bananas, bilberries, blackberries, grapefruit, grapes, lemons, pears, pineapple, strawberries, and all vegetables. Fresh fruits, especially citrus fruits and vegetables reduce acidosis. Start with small amounts of citrus fruits and gradually add larger amounts.

3, Chew your food slowly, and do not overindulge. Make sure food is mixed well with saliva. Do not drink fluids during meals.

4. Prepare cooked foods with care. Maintain clean working surfaces and wash vegetables and fruit. Keep meat and vegetables separate you can contaminate vegetables with bacteria from raw meat. Do not overcook vegetables, as this makes them lose flavor and nutritional value. Eat processed foods in moderation. They are low in nutrients and overexert the digestive system. Both cooked and processed foods tend to make the body more acidic. Also avoid eating late at night.

5. Drink potato broth every day.

6. Avoid animal protein, especially beef and pork, as they contribute to acidity.

7. Avoid beans, cereals, crackers, eggs, flour products, grains, oily foods, macaroni, and sugar. Plums, prunes, and cranberries do not oxidize and therefore remain acid to the body. Avoid these until the situation improves.

8. Since excess vitamin C may lead to acidosis, reduce your intake of vitamin C for a few weeks. When taking larger does of vitamin C, use a non-acid form.

9. Heartburn and indigestion can result from poor digestion. If you suffer from heartburn, taking small swallows of a teaspoon or two of natural cider vinegar in a glass of water may be of some help. It may cause a burning sensation when you swallow it, but then, in approximately twenty minutes, you should feel relief. If this helps it may indicate you lack sufficient acid in your stomach and the vinegar compensated. In this case, consider taking a digestive enzyme supplement containing hydrochloric acid (HCL).

Check your urine pH daily and avoid acid forming foods until your pH is corrected.

ACID Forming Foods include:

Alcohol, asparagus, beans, brussels sprouts, buckwheat, catsup, chickpeas, cocoa, coffee, cornstarch, cranberries, eggs, fish, flour and flour-based products, legumes, lentils, meat, milk, mustard, noodles, oatmeal, olives, organ meats, pasta, pepper, plums, poultry, prunes, sauerkraut, shellfish, soft drinks, sugar and all foods with sugar added.

Acidosis, if allowed to go unchecked, can adversely affect health. Fortunately, it is easily detected and, it can be avoided or corrected if found.

Tom Nuckels is owner of the LpVitamins.com website. His customers range from children to the elderly and from carpenters to doctors. To learn what liquid vitamins, phytonutrients, homeopathic medicinals and spaQuality Skin Care can do for you, visit http://www.lpvitamins.com.