Production Of Iron And Aluminum, Water, Hydrogen, Alkaline Metals, Alkaline Earth Metals, And Sodium

 

Production of Iron and Aluminum
Another use of electrolysis is the purification of pure metals from their ores. A supply of electrical current can work to spark an oxidation or reduction process, so that materials can be extracted from their electrolytic solutions, or from a mix of molten metals. In this way, materials can be won in their pure form. Besides the electrolysis of an aqueous solution, an electrolysis can be performed on a molten mass of metals. Technically, electrolysis processes can be used to purify sodium and aluminum from a molten mass.

Aluminum is one of the most prevalent metals on Earth. Yet it is a complicated process to win pure aluminum from its mixtures. Crude aluminum is found in nature most often as a component of bauxite.
The process of purifying aluminum can be divided into two phases.

Starting with bauxite, we use the Bayer process to gain aluminum in the following manner: Bauxite is allowed to react with sodium hydroxide, a base. This leads to the release of aluminum into solution in the form of aluminum hydroxide. After filtration, the aluminum is separated from the hydroxide ions as aluminum hydroxde. This is filtered off, and when heated, calcination takes place. The result is the production of an aluminum oxide compound.
This aluminum-containing product is put under electrolysis, forming pure aluminum and hydrogen. The electrolysis of a stream of molten metal means that the metal will be separated from a molten mixture of salts of the metal at high electrical current but low voltage.
Iron is known as a transition metal found in the fourth period of the periodic table. In its pure form, it is white, relatively soft and magnetic. In nature, it is usually found combined with other atoms, in compounds. Hematite is one of is most important ores. Iron is separated from its ores in large ovens.

In order to win iron, industrial furnaces are necessary, as are an iron ore, limestone and carbon. The necessary materials are placed in a large oven. The oven has a ventilation system to allow air to circulate. The heating of limestone results in the creation of a calcium oxide.

1. The oxygen in the air reacts with carbon, producing carbon dioxide.
2. At very high temperatures, this carbon dioxide reacts with oxygen to produce carbon monoxide.
3. Carbon monoxide reduces iron in the ore to pure iron, as in the reaction Fe2O3 + 3CO = 2 Fe + 3CO2

The gases produced are called exhaust gases and are released through the chimney of the industrial furnace.

The impurities, called slag, are lighter than the iron produced, so they can be separated, from the bottom to the surface of the iron. In the lower part of the industrial furnace, crude iron is produced. Crude iron contains around 2-5% carbon and 3-4% slag. In this state, iron can be used for casting or for forging. Otherwise, it is possible to use further chemical processes to produce steel.
Steel is made of iron and a certain amount of carbon, not to exceed 1.5% of the total. Carbon makes steel harder, while lowering its malleability. Other metalloids may also be added in, so that steel can attain its usual properties. For example, steel can contain as much as 11-14% chromium.
According to the latest steel production processes, slag additives and scrap iron are added to the molten mass of crude iron. The addition of oxygen works to improve the oxidation of impurities and helps to clean up the steel.


The Composition of Air and its Pollutants

No matter where we are on our planet, the Earth, we are surrounded by the atmosphere, or air. Air, however, should not be confused with oxygen. Oxygen is just one of the components of air. There are others. Air is composed of the following:
77.1% nitrogen
20.8% oxygen
1.1% water vapor
0.9% argon
0.1% other gases (hydrogen, carbon dioxide, noble gases...)
The proportions of these gases does not usually change in any significant manner, although the concentration of carbon dioxide or sulfide compounds in the air above big cities and industrial centres can increase dramatically in a rather short period of time.

Pollution of the Atmosphere
We human beings have a greater influence on the environment we live in than any other organism that has walked this Earth in all its long history. It is true that natural systems can lead to the pollution of the Earth's atmosphere, of course. For example, the breakdown of organic matter can lead to the release of some poisonous gases into the atmosphere. Plants can breakdown these pollutants, producing oxygen from the poisonous carbon dioxide.
But the plant world is not capable of breaking down and transforming all of the pollutants which are being produced today. In addition, the world's forests are being destroyed in order to obtain the large spaces needed for a demanding, growing human population whose needs are growing, too. With a quickly growing population on the Earth, more and more harmful pollutants are being produced. As of now, there is no way known to neutralise or get rid of these pollutants.

The only sure way to protect the environment is to develop chemistry and its processes in such a way that the consumer goods and processes that release harmful pollutants into the air are replaced by other, less harmful ones to the environment. For example, in the last few years, freon, which was used as an ingredient in sprays and as a refrigerant in refrigerators, has been replaced, because it was found to harm the ozone layer.
No solution has yet been found to the problem of the greenhouse effect. The sun's rays are reflected off of the Earth, only to return to the atmosphere. Gases in the atmosphere, first and foremost carbon dioxide, act as a greenhouse to hold some of that heat in the Earth's atmosphere. Of course, it should be pointed out that the greenhouse effect, in a more natural setting, is a natural phenomenon which renders life on Earth possible.

In the 20th century, however, the oxidation of carbon dioxide has risen dramatically, thanks to the burning of fossil fuels (organic: coal, oil, natural gas) and the burning of the rain forests. This artificial and rapid increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air, some scientists have concluded, could raise the Earth's average temperature. This phenomenon is called global warming. If the Earth's average temperature does continue to rise as it has done in the last few decades, the polar ice caps could melt. Complete melting of both polar ice caps would raise sea level a few hundred metres, and reduce humanity's, and the Earth's, livable habitat in a fundamental way. The end result could be the destruction of many habitable landscapes, as well as the environment of the plants and animals which still inhabit the Earth.


Water, Hydrogen

Pure water is composed of just two atoms, oxygen and hydrogen, one atom of the former, two of the latter. Water is colorless, but it can appear as a blue liquid at its surface. At normal air pressure, water freezes at 0° C. Its boiling point is 100° C. The density of liquid water is at its highest value at 4° C. For that reason, ice floats on water, and water freezes at its surface first. When frozen, water, now ice, increases its volume by around 9% . Because of this property, leaving water in some type of container on a cold day could lead to that container breaking or cracking.
Water is the most common compound found on Earth, covering 71% of its surface. The atmosphere is made up of 4% water vapour. Most living organisms are composed of about 60-70% water, and some living organisms are composed of up to 98% water (seaweed). Water is never found in its pure form in nature. It always contains some dust or other chemical impurities. Water which, after boiling the liquid away leaves more than 1 g of residue, is considered to be freshwater. If, however, after boiling away the liquid portion of water more than 1 g of residue is present, this water is considered to be saltwater. Of the Earth's water, around 95% is saltwater (after boiling off of water portion more than 1 g of residue remains).
The hardness of water can be determined. This property depends on the amount of calcium, magnesium and other ions dissolved in the water. When water is distilled, these ions are removed, and the water, more pure than usual, can be used in chemistry and medicine. The distillation process involves boiling off the water. The water's impurities do not boil off if they have a higher boiling point than water, instead remaining in the original vessel which contained the water. The water vapour then condenses, producing liquid water which is now purified. Neither people nor other living organisms should drink distilled water, however. This would cause them problems. Drinking water contains minerals that living organisms need. It should, of course, be free of harmful bacteria.

Water has another chemically important characteristic. Water molecules can hydrogen bond with each other. This type of bonding between oxygen and the hydrogens in another molecule of water is not the type of bond in which electrons are shared. Oxygen attracts the negatively charged electrons more strongly than hydrogen, giving oxygen a partial negative charge and hydrogen a partially positive charge. Electrostatic forces then take over. The water molecules align themselves in a way which has the oxygen atom in one water molecule lined up next to the hydrogen atoms in another molecule. This creates an electrostatic force between two water molecules. A structure of alternating charges is thus created. These weak forces between water molecules are the basis of surface tension. Hydrogen bonds are also responsible for water's relatively high melting and boiling points.
Hydrogen is found in almost all compounds, whether they are inorganic or organic. It is by far the most common element in the universe. In its elementary form, it is a colourless, odourless flammable gas. It burns with a blue flame.

Uses of Water
Water is important for living organisms as a transport mechanism for needed materials including gases, and to keep up needed pressure in cells. In plants, water is an important component of photosynthesis. It is also an important solvent, refrigerant and transport mechanism in everyday life. It is especially important in chemistry. Many materials could not be studied without the help of water, because of these materials' reactivity in water. Salts, acids and bases are almost always studied as solutions in water.

When preparing water as the product of a chemical reaction, it is necessary to realise what purpose the water is going to be used for. Chemical and physical processes can be used to produce for example drinking water from surface or underground water, or to produce water which does not contain any iron or manganese. Or, soft water can be made, to be used in breweries, paint factories and textile factories. The most important processes are separation, filtration and distillation. Using these processes, unwanted components of water can be separated.

The Water Chain on Earth
Water movement around the Earth can be described exactly using water chains. From bodies of water such as lakes and oceans, from land, from living organisms, even from rain, water is constantly evaporating. After cooling in the highest reaches of the atmosphere, this water falls to the Earth again, as precipitation, onto dry ground but also into rivers, lakes, seas and oceans. Then, plants use some of the water which has fallen as rain. The rest of the water is transferred from dry ground to the Earth's rivers, seas and oceans.

Water Pollution
Another environmental problem is caused by water pollution. The ever increasing use of foreign materials which do not occur naturally leads to water pollution. These foreign materials, also called pollutants, get into our water through canalisation and trash. The processes are varied, the result the same: water pollution. Water which escapes from waste dumps, and acid rain, can cause water sources to become polluted. Living organisms are capable of getting rid of a number of harmful materials on their own, as long as they occur in relatively small amounts, and the influx into their bodies is slow. Otherwise, if a harmful concentration of pollutants is infused into a living organism, that organism can die, especially if it lives in or near polluted water. Even those organisms which are capable of removing harmful pollutants from their bodies can be threatened if a high concentration of pollutant is introduced. Laws and conscientious behaviour are helping to avoid a catastrophe in the oceans and other water sources of the world. At least, we are trying to limit the scope of individual catastrophes. Chemistry, of course, has its own important role to play in the battle.


Alkaline Metals, Alkaline Earth Metals, Sodium

The alkaline metals include lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium and the radioactive francium. All of these elements are metals. All have one electron in their outermost shell. They are members of the first main group in the periodic table, IA.
Alkaline metals do not appear in nature in the elemental state, but rather always as compounds. All of the elements in the alkaline metal group have similar characteristics which are derived from their similar electron configuration. Like all elements in the same group, they share many of the same properties. These common group properties are not exactly the same from element to element, however. They change with increasing atomic mass (for example, hardness, burning temperature, melting and boiling point). The high reactivity of the alkaline metals is the result of their having one electron in their outermost shell. The reaction of one of these, or its oxide as the case may be, results in the formation of a hydroxide, a compound which has basic character.
When atoms react, the most important factor in how they behave is the number of electrons in their outer shell. These electrons are called valence electrons. They can form chemical bonds with other atoms. When this happens, an electron must be transferred, that is, donated or accepted, to or from the outermost electron shell of another atom. Alkaline metals have only one valence electron, and they always donate this one electron when they form chemical bonds. For this reason, all elements in this group can attain an oxidation state of +1, meaning that they have given up their one electron.
The elements of the second main group of the periodic table are called the alkaline earth metals. Their chemical properties are also similar to each other, and their physical properties are based on a few basic laws. Beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium and radium are all Group IIA elements. They all have two electrons in their outermost electron shell. For this reason, they are not as reactive as the elements of Group IA. They are all metals.

The most important alkaline earth metal is sodium. This element has great significance in both the compounds which it naturally occurs in, and those which can be made synthetically. Sodium is a component of table salt, and of the dough which makes bread. It is a component of many strong bases and of soap, to mention just a few.

Formation of Table Salt
When two atoms of sodium join with one molecule of chlorine (Cl2), the one lone electron in sodium's outermost electron shell is transferred to one chlorine atom. The chlorine atoms separate from one another, then join with one atom of sodium each to form two new molecules of sodium chloride, which crystallise, in the reaction 2Na + Cl2® 2NaCl. When the sodium atom's electron is transferred, a positively charged sodium ion (cation) is formed. When chlorine captures that transferred electron, a negatively charged chlorine ion (anion) is formed. These are mutually attracted to each other. The formation of these ions allows both atoms (now ions) to reach a stable electron configuration in their outer shells, a noble gas configuration.

Electron arrangement can be thought of as an octet, as formulated by G.N. Lewis and W. Kossel. According to this theory, electrons are donated and accepted in such a way so that the atoms they belong to reach a noble gas configuration, one in which an octet of electrons is present in the valence shell of an atom. This is the energetically most advantageous state for any element. Often, reactions which lead to this electron configuration can be quite violent in nature. The release of reaction heat is one of the results of the reaction of sodium ions with chloride ions. Molecules of sodium chloride are regularly arranged in an ionic lattice. The crystals which are produced are cubic.


Halogens

The halogen group of elements
Elements in this group include fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I) and astatine (At) - an element which is not naturally occurring and can be prepared only in the laboratory. Because these elements have seven electrons in their outermost shell, they are members of the main group VIIA. They all share similar characteristics. In nature, halogens are found mostly as the negative components of salts. They are non-metals. Halogens are very reactive. They react with hydrogen to form a hydrogen-halogen compound. Oxides (compounds containing oxygen) are acidic in character. Halogens join with metals to form ionic bonds. The properties of halogens differ as a function of increasing atomic mass. The state of matter of individual group members changes from gaseous (flourine and chlorine) to solid (iodine and astatine). In the gaseous form, halogens always form two atom molecules (F2, Cl2, Br2). With increasing atomic mass, melting and boiling point rise, as does density. Solubility in water decreases as atomic mass grows.

Halogens often occur in nature bonded in salts. From these salts, pure halogen elements can be produced. These pure elements have many uses, first and foremost as raw materials in the chemical industry. They are ingredients in fertilisers, and they are used in medicine. These elements are important trace elements for living organisms (fluorine as an ingredient in toothpaste and bones). In addition, halogens are significant raw materials for the production of artificial substances (fluorine, chlorine). Pure crystals of fluorine can be used in the semiconductor industry. Iodine containing salts are used in some medicines and grocery products. Chlorine is often used to treat water, both drinking water and water for other uses.

Halides
Halides (hals = Greek for salt, gen = Greek tribal word for produce) are produced by the synthesis of metals and halogens. If glowing iron comes into contact with a copper wire coated with chlorine, these elements react violently to produce an iron chloride or copper chloride compound. Halides are salts. The salts of bromine are called bromides, the salts of chlorine chlorides (fluorides, iodides). When halides are formed, electrons are transferred between individual atoms. Thus, ions are formed which have the characteristic ionic lattice. The ions of the various halogens have the same arrangement as the ionic lattice of sodium chloride. For this reason, this typical structure is called the sodium chloride
ionic lattice. Ionic lattices produce ionic crystals. The formula NaCl describes the smallest building block of an ionic lattice. We call this crystal a unit lattice.
Halides are easily soluble in water and other polar solvents (those which have polarly arranged molecules). When halogens are dissolved, electrically charged ions are released into solution. If we dissolve sodium chloride in water, freely moving positively charged ions of sodium (cations) and negatively charged ions of chlorine (anions) are released into solution. Ions are carriers of charge, so ionic solutions are able to conduct an electrical current. When solid halides are heated and melt, they move to the liquid state of matter, called a molten melt. Even these molten melts can conduct an electrical current.
Materials whose makeup is difficult to determine are investigated through spectroscopy. The principle of using a mass spectroscope is that a gaseous sample of some material is placed in a tube, where it is bombarded with electrons. The material is ionised (charged), and ions move to the end of the tube, where an oppositely charged electrode is placed. A magnetic field is created in the tube, and ions are separated according to their mass. On a detection screen, these ions are divided in such a way depending on their mass.

This text was drawn from the Production of Iron and Aluminum; Water, Hydrogen; Alkaline Metals, Alkaline Earth Metals, Sodium page, where you will find explanatory outlinks.
The full Encyclopedia.
Translated by KENAX Translation Agency

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

Complete Alkaline Food List & Rankings

 

Once you have made up your mind to follow the alkaline food diet you would be looking for a list of alkaline food to include in your diet. Consuming high alkaline food will give maximum benefit to your body so here is the best list of alkaline food.

Vegetables are fruits make up most of the alkaline food chart. When going thought the list of alkaline food try and consume those foods most that are higher on the list of alkaline food. Vegetables that are green are found higher on the lost of alkaline food. Asparagus, broccoli, artichokes, cabbages, radish, peas, leeks and many more such alkaline vegetables can be found on the list of alkaline food. White tipped asparagus is acidic though and should not be used much. Similarly the list of alkaline food includes a lot of fruits. Apart from cranberries which are acidic all other fruits are to be found on the list of alkaline food. Mangoes, papayas, lemons, grapefruits, melons are all alkaline food.

Even though most of the contents on the list of alkaline food are fruits and vegetables it does not mean that only fruits are vegetables are alkaline. Certain beverages and drinks can also b e found on the list of alkaline food. Herbal teas, green drinks, fresh vegetable juice, soymilk, almond milk and lemon water all have a place on the list of alkaline food. Certain nuts can also be found on the list of alkaline food. Almonds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds are also alkalizing foods. Olive oil is very high on the list of alkaline food. Olive oil is highly nutritious and helps prevent heart diseases. If you do not have a taste for olive oil one can find flax, hemp, avocado, borage and evening primrose also on the list of alkaline food. Sprouts and tahini are also alkaline food and should be consumed to keep the ph balance of the body normal.

The list of alkaline food contains no meats and other processed food. One should stay away from acidic foods and no more than 20 % of our food intake should be acidic in nature. About 60 to 80 percent of our food should be alkalizing food. It is essential to follow the list of alkaline food so as to gain health. The list of alkaline food also helps one loose those unwanted pounds.

Each person has different tastes and different needs. But the ph of the body is the same in all healthy people. So make a list of alkaline food that suits your needs and lifestyle and follow it so as to leave a healthy and long life.

Download the Comprehensive Alkaline Food List & Discover How Alkaline Food Works & Why An Alkaline Diet Is Recommended: http://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!

High Alkaline Foods Diet & Their Benefits

 

Mostly all fruits and vegetables are alkaline but to gain maximum benefit one must try and consume high alkaline foods. High alkaline foods can help achieve optimal benefits from the food we eat while at the same time keeping our body ph balanced. Children and senior citizens have small appetites and by giving them high alkaline foods one can insure that they get enough nutrition even in small portions.

To maintain a healthy body ph one needs to consume 60 % alkaline foods and the rest 40% can be acidic but to restore a healthy ph balance the alkaline food should make up about 80% of the entire food intake. Here is where the high alkaline foods step in.

In the vegetable category mostly all the items are alkaline but there are a few that are considered high alkaline foods. Raw spinach falls in the high alkaline foods segment. But this high alkaline food if cooked becomes acidifying. Similarly asparagus which are definitely high alkaline foods are good only if green; the white tips are acidic and should be left out of the cooking. High alkaline foods are essential for the body and unless one has a death wish they should not be left out of meals. Onions, barely grass and parsley are also high alkaline foods. Onions can be eaten raw for maximum benefit or cooked with other vegetables. Green vegetables juices are also considered to be part of high alkaline foods. Salt intake should be limited but always use sea salt which has iodine so as to get alkalized by salt too. A bit of salt can make a glass of vegetable juice quite tingling for the taste buds.

Apart from vegetables, fruits are also high alkaline foods. Lemons and limes even though acidic in their essence, once digested by the body leave and alkaline ash. So this fruit even though is acidic in nature has an alkalizing affect on the body. Lemons are high alkaline foods and apart from the vitamin c in them are also loved for their tangy flavor. Lemonades can work wonders in refreshing a tried body both long and short term. High alkaline foods can help rid one of depressions as well as tiredness. Papayas are also high alkaline foods and release a lot of alkaline ash. Consuming papayas regularly leads to glowing skin as well as shiny hair. Water melons are also high alkaline foods but they should not be combined with other foods since they do not make good combination foods. Mangoes and grapefruit also are found on the high alkaline foods chart.

Olive oil has a special place on the high alkaline foods chart. It is very alkalizing and food cooked in olive oil can do wonders for the body ph. Olive oil is even recommended for the skin and hair to improve their texture. Herb teas and lemon water are also high alkaline foods. Herb teas make good beverages for those cold days while lemon water shall refresh you on a hot afternoon.

Having these high alkaline foods will help the body fight diseases and also cure them. Consuming high alkaline foods also increases the life span.

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

Acid Alkaline Diet & Its Benefits

 

The basis of the acid alkaline diet rests on two theories. One is that the ph of the body needs to be maintained at 7.4 if the rest of the body is to function optimally. The second theory is that all foods can be divided into three basic categories namely alkaline foods, acidic foods and neutral foods. Therefore the acid alkaline diet enforces the consuming of alkaline foods which are mainly vegetables and fruits as opposed to eating meats and other acidic foods. One can say that it is the opposite of an Atkins diet.

The acid alkaline diet is followed by consuming 80 % alkaline foods while the other 20% of the food intake can be acidic. The diet rests on the fact that our alkaline body oh of 7.4 can be maintained only if the alkaline ash and acidic ash are in the ratio of 80 % is to 20 %. For this ratio to be maintained one needs to eat in the similar balance Therefore one must consume a lot of fruits and vegetables as opposed to meats and breads. Green vegetables like broccoli, cabbages, salad leaves, asparagus are all part of the acid alkaline diet plan. Fruits are power houses of energy and should be consumed for good health. But they are also alkaline foods and so help maintain the ph balance of the body. The acid alkaline diet recommends eating a lot of fruits. Apples, mangoes, bananas, citrus fruits and melons help maintain the body ph level at 7.4 apart from vegetables and fruits one can also consume almonds, honey, buckwheat, quinoa, herbal teas and olive oil while following the acid alkaline diet plan. Consuming 6 to 8 glasses of alkaline water is also essential for the body to function well and rid itself of the various toxins.

The acid alkaline diet can help almost anyone. People who suffer from migraines, low energy levels, constant and repetitive colds, asthma, and even high blood pressure can finds their cure in an acid alkaline diet. If the ph of the body gets acidic it affects not only the brain and the heart but also simple body mechanism and processes get faulty. Any illness comes on only when the body defenses are down. The acid alkaline diet fixes and balances the ph of the body thus raising its immune system and also curing illnesses. Medication without an acid alkaline diet will only lead to short time relief. Over time with the acidic ph harming the body the similar or a novel illness will strike the body again. Therefore the only permanent cure of illnesses striking the body is following an acid alkaline diet so that the body ph can be maintained at 7.4. Even serious ailments like cancer and arthritis find their roots in a misbalanced body ph. Doctors also recommend that the acid alkaline diet should be followed by patients suffering from cancer along with their medications so as to speed up their recovery process.

For those who feel their lives are worth living more and for those who don?t, the acid alkaline diet is almost sent from heaven. The acid alkaline diet is the only answer to the various illnesses that we face.

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

Looking For Alkaline Diet Recipes-It's Easier Than You Think

 

Trying to find an Alkaline Diet Recipe? It's not as hard as you think.

Adopting a healthier way of eating with a high alkaline diet is simple when you have access to alkaline diet recipes. Finding at least 10 recipes that you like is really all that you need in order to adopt this way of eating. Most individuals and families really only need 10 good recipes that they enjoy in order to switch from the standard American diet to the alkaline diet way of eating.

Alkaline diet recipes may seem intimidating at first because a lot of them rely on unfamiliar ingredients. Most people are not used to cooking with tofu and other vegetarian protein sources. There are also a lot of alkalizing vegetables that can be unfamiliar.

However, you don?t have to worry about making those things at first. In fact, there are plenty of alkaline diet recipes that include familiar foods. You just have to take the time to understand which foods are alkalizing and which foods are acidic.

How do you find alkaline diet recipes that your family will enjoy? Start by scanning over the list of alkaline foods and picking out which foods your family already likes to eat. It will be much simpler for you, and for them, to make the transition with foods they already know and love.

Build your list of recipes from the alkalizing foods that you already enjoy and already know how to prepare. As you become more comfortable with the alkaline diet recipes, you can expand your repertoire to include some of the more out of the ordinary ingredients. Many people are surprised to discover that they love kale or rhubarb, or other ?exotic? vegetables and fruits, once they try them.

A lot of the intimidation with preparing alkaline meals comes from the fact that most people eat the vast majority of their foods out of a box or a can. Since alkaline diet recipes rely on fresh, unprocessed foods you?ll have to get used to preparing them if you?re a recovering ?fast food junkie.? Cooking, like all skills, takes time to learn but it isn?t impossible. You?ll be surprised what you can accomplish after just a few weeks of preparing your own tasty, alkalizing meals.

How do you build your list of 10 alkalizing diet recipes quickly and easily? Click here to take the alkaline diet recipe shortcut.

Top 5 Alkaline Diet Weight Loss Tips

 

Tip 1 ? Drink, Drink then Drink some more!

By far the most important and yet the easiest way to accelerate your alkaline diet weight loss results is to hydrate consistently.

Avoid Coffee, tea, soda and other acidic drinks.

Tip 2 - Avoid Foods with preservatives, food coloruing and additives.

The body wasn&39;t designed to digest these chemical substances, so it must either: eliminate them, neutralize them or park them away where they can&39;t damage your body.

Tip 3 - Avoid artificial sweetners like the plague

If you have been trying to lose weight, chances are you have relied on artificial sweetners to cut calories. You are shooting yourself in the foot on an alkaline diet. They are toxins as in tip 2

Tip 4 - Always have cut veggies and soaked nuts ready in your fridge

How successful do you think you would be in your alkaline weight loss program if you had to fight your craving along the way, every minute of every hour of every day? I bet not too successful.

Well, if you were on an alkaline diet, this would not be an issue because your craving would disappear by themselves over time. I get into that in much more detail in my e-book "Acid Alkaline Diet Simplified" (see http://acidalkalinediet.com)

Optionally, pick up a couple of varieties of hummus to dip the veggies in for added taste.

Tip 5 - Make a huge salad every 3 days

Ever come home so hungry you&39;re ready to eat the first thing that you can get your hands on? Do you regret binging on the junk food, and wish you could have made something better to eat?

If you prepare a huge salad that would last you 3 straight days, you will never come home and wonder what you can eat. With a salad in your fridge - ready to eat - you can eat right away and it&39;s great for an alkaline diet.

Did you know your body can easily return to it&39;s natural weight balance? Click here to find out how an alkaline diet can do this simply. http://acidalkalinediet.com

"Correct your acid / alkaline balance with the water you drink: what the experts say"

 

In health circles there has been much recent talk about acid /alkaline imbalance. Let's see if we can clarify how experts recommend we correct this imbalance.

The problem
Your body functions best when neither too acid nor too alkaline. Unfortunately almost all of us have become acidic due to diet, drinks and stress -- both psychological and from pollution. Acids can build up in our body, causing systems to be out of balance.

The effects
According to Dr. Stefan Kuprowsky, "Acid wastes build up in the body in the form of cholesterol, gallstones, kidney stones, arterial plaque, urates, phosphates and sulfates. These acidic waste products are the direct cause of premature aging and the onset of chronic disease."

When this occurs, the body will restore its optimal pH by depleting certain minerals, such as potassium, calcium and magnesium, from organs and bones. In addition, your immune
system may become fatigued from dealing with an excess of acid. Your body then stores acidic wastes in 'hiding places' such as muscles etc. rather than releasing the acids into the
bloodstream.

As Dr.Robert Atkins, the well-known author, health and diet expert, notes: "Just about every condition I can think of, from arthritis to diabetes to cancer, is associated with acidity."

"The countless names of illnesses do not really matter. What does matter is that they all come from the same root cause...too much tissue acid waste in the body!" Theodore A. Baroody, ND, Ph.D.

What can be done?
A vast body of research reveals that you can help neutralize acid build-up in the blood and maintain a balanced pH, by taking some simple steps, such as:

-- Exercise
-- Avoiding highly acid-forming food and drink
-- Drinking the right water

What is the "right" water?
"International studies show that populations with little or no history of illness, such as cancer, drink higher pH (alkaline) waters. After all potential risk factors were considered and factored out, it became evident that they had been drinking
waters with a pH of 9.0 to 10.0." Dr. Leonard Horowitz in "Aids and Ebola"

Alkaline ionized water "first came to notice in Japan, where researchers noted that people drinking water that came from certain fast- moving rocky mountain streams enjoyed
extraordinarily good health. It turned out that this naturally occurring water was alkaline and had a different structure and electrical properties." Larry Clapp, PhD. in "Prostate Health in
90 days"

Alkaline water is produced at home with a small kitchen appliance called a water ionizer (long in use in Japan and Korea). As water ionizers have become popular in North America, more health professionals have had the opportunity to evaluate their effects on clients:

Sue Pollock, N.D. writes, we can "assist the body in being more alkaline with ...drinking alkaline water."

"I believe that the best water is water that is alkaline (reduced) and purified using a small device known as a water ionizer." (Dr. Stefan Kuprowsky)

"It is my opinion that ionized water will change the way in which all health practitioners and the public approach their health in the coming years." Dr. T. Baroody in "Alkalize or Die."

Why not just rely on a change of diet?
According to Sang Whang, researcher and author of "Reverse Aging", the danger is that we might omit important foods:

"Since the waste products that we are trying to discharge are acidic, the right kind of water is alkaline water...My personal recommendation is to enjoy the foods that we like, but do not
over-eat or exclude any food. Eat in moderation following the professional dieticians' "balanced diet" concept, and let alkaline water do the job of cleansing acidic wastes."