The degree of the acid-alkaline balance of the body is measured by finding its pH. This is the substance's potential (p) for freezing hydrogen (h) ions. The pH scale goes from 0-14 with the number 7 representing the ideal balance between acid and alkaline substances. With greater acidity in the body, the number becomes smaller. With greater alkalinity in the body, the number becomes larger.
Our bodies function best when the pH of its internal biochemical environment measured as a whole, is equal to 7.39, or slightly alkaline. The zone of optimal health extends from pH 7.36 to pH 7.42. Illness will typically accompany any occurrence of acidosis or alkalosis. In fact, more than half the American population suffers from the condition of acidosis. Of all the factors that cause acidosis, the most important is unquestionably nutrition. Foods are classified as basically acid or alkaline, according to the residue left after they have been metabolized in the body.
America's diet is heavily based in acidifying foods. These include:
- Wheat
- Oats
- White Rice
- Strawberries
- Refined Flour
- Refined Sugar
- Meat
- Poultry
- Cold Cuts
- Fish
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Butter
- Whole and Refined Grains
- Pasta
- Cereal Flakes
- Peanuts
- White Sugar
- Sweets
- Cashews
- Pecans
- Sodas
- Coffee
- Cocoa
- Wine
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Mustard
In contrast, alkalizing foods consist mostly of green and colored vegetables. They also entail:
- Fruits
- Millet
- Buckwheat
- Sprouted Beans
- Sprouted Seeds
- Olive Oil
- Soaked Almonds
The foods mentioned above lie in the category of strongly acidifying or alkaline foods respectively. We also have foods that are balanced between the two. They are
- Brown Rice
- Corn
- Soybeans
- Lima Beans
- Almonds
- Sunflower Seeds
- Brazil Nuts
- Honey
- Most Dried Beans
- Peas
- Vegetable Oils
Since our bodies are slightly alkaline in nature, we should eat more foods that break down into alkaline elements. For a system that does not get too acidic, congested, or full of mucous, the diet should contain about 70% alkaline foods-one that focuses on fruits and vegetables, with some whole grains, sprouts, and smaller amounts of animal foods and refined foods. Drinking large amounts of water on a daily basis can also work to de-acidify the body.
In general, the diet should consist mainly of foods that are alkaline in nature. Vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and some whole grains such as millet, quinoa, and amaranth are all good examples. In order to stay in a zone of optimal health, we should try eating smaller amounts of meat, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and dairy. Yoga and meditation are excellent forms of bodywork to help balance the system, as are massage and biofeedback. Saunas and hydrotherapy techniques are additional ways to correct insufficient elimination of acids through the skin.
Certain medicinal plants are effective in eliminating acids as well. Burdock, for example is a diuretic and promotes bile production. Prepare a decoction by mixing 1 ½ oz. of burdock root with one quart of water and boil for ten minutes. Drink three cups a day. Take in plenty of pure water throughout the day, and consider testing your body's exact pH. After all, we are the only ones who truly know our individual constitutions. With knowledge and awareness we can become our body's best physician.
