Finding the Balance

Alkaline or acidic is determined by the way a specific food assimilates in your body after you digest it, not the pH of the food itself. For instance, lemon is acidic; however, the end-product it assimilates after digestion is alkaline-forming to your body so lemon is considered an alkaline food. On the other hand, meat pH will test alkaline before digestion but is considered acidic because it leaves acidic residue in your body after digestion.

It is important to keep your body’s pH balanced. Generally, when maintaining health, your intake should be about 60% alkaline and 40% acidic and when restoring health, your intake should be about 80% alkaline and 20% acidic.

Your body will do everything it can to retain the proper pH balance so if you are too acidic your body will store the excess acid in your fat cells, making it hard to lose weight. Over time, your body will take calcium and alkaline stores from your bones in a desperate attempt to retain the balance in your body, making your body shrink as you age.

A higher alkaline level not only helps your gut but also your blood cells. Your blood carries oxygen to all your cells and keeping your blood cells in proper pH results in less fatigue, higher energy, and better sleep.

Blood cells have a negative charge on the outside and a positive charge inside. When your body is over-acidic, the acid strips your blood of its negative charge forcing it to clump together. Blood cells are meant to be far enough apart to move freely for optimum flow and energy. When blood is clumped it then makes it difficult for blood to reach all the little capillaries in your body to give you the life giving oxygen you need. It no longer can give every cell of your body the energizing and rejuvenating effects. The end result is waking up tired and feeling fatigued and dehydrated.

You create your own internal environment with the food and beverage choices you make each day. It is always in your control to keep toxins out and stay hydrated and pH balanced. The root of most health problems are from dietary and lifestyle choices that make you too acidic. When you regain a better alkaline to acid balance, you will start to feel much better. You will see a positive difference in your weight, energy, and sleep patterns; as well as, your skin, hair, and nails.

Refer to the list below to know your alkaline and acidic foods and beverages and find your balance for optimum health and well-being.

Alkaline: Berries, bananas, lemons, avocados, celery, carrots, beets, spinach, broccoli, cabbage, olives, quinoa, wild rice, almonds, sesame seeds, soy, natural cheese, honey, maple syrup, garlic, turmeric, basil, ginger tea, herbal tea

Acidic: Apples, grapefruit, oranges, peaches, pears, sweet potatoes, bread, cashews, peanuts, walnuts, meat, chicken, fish, milk, yogurt, eggs, mustard seed, vinegar, chocolate, vanilla, artificial sweeteners, coffee, green tea, alcohol