Balancing Acid/Alkaline Foods

[Guest guest]

Nice article http://www.trans4mind.com/nutrition/pH.html - must view.

 

A surprising number and variety of physical problems and diseases can be caused by the problem of foods that are acid-producing after digestion. Today the vast majority of the populace in industrialized nations suffers from problems caused by the stress of acidosis, because both modern lifestyle and diet promote acidification of the body's internal environment. The current typical Western diet is largely composed of acid-forming foods (proteins, cereals, sugars). Alkaline-producing foods such as vegetables are eaten in much smaller quantities. Stimulants like tobacco, coffee, tea, and alcohol are also extremely acidifying. Stress, and physical activity (both insufficient or excessive amounts) also cause acidification. Many foods are alkaline-producing by nature, but manufactured processed foods are mostly acid-producing. It is important to consume at least 60% alkaline-producing foods in our diet, in order to maintain health. We need plenty of fresh fruits and particularly vegetables (alkaline-producing) to balance our necessary protein intake (acid-producing). And we need to avoid processed, sugary or simple-carbohydrate foods, not only because they are acid-producing but also because they raise blood sugar level too quickly (high glycemic index therefore fattening); plus they tend to be nutrient-lacking and may be toxic too.

 

An imbalanced diet high in acidic-producing foods such as animal protein, sugar, caffeine, and processed foods puts pressure on the body's regulating systems to maintain pH neutrality. The extra buffering required can deplete the body of alkaline minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, making the person prone to chronic and degenerative disease. Minerals are borrowed from vital organs and bones to buffer (neutralize) the acid and safely remove it from the body. Because of this strain, the body can suffer severe and prolonged damage--a condition that may go undetected for years.

 

Human blood pH should be slightly alkaline (7.35 - 7.45). Below or above this range means symptoms and disease. If blood pH moves below 6.8 or above 7.8, cells stop functioning and the body dies. The body therefore continually strives to balance pH. When this balance is compromised many problems can occur.

 

If you have a health problem, most likely you are suffering from acidosis. Research shows that unless the body's pH level is slightly alkaline, the body cannot heal itself. So no matter what means you choose to take care of your health, it won't be effective until the pH level is balanced. If your body's pH is not balanced, for example, you cannot effectively assimilate vitamins, minerals and food supplements. Your body pH affects everything.

Acidosis will decrease the body's ability to absorb minerals and other nutrients, decrease the energy production in the cells, decrease it's ability to repair damaged cells, decrease it's ability to detoxify heavy metals, make tumor cells thrive, and make it more susceptible to fatigue and illness. An acidic pH can occur from an acid-forming diet, emotional stress, toxic overload, and/or immune reactions or any process that deprives the cells of oxygen and other nutrients. The body will try to compensate for acidic pH by using alkaline minerals. If the diet does not contain enough minerals to compensate, a build up of acids in the cells will occur. Acidosis can cause such problems as:

 

 

 

Cardiovascular damage. Weight gain, obesity and diabetes.Bladder conditions.Kidney stones. Immune deficiency.Acceleration of free radical damage.Hormonal problems.Premature aging.

Osteoporosis and joint pain. Aching muscles and lactic acid buildup. Low energy and chronic fatigue.

Slow digestion and elimination.Yeast/fungal overgrowth.Lack of energy and fatigue.Lower body temperature.Tendency to get infections.Loss of drive, joy, and enthusiasm.Depressive tendencies.

Easily stressed.Pale complexion.Headaches.Inflammation of the corneas and eyelids.

Loose and painful teeth.Inflamed, sensitive gums.Mouth and stomach ulcers.Cracks at the corners of the lips.Excess stomach acid.Gastritis.Nails are thin and split easily.Hair looks dull, has split ends, and falls out.

Dry skin.Skin easily irritated.Leg cramps and spasms.

 

 

 

Foods: are they Acid or Alkaline-forming?Note that a food's acid or alkaline-forming tendency in the body has nothing to do with the actual pH of the food itself. For example, lemons are very acidic, however the end-products they produce after digestion and assimilation are very alkaline so lemons are alkaline-forming in the body. Likewise, meat will test alkaline before digestion but it leaves acidic residue in the body so, like nearly all animal products, meat is classified as acid-forming.

It is important that your daily dietary intake of food naturally acts to balance your body pH. To maintain health, the diet should consist of at least 60% alkaline forming foods and at most 40% acid forming foods. To restore health, the diet should consist of 80% alkaline forming foods and 20% acid forming foods.

 

 

 

 

 

FOOD CATEGORY

High Alkaline

Alkaline

Low Alkaline

Low Acid

Acid

High Acid

 

BEANS, VEGETABLES, LEGUMES

Asparagus, Onions, Vegetable Juices, Parsley, Raw Spinach, Broccoli, Garlic, Barley Grass

Okra, Squash, Green Beans, Beets, Celery, Lettuce, Zucchini, Sweet Potato, Carob

Carrots, Tomatoes, Fresh Corn, Mushrooms, Cabbage, Peas, Cauliflower, Turnip, Beetroot, Potato Skins, Olives, Soybeans, Tofu

Cooked Spinach, Kidney Beans

Potatoes (without skins), Pinto Beans, Navy Beans, Lima Beans

 

 

FRUIT

Lemons, Watermelon, Limes, Grapefruit, Mangoes, Papayas

Dates, Figs, Melons, Grapes, Papaya, Kiwi, Berries, Apples, Pears, Raisins

Oranges, Bananas, Cherries, Pineapple, Peaches, Avocados

Plums, Processed Fruit Juices

Sour Cherries, Rhubarb, Canned Fruit

Blueberries, Cranberries, Prunes, Sweetened Fruit Juice

 

GRAINS, CEREALS

Amaranth, Millet, Lentils, Sweetcorn, Wild Rice, Quinoa

Rye Bread, Sprouted Wheat Bread, Spelt, Brown Rice

White Rice, Corn, Buckwheat, Oats, Rye

Wheat, White Bread, Pastries, Biscuits, Pasta

 

MEAT

Liver, Oysters, Venison, Cold Water Fish

Turkey, Chicken, Lamb

Beef, Pork, Shellfish

 

EGGS & DAIRY

Breast Milk

Soy Cheese, Soy Milk, Goat Milk, Goat Cheese, Whey

Eggs, Butter, Yogurt, Buttermilk, Cottage Cheese, Cream

Raw Milk

Cheese, Homogenized Milk, Ice Cream, Custard

 

NUTS & SEEDS

Almonds

Chestnuts, Brazils, Hazelnuts, Coconut

Pumpkin, Sesame, Sunflower Seeds

Pecans, Cashews, Pistachios

Peanuts, Walnuts

 

OILS

Olive Oil

Flax Seed Oil

Canola Oil

Corn Oil, Sunflower Oil, Margarine, Lard

 

BEVERAGES

Herb Teas, Lemon Water

Green Tea

Ginger Tea

Tea, Cocoa

Coffee, Wine

Beer, Liquor, Soft Drinks

 

SWEETENERS, CONDIMENTS

Stevia

Maple Syrup, Rice Syrup

Raw Honey, Raw Sugar

Processed Honey

White Sugar, Brown Sugar, Molasses, Jam, Ketchup, Mayonnaise, Mustard, Vinegar

Artificial Sweeteners, Chocolate