Acid or Alkaline?

Your body’s alkaline and acid balance (pH levels) can play a role in your overall state of health. For optimum health and well-being, leading health experts agree we should have a pH level as close to 7 (neutral) as possible.

To find out what your pH level is, look for a pH paper kit in your local health food store. The test is relatively straightforward and will help you determine your acid/alkaline balance.

While most of us follow a healthy diet, we tend to be more acidic than alkaline. This can be a result of consuming too many acid-forming foods (which are different from foods that are acidic themselves), such as poultry, eggs, meat, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Cola beverages, alcohol, and coffee are among the most acid-forming, and should be avoided when possible. Regular stress can also contribute to an abundance of acidity, which is why I recommend doing deep breathing exercises for relaxation and de-stressing daily.

Besides depleting our energy, new research shows a highly acidic body can cause a variety of serious health issues, including:

• free-radical oxidation (premature aging)
• improper absorption of essential vitamins and minerals
• poor skin and hair health
• osteoporosis
• elevated stress-hormone production
• weight gain
• frequent colds, flu, and headaches

Alkaline Advantage

To decrease acidity and become more favourably alkaline, your diet should include 25 percent acid-forming foods and 75 percent alkaline-forming foods. Some of the most alkalizing foods include fresh, colourful, in-season salads, vegetables, herbs, sea vegetables, vegetable juices, and fruits. One of the quickest and easiest ways to become more alkaline is by using a green drink supplement daily.

Another method I recommend is to combine acid-forming foods with alkaline foods. This can mean eating chicken with broccoli or tofu with dark green vegetables, for example. By combining foods this way, you can naturally promote a healthier acid/alkaline balance, which, in turn, promotes a healthier, more energized body.

Breathe Deeply

Your mental state is also an important factor to your health and can have an impact on your pH levels. Meditation, Tai Chi, reflexology, massage, yoga, and listening to calming music can help buffer the acidity caused by the stresses of daily living and promote an alkaline body. I recommend taking the time throughout the day for some deep, slow breathing. Oxygen rids your body of stale, acidic carbon dioxide, and deep breathing reduces stress–a good combination, any day!