Wholistic Healing

Test Your Acid-Alkaline Balance

Does your digestive system sometimes feel like it's tied up in knots? Could be that the foods you are eating are upsetting your body's acid-alkaline balance, a key factor in your overall health. W. Lee Cowden, an MD in Fort Worth, Texas, suggests trying a litmus test (available at health food stores and pharmacies) as a simple way to measure your body's acid-alkaline balance.

Here's how it works: Your body's acid-alkaline balance is measured by numbers on a pH scale that ranges from zero (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline). The nitrazine paper used for litmus tests can test your saliva or urine, which should be just slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.6 to 6.8 (a pH of seven is neutral, like water). Do the test before eating or at least one hour after. If you score 6.6 or below, cut back on acid-forming foods and rebalance your body with alkaline-forming foods.

Note: Some fruits may be more acidic than others, but most turn alkaline in the body. Lemon is actually beneficial for balancing acid/alkaline levels. However, avoid eating citrus if it causes painful symptoms.

Chinese Herbs Show Promise in Cancer Prevention

The University of British Columbia is conducting one of North America's first scientific studies on the cancer-preventive powers of herbal medicine. Dr. Stephen Lam and his research team are studying the effects of six Chinese herbs on former smokers who smoked a pack a day for at least 30 years to see if the herbs will help prevent lung cancer. In China, the herbs are already licensed as an effective treatment for cancers of the mouth and esophagus, and are traditionally given as a hot medicinal drink. In Vancouver, a preliminary study of 20 reformed smokers has shown encouraging results.

Breastfeeding Lowers Childhood Obesity Risk

It's long been known that breastfeeding is better than formula for strengthening children's immune systems, but research shows it also helps prevent childhood obesity. Based on a study of 32,000 Scottish children aged 39 and 42 months, research published in The Lancet (June 8, 2002) concluded that breastfed infants have a 30 per cent reduced risk of childhood obesity compared to formula-fed children. A new 10-year Canadian study is also underway that will examine if formula-fed infants are also at risk for type II diabetes. Meanwhile, researchers recommend breastfeeding for as long as possible, or for at least six to eight months before using formula.