Because of the amount of important information on this topic, it will be offered in a series of articles.
The topics of alkaline foods and antioxidants have been in the health “limelight”, and we’d like to discover and discuss which foods are best for increasing our alkaline and antioxidant intake. We will begin to feature tips, recipes and gardening ideas for growing and using alkaline and high antioxidant ingredients. For now, we’ll begin with alkalinizing foods that will assist in acquiring a beneficial systemic pH.
Over the past five years or so, much discussion has circulated about the connection between a myriad of illnesses and low/acidic pH of our bodies’ systemic fluids. And while there are now machines to provide “alkaline” water, our approach is towards a more practical and sustainable option through understanding and implementing an alkaline diet. In the event that your’re traveling or without a source for alkaline water, you’ll know how to maintain a diet and lifestyle that will provide the desired systemic pH.
The pH scale indicates the amount of hydrogen ion concentration in a solution and ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. Pure water is said to be neutral, as its pH is almost 7.0. It has been determined that the human body functions best at a mildly alkaline pH range of 7.35 to 7.45 for blood plasma. To be above this range (alkalosis) or below it (acidosis) can put the body in a predisposed state for disease and may result in irreversible cellular damage. Thus knowing your current pH and monitoring its improvement is important.
Acidosis is dangerous and can produce laundry list of undesirable conditions, including but not limited to: reduced immunity and healing, headaches, decreased absorption of minerals and nutrients, fatigue, sleepiness, confusion, increased chance of tumors, and reduced ability to excrete heavy metals. Loss of consciousness and even coma may also result from increased acidosis.
In many western societies, and especially in North America, the average diet promote acidic pH levels. Contributing factors include stress, improper diet and mineral levels, high toxicity levels, insufficient exercise and/or smoking (lack of oxygen, in general increases acidity), immunity disorders, and others. Additionally, increased drug usage, pharmaceutical or otherwise, most soft drinks, flesh and dairy products, coffee, white sugar, white flour, artificial and chemically derived sweeteners coupled with a less active lifestyle and insufficient water intake can lead to an acidic condition.
The ideal balance of acid to alkaline foods is roughly 40-60, though adjusting the balance to a 20-80 acid to alkaline food intake is often required to reverse an acidic blood serum condition. The next part will begin the discussion of alkaline and acidic foodstuffs, along with necessary lifestyle changes to achieve optimal health.
Note: No claims are made regarding the therapeutic use of this advice or products mentioned. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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Is there anything else I should look up or learn?
Yes, there is. I’m trying to finish the research and present a comprehensive approach to the issue of dietary and pH balance.