One of the problems many people eating the
Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) encounter is an over-acid body chemistry. "Potential
of Hydrogen", abbreviated as "pH", is the term used to measure alkalinity
or acidity of a solution. A pH of 7 is neutral. Higher than 7 means the solution is
alkaline and lower than 7 denotes acidity.
The human body functions best at a slightly acid
pH level. If the body is too acidic (pH lower than 6.3 as measured by saliva), it has to
borrow minerals such as calcium, sodium and magnesium from vital organs and bones to
buffer the acid and safely remove it from the body. Over time, this will weaken the entire
system.
When the body’s acid/alkaline balance is off,
nutrients from food may not be absorbed properly. This is especially true of minerals,
which are important for many body functions including enzyme production and cellular
metabolism. Even if you are swallowing a whole handful of supplements, your body
can’t make optimal use of them if the pH balance is not right.
When food is digested, fruits and vegetables end
up alkaline. This is true even of the "sour-tasting" fruits like lemons and
grapefruits. Protein foods like meat, dairy, soy and eggs leave an acid residue when
digested, and starchy foods like cereals, breads and a few starchy vegetables also leave
an acid residue. Most Americans do not eat the USDA recommended 5 (minimum) to 9 (optimal)
servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Our S.A.D. habits lead us to overload on proteins
and starches instead. As a result, many suffer from the effects of over-acidity.
Those 5-9 servings of fruits and
vegetables will do more for you than balance your pH. Research has shown that the
phytonutrients and antioxidants found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables will
protect you against cancer and a host of other degenerative diseases. It will also keep
your skin younger looking and your vitality high. Best of all, fruits and vegetables tend
to be lower in calories than grains and meats which is a real bonus for those trying to
lose weight or keep from gaining.
Can a person end up too alkaline? Yes, this does
happen when people limit their diets to only fruits and vegetables, and can also cause
problems. Balance is the key. If we eat the optimal 9 servings of fruits and vegetables
along with several servings of protein and whole grains, we shouldn’t have any
problem maintaining an ideal body pH.
~ Tys Dammeyer
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