There has been much debate about pH levels in the human body. The general consensus of any holistic-minded individual is that you want your body to be alkaline. The theory being that disease cannot survive in a alkaline state. Many scientists and chemists will tell you that it doesn’t matter what you eat, your blood will always remain the same pH (between 7.35 and 7.45). So does what you eat affect your body’s pH level?
Can you influence the pH levels in your body simply by changing the foods that you eat?
Well, the answer is both “yes” and “no.”
There are certain aspects that you can change, such as the pH of urine or saliva, but you cannot change the pH of blood…with good reason, too. If your blood was to fluctuate too far outside of the 7.35-7.45 range, you’d die. Your body regulates blood pH through the digestive process. While the foods you eat may not have a direct effect on the pH of blood, wouldn’t you want to make the process as easy as possible on your body so it can focus on other things, such as making it easier for your immune system to fight off seasonal allergens or viruses? An alkaline diet also helps with losing fat, gaining muscle and strength, reducing inflammation and disease, promoting skin health, and improving energy levels.
Things you can do to become more alkaline
To err on the side of safety, and disease prevention, we always recommend trying to stick to an more alkaline diet. Here are a few tips we try to follow, and encourage our patients to follow as well. If you have food sensitives, contact us and we can give you specific recommendations.
- Drink Pure Alkaline Water…a lot of of it! How much water should you drink per day? We recommend taking your weight and dividing that by 2. The resulting number should be how many ounces you drink per day. Example: You weigh 150lbs. 150 ÷2= 75 ounces per day.
- Eat Celery. It is excellent in neutralizing acids and is great for digestion.
- Eat green Salads.
- Avoid dairy. Dairy creates an acidic environment and promotes mucous buildup in the body.
- Avoid sugar and artificial sweeteners (stevia is ok)
- Eat grapefruit in the morning.
- Reduce or eliminate red meat, pork, and lamb. You can eat turkey, chicken, or fish in small quantities.
- Reduce stress by practicing yoga, meditation, and proper breathing.
- Drink a high quality super green supplement.
- Reduce and Avoid processed and refined foods.
As always, if you have any questions, never hesitate to ask.
Nothing in this document is intended as a substitute for your doctor’s diagnosis and/or treatment. This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA.
