Balancing the Body's Acid and Alkaline pH Level

Inside your body is an internal scale that measures acid and alkaline pH levels. pH stands for the "power of hydrogen" and this scale  ranges from 0 - 14. For normal cell function, your body pH must be balanced in order for your body to operate normally and to be able to fight off toxins and infections. Eating too much, or too little, of the foods your body needs, can result in unwanted health conditions.

Understanding the Alkaline Body pH Level

The neutral pH level is 7.0, which means your body is neither acidic or alkaline. While it may seem to make sense to keep your body perfectly neutral, Peter Shepherd, author of "Transforming the Mind," says you should always try to achieve a slightly higher alkaline pH level.  By keeping your body slightly alkaline between 7.35 and 7.45, you are ensuring your internal environment is free of harmful infections and is strong enough to eliminate toxins from the system. Going to high, anything over 7.8 for a body pH, results in your cells ceasing to function and the body will begin to die.

Alkaline -rich foods are key to boosting up your alkaline levels, as well as reducing the acid causing foods in your diet. Eating 60% alkaline foods and 40% acidic foods will help you achieve a slightly alkaline body pH. Alkaline foods are also typically lower in calories and fats and may assist in weight loss as well.

Understanding the Acidic Body pH Levels

Western diets are mainly composed of acidic foods. When the body's pH level is acidic, it creates the perfect breeding grounds for illnesses and diseases. If your body pH is acidic you have a condition referred to as "acidosis". Acidosis lowers your body's ability to properly absorb mineral and nutrients. It also lessens your body's natural ability to repair damaged cells and rid the body of heavy metal toxins. When the body is operating at a consistent acidic pH, the cells stop functioning as they should and your body begins to die.

Alkaline Foods for Better Health

 In general, raw fruits and vegetables are often alkaline in nature. Uncooked, raw, and whole foods that have not been processed, are good indicators that a food type may be alkaline in nature. 60 - 70 percent of your diet should be composed of alkaline foods such as:

• lemons, watermelons, grapefruit, mangoes, papaya, grapes, limes, kiwi, pears, pineapples and blueberries
• asparagus, raw spinach, onions, broccoli, green beans, garlic, beets, lettuce, carrots and peas
• herbal teas, soy cheese, wild rice, soymilk and lemon water

Acidic Foods to Reduce in Your Diet

Processed foods, canned fruits, sugars and meats are mainly acidic in nature. By reducing the amount of acidic foods in your diet, you can help your body stay healthier. Avoid fast-food choices, reduce processed foods in your diet and eat more raw fruits and vegetables instead of baking them and adding sauces and sugars to them. Aim to only have 25 to 40 percent of your diet consisting of acidic foods. Common acidic foods are:

• canned fruits, processed juices
• cheese, nuts, pickled products, vinegar
• coffee, black tea, alcohol, soda pop
• breads, meats, sauces, sugars

Balancing Your Body's pH Levels

Your body will always try to maintain a neutral pH level. You can help your body by eating the right foods. The body is designed to rid itself of toxins and diseases but it needs to have the proper conditions to do so. If you always eat acidic foods, the body is working harder than it should to reach the alkaline pH it needs and it won't be able to rid itself of toxins and from illnesses. By helping your body maintain a balanced pH level, you are allowing it more energy to keep diseases away and to help you perform at optimal health.