Keeping your body fluids alkaline is associated with increased health and vitality. A concern to health is when the body becomes too acidic. Every physiological process in the body operates optimally at a specific pH. The stomach, for example, needs to be acidic
in order to break down food and to kill off bacteria and toxins in food. The pH of urine is usually slightly acidic as the kidney is responsible for filtering the blood and
excreting waste products, which are often acidic. In order for the body to maintain health the pH of all bodily fluids are closely controlled.
The signs and symptoms of an overly acidic balance include low energy, fatigue, excess weight, poor digestion, aches and pains and the onset of more serious health concerns such as diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer, gout, arthritis, kidney and respiratory illnesses or cardiovascular damage. A body that
is too acidic also has a limited ability to detoxify heavy metals and to repair and maintain health.
The pH of the body is affected by what a person eats and drinks, their level and type of activity, specific lifestyle factors and the way they handle the stress in their life. The body
will often become more acidic when there are underlying health issues.
Tips for making your diet and lifestyle more Alkaline
1. Eat at least eight servings (four cups) of vegetables a day. Have at least one cup of greens such as kale, collard or mustard greens, broccoli or rapini.
2. Have two pieces of fruit a day. Choose fresh fruit that is in season. Canned and dried fruit are more acidic. Cranberry and pomegranate also tend to be acidic, so limit your intake to a couple of times a week.
3. Once a day drink the juice of half a lemon or lime in water.
4. Choose millet and quinoa as an option to the more acid forming grains, such as wheat.
5. Choose fish and lamb over beef and chicken as they are less acid forming.
6. Have vegetables whenever you eat meat or dairy.
7. Use olive oil as it less acid forming than other vegetable oils.
8. Avoid coffee, caffeine, pop, sugar, alcohol and other strongly acidic drinks.
9. Learn to breathe properly with slow, deep abdominal breaths.
10. Do at least 20 minutes of exercise on a daily basis. Stretch before and after all exercise.
11. Rest, relaxation, exercise, oxygen, pleasure, laughter and love all help your body become more alkaline. Worry, fear, anger, resentment and feeling a lack of love have an acidic effect.
Maintaining an alkaline diet and lifestyle is important for everyone, especially if you are dealing with specific health concerns.
For more information, visit www.naturopathicfoundations.ca
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
