This rarely recognized health state is a danger to virtually all of us. It is important to be aware of what an off-balance PH can do to your body and your health over time as well as how to correct it.
pH stands for Potential of Hydrogen. It is a measured on a scale of 0 (100% acidic) to 14 (100% alkaline). Your pH level is closely linked to your state of health.
A healthy ideal reading is 7.4 in the bloodstream and 7.0 in your tissue. You are born in perfect balance. Your body works hard over the course of your life to keep you there. When the pH dips below 7 you become more acidic… this is what leads to illness.
When your pH is acid, you begin to notice all kinds of seemingly random symptoms. They may include: Premature aging, wrinkles, skin issues, digestive problems, stiffness, constipation, weakened heart, blood sugar imbalances, food cravings, osteoporosis, breathing issues, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, poor circulation, immune issues, and worst of all abnormal cellular growth – cancer.
The thing is – the Modern American Diet is loaded with chemicals and high acid foods. When you eat the typical diet of those here in the USA your Ph gets pushed to an unhealthy level. As a child your body works hard to burn off any acidic waste, but as we age your body becomes slower. This excess acidity builds up over time.
Excess acid sitting in tissues helps harmful organisms to thrive in your body. That spills from tissue to bloodstream and triggers your body’s immune response. It can trigger chronic inflammation in even the otherwise healthiest individual. If you already have an auto immune issue, it can truly wreak havoc.
The key to living a healthy life is keeping your body more alkaline than acidic.
That may sound simple, but it takes a little work and adjustment.
Adding in foods that help support an alkaline state while removing foods that work against you is the track to balancing your pH level.
Foods that promote an alkaline environment
- Cucumbers
- Watermelon
- Avocado
- Cayenne pepper
- Bell pepper
- Spinach
- Bananas
- Broccoli
- Celery
- Almonds
- Basil
- Root Vegetables
- Citrus
- Pears
- Pineapple
Neutral foods are fine as well. They include natural fats such as milk, cream, butter, and most healthy oils such as macadamia nut, coconut, olive, and avocado oils.
Acidic foods to steer away from if you are already off balance: chicken, red meat, fish, wheat, chocolate, and alcohol.
Eliminate: refined sugars, processed foods, fast food, alcohol, and chocolate.
You can still eat acidic foods, just keep it limited to 20% of your food intake. The goal is to make this a workable lifestyle and way of eating, not just a “diet”.
If you are feeling old before your time or have health issues check your pH. The testing strips are inexpensive and found at every drug store. If you are below 7.5 incorporate more fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, and non-tap water.
Give it a few weeks and see how you feel, look, and respond. Then retest with a new strip and see what your reading is.
Ready to embark on a new healthier you? The office of Kaster Chiropractic in Fort Myers, Florida has your answers. We offer a nutritional evaluation program as well as weight loss and wellness programs. All are customized to your needs.
Call for your appointment! 239-332-2555.
www.kasterchiropractic.com to learn more!