Our bodies are amazing organisms that have the ability to heal and regenerate even in challenging conditions. Although we are not aware of it, there are hundreds of processes going on inside of us, sustaining us so that we can go about our daily lives.
Consider that we maintain a body temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit despite changes in the temperature outside. Another one of our crucial body functions is that of maintaining a slightly alkaline chemical balance. If our body temperature fluctuates more than a few degrees, we experience damage to our health, even death. Just as serious, consuming overly acidic foods can lead to impaired health and obesity over time.
The pH scale is a measurement system in the form of a ladder scale, beginning at zero and ending at 14. This scale measures the acidity and alkalinity level of all substances, including foods. Zero represents the most acidic substances, and conversely 14 represents the most alkaline. Our blood, tissues and organs are healthiest at a slightly alkaline pH of 7.365. Foods that have a pH value lower than 6 drain energy from the body which can create stress and disease, whereas foods with a pH value of 7 or higher cleanse, nourish and revitalize the body.
To understand the full impact of our food choices, we also need to know that each increment on the pH scale is a multiple of 10. Therefore, if distilled water has a value of 7 and brown rice has a value of 6, brown rice is 10 times more acidic than distilled water. French fries, which have a pH value of 4, are 1000 times more acidic than distilled water. Sugar, carbonated sodas, and certain processed packaged products are among the most acidic foods. With pH values ranging from 0 to 2, they are as much as one million times more acidic than distilled water. These foods force the body to work extra hard to draw toxins out of the bloodstream. And guess where these substances go: primarily to the liver and fat cells. This is why simply cutting fat or carbohydrates is not enough. To lose those last few stubborn pounds and revitalize the body, eating alkaline food is a must.
Due to a combination of genetics and lifestyle, all of us have physiological weak spots where disease can manifest. A direct approach to health and wellness is to eat life-affirming alkaline foods. Alkaline foods include sea salt, lemons, grapefruits, berries, raw nuts, squashes, sweet potatoes, green vegetables and whole grains in moderation. Our goal should be to consume fewer acidic foods and more alkaline foods along with plenty of good quality water. This helps create a body chemistry that is conducive to reducing cravings for fattening and unhealthy foods, maintaining a healthy body weight, healing from disease and illness, and maintaining an energetic lifestyle.