Terry & Lynda Sherback
Independent Univera Associates
The Power of pH
By Megan MacMillan, RHN
A Toronto-based nutritionist and Pilates trainer.
This information is provided by WISH Magazine Winter 2009 Issue.
If you last heard the term "pH" high-school chemistry class, it might be time to dig out the old textbook. In this case, it refers to the amount of acidity or alkalinity in our body, and it's the latest dietary trend to receive major buzz. With good reason: experts believe that balancing pH helps fend off colds, enhances digestion, improves energy, banishes belly flab and prevents chronic conditions such as osteoporosis, gout and arthritis. Who knew? And how do we sign up?
It's a Numbers Game
On the pH scale, 1 denotes most acidic, 14 most alkaline - and everything we consume influences our status. Science tells us we function best (and are most healthy) when blood pH hovers around 7. But the typical North American diet - which favours meat, dairy, white flour, sugar, alcohol and fat - is highly acidic. Stress, medications and strenuous exercise may also spike acid levels, leaving many in a state of acid overload.
The Bad News
Too much acid increases toxicity and inflammation, and it winds up leaching alkalizing minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium) from our bones to buffer the excess acid. It's no coincidence that those who follow a diet of mineral-rich fruits and vegetables tend to have stronger bones - and higher pH levels - than people who eat a lot of animal protein. Exhausted? Feeling flu-ish? Many experts reason that even mild acidosis weakens immunity and creates cellular changes that promote infection and disease. A surplus of acid may also be to blame for an expanding waistline, as studies link an acidic pH to muscle loss and low levels of metabolism-boosting hormones.
What If You Don't Measure Up?
To create a more alkaline environment in your body, think green. Shore up on fresh fruit, veggies and leafy greens, which score highest in alkalinity. (Even sour-tasting lemons and tomatoes have an alkalizing effect on the body.) Nix processed and fried foods, reduce meat intake, and steer clear of soda, which ranks on par with battery acid in acidity. Equalize the effects of the occasional martini with a few deep breaths; inhaled oxygen helps to alkalize the body as acidic carbon dioxide is expelled.
Test Youself
To see where you stand on the pH scale, get some pH paper at your local health store or pharmacy. Follow the package directions, checking saliva or urine for several days, to determine an average pH reading less than 6.5, add more alkalizing foods to your diet.
pH FOOD GUIDE
For vibrant health and energy, aim for a dietary ratio of 70% alkaline-forming foods to 30% acid-forming foods.
ACID-FORMING
Foods: luncheon meats * beef * chicken * pork * turkey * fish * seafood * processed soy "meat" * wheat bread/pasta * oats * rice * peanuts/walnuts/pistachios * eggs * cow's milk * butter * yogurt * processed/hard chesses
Drinks: liquor * soda/energy drinks
Seasoning & Condiments: refined sugar * artificial sweeteners * white/balsamic vinegar * table salt * ketchup * soy sauce * mayonnaise
ALKALINE-FORMING
Foods: fruit * leafy greens/sprouts * dulse/nori * almonds/hazelnuts/Brazil nuts * hemp/sunflower/pumpkin/sesame seeds * olive/coconut/sunflower/flaxseed oils * wild rice * millet * quinoa * spelt * goat cheese/milk * cocoa * unsweetened almond milk
Drinks: Beer * wine * mineral/distilled water, coffee, tea (black, green, herbal)
Seasoning & Condiments: herbs * apple-cider vinegar * honey * maple syrup * sea salt * unsulphured molasses
This information is provided by WISH Magazine Winter 2009 Issue.
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Terry & Lynda
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