I consider myself a pretty healthy person and try to feed me and my family nutritious food. I admit, Im not perfect, but I do try to put more helpful ingredients in my body than hurtful. What we eat has a big impact on our health and how we feel. Certain foods can require alot of energy in order to digest it and can result in diminishing vital energy. Processed foods laden with preservatives and additives are going to cause more stress in the system than pure whole foods. Prevention is key and a good way to treat root cause rather than trying to suppress symptoms. As we enter the new year many people set intentions or resolutions that they want to work on. I have decided to make mine about really taking a handle of the health of myself and my family and try to exude as much positivity as I can. I have done some research the past few weeks to try to learn how I can improve my health. Instead of focusing on a certain weight, I wanted to focus on how I feel physically and mentally overall. What I found was interesting and thought that others might find it beneficial as well.
An Alkaline body is a heathy body. Everyday we consume food and drinks and participate in events that are either alkaline or acid forming. This affects our body's PH level and an overly acidic body can be more susceptible to diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Im constantly looking for preventative ways to protect my family's health. I feel that if you could take measures that reduce your risk of certain illnesses then you will be less likely to get sick, and when you do, then you can take appropriate measures at that time. Who wouldn't want to reduce their chances of a disease that can have serious life altering affects?
To check your body's PH level you can purchase PH strips, or litmus paper. You can test either saliva or urine and want to check 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal. The body's neutral PH level is 7.0. Anything below 7.0 is considered acidic and anything above 7.0 is considered alkaline. You should check your PH levels 2 times a week. If you determine that your body PH level is too Acidic, you can try to balance your levels by consuming foods that are alkaline, or eliminating foods that are acid forming. To maintain good health you want to have a diet that is at least 60% alkaline and 40% acidic. If you are trying to restore your health, or treat an illness, you want your diet to consist of 80% alkaline forming foods and 20% acidic forming foods.
Acid forming foods and drink include: beer, wine, alcohol, soft drinks, coffee, tobacco, sweeteners, drugs, chemicals, meat, peanut butter, cheese, butter, beans, milk (cow, soy, almond, rice, etc.) grains, wheat, oats, lentils and some fruits and vegetables. Behaviors that create an acidic environment include overworking, anger, fear, jealousy and stress.
Alkalizing foods include: greens, chlorella, sweet potatoes, garlic, most fruits, almonds, sea salt, cinnamon, ginger, bee pollen, probiotics, apple cider vinegar, calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium. Alkaline behaviors include meditation, prayer, peace, kindness and love. For a complete list of alkaline vs acidic foods you can go refer to this site-
http://www.rense.com/1.mpicons/acidalka.htm
Typically, Americans tend to eat a more acidic producing diet consuming large amounts of meats and diary. By putting a bigger focus on vegetables, particularly greens, can make a huge difference in our overall health and wellbeing. Most Americans, understand that concept, but do not actually understand why. It is extremely beneficial to be able to recognize the effect the role that these alkaline versus acidic foods play in how our body functions and is able to protect itself. Eat local organic as much as you can, whenever you can! This helps minimize toxins by eliminating pesticides and herbacides.
In addition to diet, exercise plays a key part in our health. As listed above certain activities are also considered acid and alkaline forming. Exercise, meditation, bio-energy healing, anything positive, that promotes oxygen to the body and creates endorphins. Running, walking, yoga, pilates, tennis, soccer, baseball, etc. If you enjoy it, do it, and it will provide much benefit to both your mind and body. Stress and anxiety cause us to restrict our breathing, which limits the amount of oxygen that is being brought throughout our body. It is important to maintain balancing by participating in activities that allow us to release stress and toxins. Be mindful of your breath and try to make sure you aren't compromising it when you are in certain uncomfortable situations.
An acid forming diet, stress, and toxic overload decreases energy production in cells and therefore decreases its ability to repair damaged cells, eliminate toxins and makes us more vulnerable to fatigue, illness and disease. By monitoring our PH levels and increasing alkaline forming foods and activities into our daily routine it is possible to improve your overall health. We have the power to take control of how we feel. By eating well and taking care of our mind and body we will be well!
Disclaimer: Please note: I am not a
medical professional. Please use your careful discernment and double
check with your naturopath or doctor before taking any vitamins or
supplements
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