What environment do you live in?

Have you ever been diagnosed with Heartburn or Acid-Reflux? Both of these problems can be the result of an over-acidic diet. Our nutritional goal for optimum health is maintaining a proper acid/alkaline balance. It is important that the diet is slightly more alkaline than acid for the body to repair itself. Sounds easy; however, in our society the acid food reigns. Your body cannot thrive in an acidic environment. 

The body will always strive to maintain a proper acid/alkaline balance, though the more we help it along by eating the right balance of foods, the less wear and tear on the system. If an acid condition continues, however, the body will draw minerals from other areas to try to neutralize itself. For instance, calcium, an alkaline-forming mineral, may be released from bones. This is a short-term solution which, over time, can lead to osteoporosis. Chronic over-acidity removes oxygen from the blood and can result in lowered immunity and premature aging, kidney stone formation, muscle loss, back pain, gout and other joint diseases. Chronic degenerative conditions, like cancer, tend to develop in an over acid environment. Over acidity also can produce that tired, headachy, fuzzy-headed feeling many people get, especially after eating.

The typical American diet is acidic, consisting of foods that have an acidifying effect on the body - too much meat, processed foods, refined sugars, chemical additives, caffeine, alcohol (yup, all your favorites), as well as most prescription drugs. A plant-based diet of whole, fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, whole grains, etc., will naturally have a more alkalinizing effect. You will find that the more you eat the alkaline foods the more you will crave them and they will become your favorites.

If you are regaining your health, a diet of 80% alkaline-forming foods and 20% acid-forming foods is best. For maintaining health, usually 60% alkaline and 40% acid is adequate. Try this: for every 10 foods eaten, 6 should be vegetables, 2 fruits, 1 protein, 1 starch and whole, organic grains. Some foods that we would consider acid, like lemons, are not the problem. In fact if you are experiencing the effects of an over acid diet, try drinking a glass of water with a lemon in it to balance you out.

Remember that it is not the occasional bad eating day; i.e. Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner, but the day in and day out acid diet that will destroy you. Find your balance!