Gresham Chiropractor

The theory that pH balance and alkaline foods can have an effect on health is a relatively new one, but doctors and scientists are realizing that it can be a valuable element in battling all kinds of illnesses. The human body is actually intended to perform in a slightly alkaline state. Of course, the body is very complex and some parts of the digestive tract, for instance, are intentionally acidic.

Unfortunately, many of the foods and drinks in modern Western culture are acid forming. Look at all the caffeine, excess animal protein, and processed foods that people consume regularly. Each of these impacts pH balance in the body, making it more acidic. Alkaline foods and drinks help the body manage a perfect pH balance.

Early science explains that substances can be either acid or alkaline. Remember dipping those pH testing strips into bleach and vinegar to see if they turned blue or pink? Any substance measuring below 7.0 on the pH scale is thought to be acid, while other material is either neutral or alkaline. All the foods, drinks and substances that humans take in daily line up on either on the acid or alkaline side of the pH scale and have an impact on overall pH balance throughout the systems of the body.

When when more acid foods than alkaline foods are consumed, internal organs and tissues tend to deteriorate from constantly being fueled with acid forming properties. On the other hand, when a greater number of alkaline foods are a consideration of the diet, the body has an easier job of alkalizing the blood, thus maintaining a correct pH balance.

There are a plethora of other reasons to avoid creating an acidic environment within the body. One of the most crucial is that unwelcome organisms such as unhealthy bacteria and yeast grow much more easily when pH balance has been tipped toward the acid side. Cells need to be alkaline in order to function properly. When the diet is short on alkaline foods or alkaline drinks, cells struggle to maintain homeostasis, and many of them suffer damage.

Since an alkaline condition is so crucial to healthy function, the human body will do all it can to maintain proper pH balance, even if that means harming other parts of the body. When a greater number of acid foods are consumed than alkaline foods, calcium is the first option the body chooses to restore alkalinity. As needed, calcium is naturally pulled from bones and teeth to alkalize the acid in the bloodstream. This is one of the many ways that sodas and other acid forming sweets and drinks cause tooth decay and bone loss.

There are a large selection of alkaline foods that can help to manage a perfect pH balance in the body. Here are a few:
• Apricots
• Melons
• Figs
• Raisins
• Spinach
• Kale
• Leafy greens
• Sprouts
• Beets
• Cantaloupe
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Coconuts (and coconut milk)
• Zucchini
• Dates
• Mangos
• Oranges
• Peaches
• Potatoes

Eating alkaline foods is a healthy step toward restoring a healthy pH balance in the body. In addition to the priceless nutrients acquired from these healthy selections, oxygen flow, cell function, and blood circulation are improved while creating a less hospitable environment for bacteria and organisms that compromise overall health.

Author Everett Smith created the alkaline food test at http://www.besthealthfoodstore.net/index.html so that consumers may understand more clearly how alkaline foods and pH balance generate a positive impact on overall health.