Alkalize or Balance Your pH

Well, here is the post I've been wanting to write for a long time. Much of what is written below was taken from the article, "The Easy Way to Health", by Pearl Barrett from "Above Rubies", issue 66

Why alkalize? "Acidosis is the foundation of all diseases. It decreases energy in our cells, decreases our ability to eliminate toxins, makes us more susceptible to fatigue and illness and makes cancer cells thrive." As parasites and candida thrive in an acidic environment, an alkaline environment kills them. Acidosis also can cause chronic headaches.

How to alkalize:

LEMONS! Sqeeze fresh lemon juice in your water. Drink this with a straw as this is not good have your teeth come in contact with so much lemon. NOTE on lemons: It's one of the most alkalizing foods we can consume. They have 4x's the vit. C of oranges. They enable the liver to make more enzymes than any other food. They relieve indigestion such as heartburn, bloating, and belching. They are antiviral, antioxidant, astringent, antifungal, an immune stimulant and diuretic and a potent anti-carcinogens that prevent cancerous cells from spreading. Lemons cleanse the lymphatic system, invigorate skin tissue and increase blood flow. They counteract anxiety and depression, drain excess water retention and reduce uric acid which is responsible for arthritis and gout. They lower cholestrol. Their high mineral content is one reason why they are so alkalizing. They contain 48% potassium which nourish the teeth and bones. It is important to consume lemons while pregnant for strong bones for the baby.

After lemons and watermelon, the next most alkalizing foods are greens. Tabouli is great for this as it has parsley and lemons in it. If you are into supplements alfalfa is cheap and full of vitamins and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium and natures best source for vit K which helps protect against osteoporosis. It is a great source of chlorophyll and is up to 50% protein(?). [There is some controversy as to whether or not alfalfa is good for you.]

Eat millet. It is highly alkaline and inexpensive. You can use it like oatmeal for breakfast with fruit and syrup (100% maple) or like rice with any dish. Millet has the highest calcium of all the grains and is rich in B vitamins. The only other alkalizing grains are buckwheat and quinoa.

The most important thing to do is avoid all sugar and refined foods. These are extremely acid forming. The highest is artificial sweetners. Not all acid forming foods are bad. Meat and cheese are acid forming. Most nuts are acid forming, except almonds and Brazil nuts but all nuts are still beneficial in their raw state. Cold pressed olive oil is alkaline. Almost all raw and dried fruits and raw and steamed veggies are alkaline. Juicing is a great way to alkalize. Maple syrup and honey are alkaline, but use them in moderation.

A woman's menstrual cycle often has an effect on her pH level where she becomes more acidic during it, which can cause headaches.