Karyn Calabrese states: When I was younger, I started my journey because I was in poor health? Constipated, had terrible menstrual cramps, had terrible skin, headaches: I was the typical kind of American mess. I also discovered juicing and never looked back. I met Dr. Wigmore who introduced me to the raw food movement, and now I have been a vegetarian, a vegan, and raw foodist for over 40 years.
So I have been involved in the world of health for a long time. People will often ask me, “Why are you in Chicago? You should be on the West Coast!’’ I tell them I’m here because I am a midwestern woman. I love the Midwest. I love the Great Lakes and the changing of seasons. I’ve lived in New York and Los Angeles, but this is my home. I love Chicago and the people here. All of the women in my family died overweight and young, I started this—at first—for my own health. ~Karyn
Here’s The Truth and Why YOU Should Start an Alkaline Diet Today!!!
I’m sure many of you have heard of the miraculous “Alkaline Diet”, which is supposed to heal you of cancer, diseases, disorders, and create an overall improved lifestyle but is highly debatable. Many supporters of the Alkaline Diet claim that the diet “helps balance the pH level of the fluids in your body, including your blood and urine.” While different diets definitely have effects on the acidity of urine, the idea that a diet could significantly change the body’s blood pH is slightly terrifying.
The body does an incredible job of buffering blood pH levels and maintaining a healthy pH between the range of 7.35 – 7.45. While this pH is slightly acidic, it is vital that blood pH stays within this range. Changes to this level are seriously dangerous and can lead to death. For example, a slight decrease in blood pH can cause the hemoglobin in blood to become unable to sufficiently carry oxygen throughout the body, resulting in suffocation and death. Not to worry though, since as stated before, the body does an incredible— job of maintaining this healthy pH range.
If the body seriously rejects changes to pH, then how can a diet claim to change blood pH? For improved health? I’ve got to say, an important aspect of a healthy diet is one that keeps you alive. It’s also important to get a blood test work up of any imbalances of your vitamin and mineral make up in your body
For this reason, I decided to look into the research behind the Alkaline Diet.
The information I found regarding an Alkaline Diet linked to changing blood pH levels in order to improve health were similar to lifestyle blogs, with no real scientific research or author credibility. Not to my surprise, I found multiple sources calling out the diet for the blood pH claims, reinforcing “the lungs and kidneys spare nothing to keep the pH tightly controlled since the consequences of blood pH changes would be life-threatening.” (Foroutan) This is just science.
So, we at least know that the diet doesn’t actually change blood pH, but does it work? Does it result in better health? Dr. Melinda Ratini says, “Maybe, but not for the reasons it claims.” While stating that no diet is going to substantially change blood pH levels, the Alkaline Diet suggests the foods that are “good for you and will support a healthy weight loss: lots of fruits and vegetables, and lots of water. Many I have talk with have told me the benefits of drinking Kangen Water 🙂
Its not so much consuming baking soda as avoiding sugar, alcohol, and processed foods” also recommended, and good health practices as well. (Collins) This claim was reinforced by a research publication from the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health and National Center for Biotechnology Information. Although this diet does not completely follow though with its claims, research indicates “there may be some value in considering an alkaline diet. . . in reducing morbidity and mortality from chronic diseases and further studies are warranted in this area of medicine.”
This is not from changes in blood pH levels, but from positive affects of the diet on other aspects of health, including: “chronic diseases such as hypertension and strokes,” “increase in intracellular magnesium,” and patients on an Alkaline Diet may show an improved response to chemotherapy. (Schwalfenberg)
“The fact is… food simply can not change your blood pH. Period.” (Leech) Anyone claiming that the Alkaline Diet can, simply hasn’t done their chemistry. While the claim that the diet improves health by making blood pH more basic proved to be false, research that has been done shows there are still benefits of the diet that shouldn’t be ignored. Most of these benefits stems from the fact those on the diet eat more fruits & vegetables, less processed foods and refined sugar, are more active and drink a lot of water. The next time someone tries to sell you a life-changing diet plan, do your chemistry.
Works Cited:
Foroutan, Robin. “Alkaline Diet: Does PH Affect Health and Wellness?” Food & Nutrition Magazine, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 28 July 2017, foodandnutrition.org/may-june-2016/alkaline-diet-ph-affect-health-wellness/.
Leech, Joe. “The Alkaline Diet: An Evidence-Based Review.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 9 June 2017, http://www.healthline.com/nutrition/the-alkaline-diet-myth.
Schwalfenberg, Gerry K. “The Alkaline Diet: Is There Evidence That an Alkaline PH Diet Benefits Health?” Journal of Environmental and Public Health, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 12 Oct. 2011, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3195546/.
Alkalizing one’s body has become the basis of many recent health regimens, but some people feel that the importance of pH values is just a new fad. What most people don’t realize is that the art of pH balancing has had a long tradition, and unlike many modern theories, it has helped to save lives and maintain health.
If you remember any of your chemistry or science classes, you may recall the difference between and acid and a base, or even the definition of pH value. pH values stand for the alkalinity or acidity of a certain substance.
The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, and 7 is considered a neutral value. Every value below 7 stands for an acidic substance, and when the value is higher than 7, the substance is considered to be alkaline, or base.
Why is pH Value Important?
Scientists have confirmed that an acidic environment is associated with accelerated cancer growth. Studies have shown an acidic body is more prone to disease, including arthritis and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, people with an imbalanced pH value cannot utilize all of the nutrients from the food they eat, and this can eventually lead to fatigue.
Many studies have shown that acidic pH values increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
Alkaline pH values are linked to improved memory, reduced pain, and decreased risk of hypertension and stroke. The value of pH levels also affect bone health. Scientists say that alkaline foods can actually improve bone density.
What Causes pH Imbalance?
Have you ever considered all the chemicals you consume? All the labels that contain aspartame, phosphorus (found in soda), and caffeine? These and many other chemicals increase the acidity of the body.
Unfortunately, we prefer eating foods that cause toxic buildup in our bodies. Moreover, we poison ourselves on a daily basis. Toxins are found in the clothes we wear, the towels we use, the cleaning products we buy to clean our houses, and the many other products we use in our daily life.
However, our diet is the major culprit. People prefer to eat junk food, sweet snacks, and processed delicacies. In addition to this, lifestyle choices are another factor that increase acidity levels. Believe it or not, even over-exercising, especially cardiovascular exercises, can decrease the pH value, as it can cause excess stress on the body.
Our bodies can regulate its pH value, but not for long, so you need to help your body reach a pH balance.
Test Your pH Level
Test strips can help you determine the pH value of your body, urine or saliva are the best indicators. You can purchase test strips online or in some drug and health stores.
Saliva:
Before you brush your teeth, fill your mouth with saliva and then swallow. Do the same thing again, but this time spit some of the saliva onto the pH test strip. This method is necessary, as it ensures a clean saliva sample. Normal values range from 6.5 to 7.0.
Urine:
Collect some of your first morning urine and keep it in a glass container. Dip the pH strip test into the urine. The value should range from 7.2 to 7.4.
How To Balance Your pH Value?
Magnesium: Most doctors would agree magnesium deficiency is common in the U.S. Magnesium is extremely important for women, because it helps the body assimilate calcium, which prevents osteoporosis.
This mineral can naturally raise the pH value, while also providing instant energy. You can use a liquid supplement, which is often combined with calcium, as it is a great addition to a magnesium-based diet. You can find magnesium in foods such as avocado, almonds, cashews, and spinach.
Eliminate Sugar
Sugar is one of the most acidic substances. Consuming it causes weight gain and it also negatively affects the immune system. Replace refined sugar with alkaline sweeteners, such as stevia, agave nectar, and maple syrup. Stevia may be the best choice, as it has been proven to be the most efficient in lowering blood sugar levels.
Rev Up The Enzymes…
Acidity affects the digestive enzymes in the small intestine, and the body is unable to break down foods and use the nutrients properly.
This leads to improper metabolism, obesity, and diabetes. Add enzymes to your diet — for example, bromelain (found in pineapples), and papain (found in papaya) and you will increase the benefits of alkaline fruits and vegetables.
Drink Lemon Water
Lemon is known as the most alkaline fruit, even though many think that it is acidic. When lemon juice enters the digestive tract, the enzymes turn it alkaline.
Water is also important, as it cuts down the acidic side-effects of soft drinks, coffee and tea, as well as flushing out the kidneys. Start your day with warm lemon water and also make sure you drink enough water throughout the day. This will ensure an alkaline environment in your body.
Eat Vegetables Instead of Meat…
Meat can contribute to an improper pH balance, as it contains zinc and potassium, essential for the body. But it is also acidic, and most people consume a lot of meat.
Your diet should not be based on meat only; eat meat in addition to a plate full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Keep in mind that not all vegetables are alkaline, but most of them are, make sure you keep a list of alkaline & acidic foods posted in your kitchen, so you can check it whenever you go to the grocery store. Remember, the natural pH value of foods also does not necessarily indicate the effect. . . it may have on your body. Be proactive about your stress levels. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly and relax. This will do wonders for your body and soul.
Remember Your Omega 3 to Omega 6 Ratio… For most people, an omega 6 to omega 3 ratio of 4:1 is ideal – that’s 4 omega 6s for every 1 omega 3. Anti-aging experts suggest going even further, maintaining a 1:1 ratio or higher in favor of omega 3s. The average American consumes a ratio of anywhere from 12:1 to 25:1 omega 6 to 3. Maintaining a healthy 3:1 ratio omega-6 to omega-3 is important, as chronic low-grade inflammation is a hallmark of most chronic diseases, including obesity , diabetes and heart disease Omega-3 fats are essential polyunsaturated fats your body needs for a variety of functions, including proper cell division and function of cell receptors,
Dr. Bernardo Majalca was one of the stars of the documentary “icurecancer.com” by Ian Jacklin. He had one of highest success rates using the Otto Warburg’s school of thought where Cancer can not live in an alkaline environment.
Testimonial: Dr. Robert O. Young’s Daughter Ashley. Will it light and give you energy?
Source: organichealth.co
Other sources linked in Organic Health article:
www.healthyandnaturalworld.com
www.chatelaine.com
www.saragottfriedmd.com
healthfree.com
www.drdavidwilliams.com
www.mindbodygreen.com