Let’s Talk About the Acid Alkaline Balance!

Our bodies are happiest and healthiest in a slightly alkaline state. The general rule of thumb is to eat about 70-80% alkaline food and 20-30% acid forming foods for good health. Unfortunately, the diet of most North Americans is comprised of 80% acid forming foods. This puts our alkaline/acid balance way off and can lead to inflammation, congestion, allergies, joint pain and more.

It’s not that acid forming foods are all bad, it’s just that they have to be balanced with alkalizing foods. In fact, blueberries happen to be an acid forming food but they are loaded with vitamins, including vitamin K, manganese and vitamin C, and are a good source of fiber. They also have anti-cancer benefits. As you can see from the chart, there are many other acid forming foods that are beneficial for good health. However, if most of our diet is made up of acid forming foods the acid/alkaline balance is thrown off.

So, this week, let’s take a look at a few simple things you can do to promote a healthy balance. Probably one of the most important things is to cut back on soda, and on processed and fast foods. Then, look at this chart to see what alkaline foods are listed and get lots of them in your diet. Keep the charts handy for easy reference.

Also, making these simple replacements in the following list can certainly promote a better acid/alkaline balance and begin to lead you down the road to good health.

• Replace white sugar with maple syrup.
• Replace white salt with pink Himalayan salt because Himalayan salt has no toxins and has many elements already found in your body.
• Replace white flour with brown rice or spelt flour for the higher fiber content.
• Replace white rice with brown or wild rice for the trace minerals and the higher fiber content.
• Replace cow’s milk with almond, hemp, or brown rice milk, especially for those that are lactose intolerant.

Over the next little while, I challenge you to add more alkaline foods to your diet, take note of some of the acid forming foods you eat on a regular basis, and slowly eliminate the non-healthy foods. In fact, if you strive for a 70/30 (or 80/20) balance, in no time you’ll be feeling the difference!