The Balancing Act!

Did you know that your body needs an acid-alkaline balance? If you are out of balance, then it is possible you may have acidosis. Or if you are at the other extreme, you could have alkalosis, which is very rare.

Acidosis is a condition caused by an acid-alkaline imbalance in the body. Most medical authorities claim there is no such thing, but Dr. Leigh Connealy states that she has seen it many times and that it is hard to convince her patients to do the right things to correct it.

I was diagnosed with acid reflux some time ago and wonder if following Dr. Connealy’s advice could actually help my situation. She states that acidosis is unhealthy because it creates an imbalance in the body’s pH levels. Proper pH balance is essential for good health. The body’s ideal pH levels should be slightly alkaline, in the range of 7.2 to 7.4.  If measurements show a lower pH, that means you are in a state of acidosis.  If it’s above 7.43, this signals excessive alkalinity or alkalosis, which is rare. Dr. Connealy also states that retesting should be done to keep a good balance.  

 (To test your pH levels, use litmus paper, available at most pharmacies or medical supply companies. Follow the directions on the product to check the second urine of the day.)

If the pH level drops below 7.2, then the body goes to work neutralizing the extra acid. It will ROB your body’s mineral stores, such as calcium, manganese, magnesium, iron, and potassium. The easiest way is by taking them from food or supplements we take. BUT if it needs more alkaline, it will steal minerals from the bones or the body’s tissues, which over time could put your body in the first stages of osteopenia, which is a precursor to osteoporosis, the bone-thinning disease.

 

Remember, this is a balancing act and eating both acid and alkaline foods are necessary. But if you find that your levels are more on the acid side, then refrain from foods loaded with acidity; sugar, salt, coffee, dairy products, animal products, alcohol, processed and fast foods, and some fruits like cranberries, tomatoes, blueberries, and oranges. Eat more vegetables and other fruits. Surprisingly, most citrus fruits have an alkalizing effect when consumed, so you can enjoy lemons, grapefruits, and related fruits (except oranges) without worrying about the acidic levels. Putting a little lemon in some hot water is a soothing, acid-reducing bonus.

Why not start off each meal with a healthy serving of salad. Experiment with different greens and vegetables. You just might be surprised at how much you DON’T miss all the other things.  But just to remind you, the change is only temporary. Remember – you don’t have to give up your favorite acid-producing foods completely. The issue is BALANCE!

Here’s to your health.