Is Your Food Eating You?

Understanding the Role of pH Levels In Our Health

Many years ago, scientists discovered a nasty side-effect of coal burning. Lakes were becoming acidic when air pollution came down as acid rain. Acidic water is poisonous to fish, sometimes killing entire populations in small lakes.

It seems now that human beings are not all that different from fish. Our physiological environments can become acidic as well, not by air pollution, but by our own dietary choices. The common western diet, unfortunately, is a prime culprit. In his book, The Acid-Alkaline Diet for Optimum Health, Dr. Christopher Vasey of Switzerland argues that our diets can lead to acidic pH levels which eat away at our organs and bones faster than our bodies can repair them. If your body becomes too acidic, he argues, it can lead to fatigue, weight gain and chronic health problems.

Diet Is The Key

In recent years, a new industry has arisen to help people achieve ideal alkaline pH levels in their bodies. Products such as pH test-strips, supplements, water ionizers and alkaline diet books are offered to restore and protect our health. In his book, The pH Miracle, Dr. Robert O. Young of California argues that by following the alkaline diet alone patients can experience amazing recoveries from seemingly incurable chronic conditions, like psoriasis and fibromyalgia.

If you want to follow an alkaline diet, recommended foods include fresh fruits, nuts, and vegetables. At the same time, go easy on grains, meat and dairy. The idea is not to eliminate acidic foods altogether, but to make them the smaller part of your diet. Eliminating some of the most acidic foods and drinks like liquor, cola, baked desserts and trans fatty acids can go a long way in making the shift. Also important is minimizing stress and consuming enough water. Achieving a balance in your pH, as with other aspects of your life will ensure your body can function normally and fend off disease.