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Health - Articles
The internal environment of our bodies is maintained at a pH just above 7.0. This means our internal environment is alkaline. In order to maintain this alkaline state, we need oxygen, water, and acid-buffering minerals available as we are eliminating waste products.
When such an alkaline environment is maintained in the body, our metabolism, enzymes, immune system, and repair processes function at their best. Stress and inflammation produce acid waste products. We need to have mineral buffering reserves to combat these acids. That's why a diet that is predominantly alkaline-forming is essential to the maintenance of good health.
Most vegetables and fruits contain higher proportions of alkaline-forming elements. They promote an alkaline environment in your body. Foods that you think of as 'acidic' foods, such as tomatoes, citrus fruit, and rhubarb, actually form alkaline residues because the body is able to fully break down those kinds of acids into bicarbonate and water.
Foods that are high in protein, including milk, meat, and even whole grains, are acid-forming. Most fruits are alkaline-forming, but some, like prunes and cranberries, are acid-forming because our bodies can't break down the types of acids they contain. Highly refined foods, consisting of mostly fats, sugars, and simple starches are acidifying.
This table (199k PDF) is an excellent guide to show you what foods will help create a more alkaline, and therefore healthier, environment for your body. Your diet should be weighted in favor of the foods on the left-hand side of the chart with a ratio of 70% or more alkaline to 30% or less acid.
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