Balancing Acidity and Alkalinity: Why It Matters for Your Health

After digestion, every food influences your body as either acidic or alkaline.

Maintaining a proper acid-alkaline balance is crucial for various bodily functions. The body has defense mechanisms to maintain this balance, but a diet predominantly consisting of acid-producing foods can tip the scale. Over time, our diets have shifted; processed foods, medications, pesticides, fried foods, processed and canned goods, coffee, white sugar, artificial sweeteners, hydrogenated fats, energy drinks, and sodas have increased our body's acidity.

Excess acidity limits the body's ability to absorb minerals and vitamins and reduces energy production in cells. It hampers cell repair and the body's ability to eliminate heavy metals and toxins. Beneficial gut bacteria and enzymes crucial for digestion don't work effectively when blood is acidic, affecting digestion and waste elimination. Acidity leaves the body more vulnerable to illness and leads to fatigue, physically and mentally.

When the body becomes too acidic, it compensates by releasing alkaline minerals, like calcium, from bones and teeth, leading to calcium depletion and cavities.

An acidic body also produces fat cells to store waste. Weight gain is influenced by food quality, not just calorie count. Persistently acidic blood contributes to cholesterol and triglyceride production and accumulation.

Symptoms of an acidic body include headaches, fatigue, nausea, bloating, and coughing.

To optimize and achieve a healthy balance, consume more alkaline foods. The closer food is to its natural state, the more alkaline it is.

Fresh fruits (except plums), when ripe, are alkaline. Underripe fruits have an acidic effect. Vegetables, in all their variety, range in alkalinity but are all beneficial. It's essential to incorporate them, both raw and cooked.

All types of legumes are important, especially when sprouted, although soaking in water can also increase their alkalinity.

Animal proteins create excess acid. It's important to pair them with vegetables, particularly leafy greens, for balance.

Deep breathing, relaxation, and physical activity help reduce body acidity.

Zohara Shavit is an N.D Naturopath and an iris-based diagnostician with extensive experience in treatment, advice, and workshop facilitation. To book a workshop at no cost, call 073-2221290