Why does the pH scale matter to my health?

Healthy living begins with an alkaline environment in our bodies. The pH scale ranges from 1-14, 7 is neutral below that is acidic and above is alkaline. It is true that our bodies need both acid and alkaline for processing of different foods. However, if we go too far into the acid side of the pH scale that is where physical trouble begins. The human body is generally 80 percent alkaline and 20 percent acidic.

Viruses, colds, flus and bacteria cannot thrive in an alkaline environment. As they always say, "an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure" and in this case that remains to be true. Nutrition and supplementation is the answer to bringing our bodies out of the acidic state. We've been plagued with preservatives, antibiotics, hormones, and environmental toxins. All of this elements are attacking our internal organs creating a toxic environment for cell functioning.

Many of the common health problems that Americans face stem from the lack of balance between acid and alkaline in our bodies. Yet the allopathic medical community does not seem to address this issue. Acidosis, the state when the acid level of our bodies increases, is a thriving environment for disease and illness. Some symptoms of acidosis can include but are not limited to: heart problems, obesity, immune deficiency, urinary tract issues, cancerous mutations, premature aging, fatigue, and osteoporosis.

Be mindful of food and product labels and be conscious of where you food and products come from. Look for any of these prominent harmful chemicals in your food and products and try to eliminate them:

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - known to be carcinogenic - found in toothpaste, shampoo... etc.

Cocaminde DEA - know to be carcinogenic to animals

Propylene Glycol - this is in antifreeze

Phenol - coal tar, causes nausea, convulsions, coma, etc.

Iodopropynl Butyl Carbamate - adversely affects liver, etc.

Organophosphate is an insecticide used to kill spider mites from agricultural fields. Farmers, their families and pets are warned to stay out of a sprayed field for a minimum of forty-eight hours.

All forms of paraben - a known carcinogen (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Benzyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, Methyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, Ethyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, Propyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, Butyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, Parahydroxybenzoic acid and Parahydroxybenzoate.)

Blue #1, Yellow #5, and Red #40 - all coal tar derivatives.

Think organic, organic, organic!! It's important that our diet consists of as many preservative, antibiotic, and hormone free foods as possible. If you cannot pronounce it, then you shouldn't ingest it! Be mindful of food labels and be conscious of where you food comes from. American stores are full of processed foods that increase the acidity of our bodies. Consume as much organic vegetables, fruits, soy products(edamame, tofu, tempeh) and free-range vegetarian fed poultry/meats and fish for protein as you can.

Water is also essential to our body's functioning especially when it comes to the pH scale. Lemon water (water with a squeezed lemon) is especially helpful in alkalizing our bodies. Try to stay away from carbonated, caffeinated drinks with lots of sugar. Try caffeine-free herbal teas to supplement your water intake.

The information is out there, you just have to look for it. Continue to be mindful of the things that you put in your mouth, put on your skin, and in your environment. We are given one body in this life, start alkalizing your life today!