The (acid/alkaline) pH balance of the body is influenced by the food we eat. Some foods have an acidifying effect and some an alkalizing effect. A few are neutral. The pH balance of our bodies and consequently our health, depends greatly on the food we eat.
All food, when metabolized in the body, leaves an ash-like residue. Ash is what is left over after most of the useable nutrients have been removed. The elements comprising the ash are either absorbed into the body or eliminated. This ash can have an acidic, alkaline, or neutral effect on the body’s chemistry. Alkaline ash leaves alkalizing minerals the body can use to neutralize excess dietary acid. Alkaline ash is desired because our body’s must remain slightly alkaline. Acid ash, on the other hand, leaves minerals, that in excess, can have a negative effect on our health. Foods high in sulfur, chloride, nitrogen, and phosphorus have an acidifying effect. Protein, especially animal protein, is high in these elements.
Acidifying elements must be neutralized in order to maintain acid-alkaline balance. Alkaline minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium serve this function. These elements are found most abundantly in plant foods. The body will store these minerals to maintain pH balance. Bones are the primary source of calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
The body is capable of handling moderate amounts of acidifying foods. However, if most of the food eaten leaves an acid ash, the body will be continually pulling alkalizing elements from its reserves, depleting itself of vital minerals, and acidosis results.
Acidosis leads to loss of calcium and weakening of the bones (osteoporosis), degeneration of joints (arthritis) precipitation of calcium in body tissues (kidney stones and gout), and development of bone spurs. Body chemistry is constantly on edge of its limitations, which creates tremendous stress and encourages degeneration of tissues, weakening the immune system, increasing susceptibility to disease, and affecting normal body functions.
A good rule of thumb for maintaining acid/alkaline balance is to eat four parts alkaline forming food to one part acid forming food at each meal.
The Free pH Chart
Alkaline Ash Foods
