Most Americans have an unhealthy diet full of fast food, simple carbs, sugar, soda, alcohol, coffee, meat, and dairy that is severely lacking in a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, and water.  Even those who try to eat mindfully are usually in need of improvement when it comes to those same areas. This imbalance, among other unhealthy habits, is wreaking havoc on our mental and physical health. To understand what these unhealthy food choices are doing to your body and what you can do to make a positive turn around, we’re going to need to go back to Chemistry 101. 

Remember the pH scale, ranging from acids (at 0) and basics (up to 14), and neutrals (around 7)? Everything you consume has a place on that pH scale, with the processed foods, sugary drinks, and animal-derived foods being on the acidic side, and most fruits and vegetables being on the more alkaline side. Healthy human blood should measure at 7.4 pH and saliva and urine right around 7. Unfortunately, if your diet leans more toward the acidic side, this is often not the case. Our incredible body is designed to be flexible and adapt to what it is given, but sometimes at the expense of another organ system or tissue. When acidosis occurs and your body becomes overly acidic, it will try to correct the balance, even by pulling calcium from teeth and bones to neutralize the acid, leading to health problems. 

Symptoms of an over-acidic environment can include fatigue, headaches, breath that smells fruity, achy joints, and kidney stones. Thankfully, you don’t have to be diagnosed by a medical professional to make a positive change. Start today, by replacing an unhealthy drink with a glass of water, a serving of simple carbs with a fruit or vegetable, and one fried or fatty food with avocado or nuts. Slowly make changes until the majority of your food and drink is alkalizing, and your body will thank you for helping it to run smoothly! 

Here are some things that will help alkalize your body:

• Drink more water! Occasionally add a little apple cider vinegar, lemon, or baking soda.
• Reduce dairy and meat.
• Double up on veggies and fruits.
• Start your day the alkalizing way with a fruit and veggie smoothie!
• Exercise to get rid of acid waste.
• Reduce stress and think positively.
• Limit sugar outside of your fruit.
• Significantly reduce or eliminate coffee, alcohol, and soda.

Every food has its own Ph. Here is a handy reference to keep in mind when deciding what to include in your diet. Make just one change today!