Everyone has heard about acidic foods and alkaline foods in some compacity. Even if the only time you've heard the two words were in science class way back in the day. Funny thing is, many people get easily confused when it comes to connecting the two with foods. It's a known fact that an acidic body is an unhealthy body, one that is more than likely experiencing a whole host of problems. When talking about foods being acidic, usually lemons and the like are the first ones I hear people mention. Although they are in essence an acidic food, it has an alkaline affect on the body.
Just like how meat is considered an alkaline before we digest it, but our bodies turn it into an acid forming food. The reason this is, is because whatever foods we eat breaks down into either of the two. It will either break down as an acid or an alkaline, an alkaline being higher than 7, and an acid being lower than 7. The further you go down, the more acidic it becomes, and the higher you go, the less acidic it becomes. The body requires both sets but needs more alkaline than it does acidic for things to function properly. Typically, the ratio that works for most individuals is a diet of about 75-80 percent alkaline and 20-25 percent acidic forming foods.
A few examples of acid forming foods are: Dairy, meat, sugar, processed foods, eggs, refined flours and grains, drugs, coffee, carbonated drinks, and alcohol to name a few. A few alkaline foods are fresh fruits and vegetables, and yes, even citrus fruits like lemons and limes. Remember, what you put into your body every day affects everything: your biochemistry, your mood, your brain, muscles, tendons, bones, nerves, kidneys, liver. So, be kind to your body!
Some of the symptoms of too much acidity in the body include:
Low energy & Fatigue | Stress | Frequent infections | Slow digestion and elimination | Yeast/fungal overgrowth | Hormonal problems |
Gastritis | Dry skin | Leg cramps and spasms | Formation of cysts | Bladder conditions | Arthritis/ Joint pain |
Cardiovascular damage | Weight gain | Kidney stones | Premature aging | Kidney stones | Lower body temperature |
Depression | Immune deficiency | Osteoporosis | Dull hair/ split ends/ & falls out | Stomach/ mouth ulcers | Aching muscles & Lactic acid buildup |
When this condition of acidity exists, the body is forced to borrow things like calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium from the blood, vital organs, and bones to help neutralize the acid within the body so it can be safely removed; thus depleting the body of electrolyte minerals. Some research shows that many viruses, cancer, bacteria and fungi can not survive in an alkaline environment, so it is very important to stay clear of overindulging on acid forming foods. Not to mention, your body will function far better by not having its mineral stores being robbed, Remember that what we put in our bodies can either harm it or help it. What we eat today will impact our bodies tomorrow.