What is pH? And why is it so important?

When my husband was first diagnosed I instinctively knew that we needed to change his/our diet.  It didn't take much to convince him as he was more than motivated to do what it took to live and fight off the horrible cancer that had invaded his body.  So, we embarked on a way of life and a way of eating that would help boost his immune system, detox his body and make his body alkaline.  However, I really didn't know where to start. There were bits and pieces that I knew we needed to do, like cut meat, dairy and sugar out of our diets.  I felt overwhelmed and didn't know exactly HOW to get his pH from VERY acidic to alkaline.

All this talk about pH levels may sound like hocus pocus to you, but it is rooted in science and it has been proven that cancer cannot live in an alkaline environment. One book that clearly explains the alkaline diet is a book by Dr Michelle Schoffro Cook called "The Ultimate pH Solution".  Let's just say that as I read this book the light bulb finally turned on for me!  Dr Cook is a naturopath and best selling author. She has penned several books, including "The Life Force Diet" and "The Phytozyme Cure"...both amazing books that I highly recommend reading!  Her book,  "The Ultimate pH Solution" is a must read for anyone who is interested in achieving health, energy and pH balance in their body.

But, why is pH so important?  Let me explain.  The cells in our bodies are constantly in a power struggle to be either acidic or alkaline.  Ideally, your body wants to be alkaline, 7.0 or higher to be specific. Many chronic diseases have acidity as their foundation; that is why it is so important to maintain an alkaline pH. Unfortunately, due to the highly processed, sugar laden, dairy rich and meat rich diets of most Americans, most people in our country are walking around with very acidic pH levels. Hence, the rampant chronic disease that plagues many, many people. Here's a great scientific explanation of pH, from an article by Kris Carr.

"pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration, [H+] in solution. Neutral is 7.0. A pH lower than 7.0 is acidic, anything higher than 7.0 is basic or alkaline. The body ideally likes a slightly basic environment at a pH of 7.365. Our bodies are designed around the concept of homeostasis – that neutral, groovy set point where everything is a-okay. The body keeps things at this “zen” space by intricate interactions of charged molecules, balancing one another out for optimum function. Every bodily function, from breathing to pooping, is regulated this way. The body will wreak havoc trying to maintain or regain homeostasis – in this case, a pH of 7.365."

So, now you may be wondering what causes acidity in the body?  As I mentioned above the poor diets of most American's is the main cause.  Foods like dairy, meat, processed foods and sugar and stress are the main contributors to acidosis. Yes, this means you will need to totally cut out meat, diary and sugar or at least dramatically reduce it if you are serious about bringing your body into pH balance. Foods that create an alkaline environment for your body are colorful vegetables, especially leafy greens.  A diet high in colorful vegetables will balance out your pH levels and bring your body into balance.  Other alkaline foods are: avocados, quinoa, lentils, lemons (yes, even though they are acidic, once they enter the body they alkaline your body and also are excellent for detoxing the liver. Drinking lemon water through out the day can go a long way to alkalizing your body) and dark, leafy greens. Dr Cook's book contains a very helpful list of which foods are more alkaline and which are more acidic. Taking a wholefood, green supplement will also help to give your body an alkaline boost.

So how do I know where my body is on the pH scale?  You can purchase pH strips at most health food stores or online. Next, you will need to pee on the strip every morning (it's usually best to test your second pee of the day) and every evening.  Typically, you'll be more alkaline in the evening.
This article by Kris Carr is excellent and also helps to clarify why pH is so important. Kris Carr was diagnosed with cancer in her 30's. She was given a death sentence. Instead of giving up she embarked on a journey to heal her own body through natural means and today she is cancer-free!  Her site is an amazing resource for anyone who is interested in natural healing and healthy living.

Thanks for reading and start eating those greens and drinking that lemon water!!! :-)