The Difference Between Alkaline and Acidic Foods Can Keep You Disease-Free

UPDATE:

After extensive research, I’ve concluded that there is NO SCIENTIFIC DATA that supports the so-called “Alkaline Diet” and its ability to prevent disease.

In short, there appears to be virtually NO WAY for us to affect our blood or stomach’s pH through eating food. Our bodies are highly complex systems that regulate the pH as necessary within a couple tenths of a point—and if you had a drastically acidic pH level in your blood, it would mean that death is imminent, not that you need to eat more cucumbers.

Many people online point to a study that “proves” how alkalizing food works, but that study tested injecting bicarbonate into the blood stream (which did lower pH)—and that is WORLDS away from eating something. It is simply impossible, and frankly unethical, to draw any other conclusions.

Whenever I’ve asked for further research from those spreading this information, none ever seems to be available.

Here are a couple articles I found thoroughly informative:

• Web MD: Alkaline Diet Plan Review – short and to the point: “no effect”
• Dr. Chris Kesser: The pH Myth: Part I – longer and more in-depth

What I *do* still believe: eating real, whole foods are better than junk because of the nutritional content, but it’s not because of any “alkalizing effect.”

This section in my cookbook is relatively small and will be removed in any future updates or re-printings. The other nutritional info is still valid, to the best of my knowledge—and the recipes are still delicious.

Sorry for drinking the Kool-Aid.

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This is an excerpt from my upcoming cookbook, Nonstop Awesomeness in the Kitchen. Pre-order it now (with lots of added goodies) for only $10, until May 1st.

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Alkaline vs. Acidic

As you learn more about the foods to eat, I also want to share something totally mind-blowing (at least to me): how foods affect our natural pH level. If you ever took care of a swimming pool, you know how important this is—you don’t want the water to be too acidic!

Same thing with our bodies—we want to create as alkaline (non-acidic) environment as possible.

 

 

The following was taken from an article on Vibrant Wellness Journal:

“This is what is true: disease cannot grow in an alkaline environment, and while most of us have a very acidic lifestyle and illness or pain to prove it, it can be reversed or mitigated with a high intake of alkalizing foods.

“The basics: all foods that we eat are either acidic, neutral, or alkaline. Unfortunately for most of us, the foods most common in our diets are HIGHLY acidic: meat, dairy, coffee, white flour, white sugar, and alcohol (stress also creates an acidic environment!).

“Many things are neutral: filtered water and quinoa are just two. The foods that are alkalizing are everything green, most whole grains, and most fruits, especially citrus fruits. Apple cider vinegar, herbal teas, and meditation and exercise also help create an alkaline environment.” (Awesome last point!!)

So, does this mean you can’t ever eat acidic foods? Of course not.

You just want to be eating a majority of alkalizing items, like vegetables, and do your best to eliminate (or definitely minimize) high-acidic foods, like sugars, sodas, dairy, and meat.

Seeing a trend here? It’s unbelievably important to be eating whole, real, foods—both for day-to-day health and long-term benefits!

 

 

These two charts were taken from Carla Golden Wellness and EcoNugenics. If you want a chart that covers just about every food out there, check out this one.
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Again, if you enjoy what you read and would like more info like this, check out my cookbook.

 

 

 

What do you think about the pH approach? And what’s your favorite way to stay alkalized?

I’d love to hear your response + any other thoughts you have below.

 

From the road…

 

p.s. I’m offering a limited number of 1-on-1 (or small group) virtual health consultations (all over a smoothie)—more info here.

p.p.s. I’ll be throwing a free group smoothie cooking class next week (most likely Thursday, 4/25)—keep your eyes peeled! :)

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