Alkalinity vs. Acidity

Definitions:

Alkaline: having a pH value greater than 7.

Acidic: being or containing an acid; of a solution having an excess of hydrogen atoms (having a pH of less than 7).

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What is the difference between alkalinity and acidity? I'm not just talking about oranges and grapefruits here - we're talking about when the state of our bodies is out of balance. 

When I worked at a pool as a lifeguard, I would measure the pH levels of the pool to make sure it was safe.  If the pool was too acidic or alkaline, I had to adjust the level of chlorine in the water. If it was out of balance, the pool wouldn't be able to kill the amount of bacteria needed for safety.  Conversely, if the pool was too acidic and the level of chlorine was too high, people could also be hurt. 

In our bodies, we have a natural pH balance of about 7.36.  An alkaline nutrition plan takes into account a healthy pH level and feeds the body nutrition that keeps the body at this healthy pH. 

Acidity is the primary cause of disease. From cancer, to obesity, to depression, to heart disease, all of these ailments can be significantly alleviated or eliminated by maintaining an alkaline nutrition plan - that is, a diet made up primarily of fresh fruits and vegetables, natural oils and fats, whole grains, yogurt (low sugar), and lean protein and fish.

So, this means that it is important to avoid foods and things that cause acidity.

What can raise the level of acidity in the body?

• Eating foods that are considered "acidic"
• Not drinking enough water
• Not getting enough sleep
• Environmental toxins 
• Caffeine and alcohol, even prescription drugs
• Too much stress 

Diet plays a HUGE part to play in whether our bodies are in a more alkaline or acidic state, but we cannot discount the part emotional and spiritual "acidity" has to play.  Gossip, depression, glass-half-empty thinking, and abusive or negative relationship are unhealthy for our overall well-being and success.

However, eating more alkaline foods can have an incredible reverse-effect on our health.

Here are my favorite alkaline foods and habits:

• Prayer
• Drinking chlorophyll
• Putting antioxidant drops in my water
• Forgiveness
• Stretching
• Greek yogurt
• Drinking Shakeology

CHALLENGE:

I want to challenge you to think in terms of "acidity" and "alkalinity", and choose things that bring your body and overall person into a state of alkalinity - that is, peace, health, and wholeness!