Balance; it starts with the PH of your body

Our body’s internal system needs a PH of just above 7.0; our immunologic, enzymatic and repair mechanisms all function at their best in this alkaline range.

If your body becomes overly acidic (i.e. under a PH of 7), you may start to experience low energy, fatigue, congestion, hives/rashes, muscle pain, weak nails, dry skin, dry hair, frequent colds, flu and infection and headaches.

When you notice any of these symptoms present, the smartest things you can do is eat foods that will bring your PH back into balance, drink lots of purified/ filtered water, and limit your intake of alcohol, caffeine, drugs like nicotine, and pharmaceutical products.

So, what foods cause acid in the body? 

There is a whole list of foods that cause your body to be over-acidic. The most common foods that people usually have in their diet include dairy/dairy substitutes, animal meat, most grains, chickpeas, condiments, aspartame, prunes, chocolate, peanuts, alcohol and quite a few other types of foods. 

To balance your PH, the remedy is simple and logical; eat more alkaline causing foods. Alkaline foods include watermelon, lemon, lime, mango, most vegetables, vegetable juices, almonds, sprouts, avocados and green tea. 

When your body becomes more alkaline, the changes that will take place are truly amazing. It will seem magical, but it’s all perfectly normal. Benefits can include rapid weight loss, increased energy, the need for less sleep, improved skin and hair condition, less brain fog, more restful sleep, and a better mental attitude. 

Personally, this diet is my go-to when I want to reset and helps me out when I am extremely busy and need to be functioning at optimal levels. If you can drink some warm water with lemon in it upon waking, it will help to alkalise your system. After a week or so of eating mindfully and eliminating foods that are healthy but still increase the acidity of your system, you will notice a huge difference in how you feel. 

It is a good idea to strive to have no more than one or two non-dairy coffees per day, avoid alcohol or any other drugs and get to sleep/ wake up at a reasonable and consistent time. If you can eat your meals at the same time every day that will also help to regulate your mind and body. After 1-2 weeks you will feel incredibly well and as though you have just taken a mini break. If you enjoy foods that are slightly acidic, you don't need to eliminate them permanently, but you should strive to eat less of them over time.

Fortunately, it is not hard to slowly alkalise your body. Take it one day at a time, add more and more green food to your diet, reduce the number of cups of coffee you have every day, drink water and herbal teas, eat less dairy and meat, and you’ll soon reap the benefits.

Here is a list of acid forming vs alkaline forming foods to assist you on this journey: 

Alkaline Foods Chart | The Alkaline Sisters 

You can get PH tests from most pharmacies, amazon and eBay for under $15 AUD.

Give it a try for a week or two - I promise you will notice a difference!