Acid Alkaline Balance

[styersky]

Just getting into trying to learn about acid-alkaline.

It seems that everything I am eating is alkaline. Seems it would be just as bad to be too alkaline as too acid.

Opinion, please.

[tali]

The book pH Miracle by Robert Young is a good exploration of this subject. :)

[CaliRaw]

In the book, he says that nearly all fruit (except lemon, limes, and grapefruit) are acidic in the body. He says try to avoid it. No can do! I just do the best that I can. At least it's not SAD. I've taken my pH, but kept forgetting to take it again throughout the day to see if it changes. It's supposed to be acidic when you first go in the morning and get more alkaline as the day goes on (unless you're eating SAD).

He also has another book, The pH Miracle for Weight Loss.

[Authenticme]

It's odd that lemons, lime and grapefruit are consider NOT acidic as they are often called citric acid foods

[RawCutter]

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showpost.php?p=321502&postcount=180

[CaliRaw]

It's odd that lemons, lime and grapefruit are consider NOT acidic as they are often called citric acid foods

They're metabolized in the body as alkaline.

[styersky]

He also has another book, The pH Miracle for Weight Loss.

Thanks. Just ordered the Weight Loss Book.

[veganman]

I have found that different PH books say different things about fruit. Some say it is acid, some say it is very alkalizing. It might vary from person to person as well.....

[Random Violin Guy]

I'd also like to learn more about this. This is one of those things that has me pretty confused at the moment. I don't yet know which foods are alkalizing and which are acid-forming, and I don't yet know how my own pH is. From what you guys are saying on here, there's even conflicting information out on it... gah! :confused:

In response to the OP: I'd imagine that it'd be worse to be too acidic rather than too alkaline. Considering our bodies are supposed to be alkaline, I'd imagine it's harder to be too alkaline. But as you can see, I'm definitely not an expert by any stretch of the imagination.

[CaliRaw]

The only way to know for sure is to test your pH (urine is more accurate than saliva). The pH Miracle book said something that was a bit disturbing to me. He said that a lot of water is acid, even filtered and bottled water (which is usually just filtered water). I tested mine, which is filtered with an Aquasana water filter. It was acidic! So, think about it....we are told to drink lots of water and when we do, we are acidifying our bodies with it. The books suggests using baking soda or pH drops to make the water more alkaline. I bought pH drops, which are just minerals, at the health food store. It was only about $3 for a sample sized bottle. I think he said 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda per gallon of water. I'll have to look that up to be sure. I'd test the pH to get the correct amount to make the water more alkaline. That's what I do with the strips. I need to make a note to continue to test my urine pH throughout the day.

[CaliRaw]

I'd also like to learn more about this. This is one of those things that has me pretty confused at the moment. I don't yet know which foods are alkalizing and which are acid-forming, and I don't yet know how my own pH is. From what you guys are saying on here, there's even conflicting information out on it... gah! :confused:

In response to the OP: I'd imagine that it'd be worse to be too acidic rather than too alkaline. Considering our bodies are supposed to be alkaline, I'd imagine it's harder to be too alkaline. But as you can see, I'm definitely not an expert by any stretch of the imagination.

That's what 'they' say. Disease is caused by overly acidic bodies. Cancer thrives in acidic bodies.

[alicemagooey]

COUPLA CENTS WORTH, HERE;

If you use Baking soda, it has been proven to totally negate most of the benefits of eating raw fruits and veggies.
i need to go and find the resource which told me so.
It has been proven.

There is some truth to the information which these books put out.. but the baking soda idea, is definitely not one of them, and anything which can change the ph of your water is subject to question, in my opinion.

Styerski, why not get some test strips and check to see what your condition is??
You said you were going to , so i trust you will. Then you will see first hand, like i did.

It is not as bad to be too alkaline as to be to acid.
Not only does an acid condition lead to disease, but when the body is acid, it draws on the alkaline reserves in the body to neutralise the acidity in the body.

And guess where the alkaline reserves are located??
In the BONES.
chronic acidosis can definitely lead to osteoporosis.!!

If anyone questions, best do a google.
i do not have my references readily at hand.

i would rather be more alkaline any day..but it is not easy to stay constantly alkaline as stress causes an acid system also. not just food intake.
But a raw vegan diet is BY FAR THE BEST DIET TO KEEP THE BODY ALKALINE..BY FAR..!
( I have done research on this, and also tried it myself)

best try it for yourself.

if you find conflicting reports as to 'how to's"..just pick one and try for yourself and see how it helps you, or otherwise.

Do not despair, "person who posted who said you are interested."
Google and Go to a few sites which tell
'most alkaline fruits and vegetables' .
or 'keeping your body alkaline'
the different reports do not vary that much.
maybe a few things.. but the majority of the information is the same.

lemons, and watermelon are two of the most alkaline promoting fruits.
They have that effect on the body...even though a lemon is an acid fruit, it has an alkalinizing effect on the body.

i just would not recommend baking soda taken orally for any reason.! or in water, or in your fruit juice...This is just plain bad nutritionally..what to speak of for your health.
I wish that part of what some of these people are saying would be more thoroughly researched and shown for what it is.
They are trying to sell something ( drops which change the ph of foods )
which can easily be done by being

RAW VEGAN WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF GREEN SMOOTHIES.
( and a good heart) (that helps,..really !)

alice

[alicemagooey]

I just did a quick search about baking soda and its harmful effects on the body..

it is from a macrobiotics site.. That might not be exactly what we raw foodists are into, but many of our Core Principles are the same.
( trying to obtain good health and longevity )

here is the article.
it is quite long, but has some good information in it.

infact, it may make us a little happy that we do not follow any diet other than RAW VEGAN.!!

http://www.cybermacro.com/Macrobiotic_Articles/CyberMacro/A_Rising_Health_Risk_by_Dorcas_Anne_Gerace/

alice again... i do apologise.

[Frecs]

It is important to understand that there are parts of our bodies that are supposed to be acid and others that are supposed to be neutral and others that are supposed to be alkaline. Our stomachs: acid. Our intestines: neutral to alkaline. etc. Even within individual cells, there are acid areas and alkaline areas. It's a delicate balancing act that our bodies perform. What we are looking to do is aid our bodies to keep that balance. Testing our urine will reveal when an imbalance exists. If the urine is acidic, our body is overly acidic and trying to balance itself by eliminating acid in the urine. Ditto if the urine is overly alkaline (which is rarely the case). What you are shooting for, though, is a nice neutral 7.

IMHO, all raw fruits and veggies will alkalize the body. Meat, dairy, processed foods create an acidic body environment.

[Random Violin Guy]

I'd imagine that it'd be worse to be too acidic rather than too alkaline. Considering our bodies are supposed to be alkaline, I'd imagine it's harder to be too alkaline. But as you can see, I'm definitely not an expert by any stretch of the imagination.

Hm... reading over my post again, I see I should re-word it a bit. What I meant is that it's probably pretty difficult to be too alkaline, and comparatively pretty easy to be too acidic. I would rather not go to either extreme though, because I get the feeling that the OP is right - there probably is such a thing as "too alkaline" and it can't be good for you. Still, if I had to choose between one or the other, I would rather be too alkaline. But like I said, this whole subject confuses me, and I haven't done enough homework on this.

[Random Violin Guy]

Hey, thanks for all the info, Alice and Frecs. I'm not nearly as confused and overwhelmed anymore. See, this is what I love about this forum. Thanks for your help.

[styersky]

IMHO, all raw fruits and veggies will alkalize the body. Meat, dairy, processed foods create an acidic body environment.

I am not far into this study . . . but It is my understanding up to this point that fruits that are vine ripened are alkaline. However, the fruit we buy at the market is not vine ripened and are, therefore, acid. It seems that watermelon is always alkaline because they are vine ripened.

Comments? Anyone understand it that way? I was overloading on fruit and was always testing acidic.

[Tinacampy]

From the book "Green for Life" by Victoria Boutenko - she says to test your stomach's acidity (we need acid in our stomachs to process the nutrients out of our foods) by eating beets. If your poo is beet-colored, you are lacking stomach acid. Her answer to this - drink more green smoothies. She did a test w/ several participants and had great success. It's an excellent book - very informative. (some of her smoothies are gross, though - I have a hard time w/ "savory" smoothies. ewww) :)

Also - question - where do you get the ph testing strips? I have looked for them but cannot find them. I know I just said to test w/ beets, but I would like to have a daily/weekly way to test ph.

[CaliRaw]

You can always find something online and elsewhere, both researched and non-researched, that show opposing viewpoints, about anything; including eating raw foods. Yet, here we are. I suggest that everyone read what they can and form their own opinions.

You can get pH strips from a drug store or health food store. I got mine from a health food store.

[Pommy]

I was wondering about this too.
After I eat certain foods such as watermelon, fresh pineapple, lemon juice,... I have a lip balm problem, well, the skin under my lip gets all red and burny and irritated. Like my saliva changes and it irritates my skin. Wonder what that is? And actually, no balm helps. Very annoying, and itching!

[Noone]

I am not far into this study . . . but It is my understanding up to this point that fruits that are vine ripened are alkaline. However, the fruit we buy at the market is not vine ripened and are, therefore, acid. It seems that watermelon is always alkaline because they are vine ripened.

Comments? Anyone understand it that way? I was overloading on fruit and was always testing acidic.

***
Interesting: Are there more fruits which are always alkaline and vine ripened?
***
Noone

[styersky]

***
Interesting: Are there more fruits which are always alkaline and vine ripened?
***
Noone

Don't know for sure at this point. Will research some more before I give an opinion. Good question and maybe others will give us some input.

[styersky]

You can always find something online and elsewhere, both researched and non-researched, that show opposing viewpoints, about anything; including eating raw foods. Yet, here we are. I suggest that everyone read what they can and form their own opinions.

You can get pH strips from a drug store or health food store. I got mine from a health food store.

We live in the boonies and do not have HFS of any size, nor drugstores. I ordered strips from http:www.ph-ion.com

[styersky]

You can always find something online and elsewhere, both researched and non-researched, that show opposing viewpoints, about anything; including eating raw foods. Yet, here we are. I suggest that everyone read what they can and form their own opinions.

You can get pH strips from a drug store or health food store. I got mine from a health food store.

At what time of day and how many times per day do you test? Do you do an average? I have conflicting information regarding testing even though I now have the test strips. So really do not know any more than I did before.

[CaliRaw]

At what time of day and how many times per day do you test? Do you do an average? I have conflicting information regarding testing even though I now have the test strips. So really do not know any more than I did before.

From what I've read, if taken in the morning, during the first urine flow, it will be acidic. So, I tried it then and mine certainly was. I haven't taken it again since then. I keep forgetting. I even brought the strips to work with me and still forgot.

Edit: I will check the book to see what it said about times per day, etc.

By the way, these are the mineral supplements I purchased at the local health food store.

http://www.traceminerals.com/products/drops.html

http://www.transformyourhealth.com/miscprods/tracemineraldrops.htm

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/trace/drops.html

[JenniferMooreFuller]

Dr. Young's books are very helpful. He suggests eating as much raw food as possible, and stresses vegetables, most of which are alkaline, and low sugar fruits. Also greens and green powders that are very alkalyzing overall. As far as water, my dh and I bought an alkalyzing filter online that turns our water into whatever ph we choose.

[CaliRaw]

I was mistaken. The pH Miracle for Weight Loss indicates that the first urine of the day should have a pH of 6.8 and 7.2, with 7.2 being ideal. Just a tidbit of info, so take it with a grain of salt. :)

I didn't see anything about a specific schedule recommendation. I am going to try to remember to do it first thing in the morning tomorrow, then after breakfast, which is usually watermelon. Hopefully, I will remember to do it again at least a couple of other times.

[CaliRaw]

Dr. Young's books are very helpful. He suggests eating as much raw food as possible, and stresses vegetables, most of which are alkaline, and low sugar fruits. Also greens and green powders that are very alkalyzing overall. As far as water, my dh and I bought an alkalyzing filter online that turns our water into whatever ph we choose.


Which one did you get?

[soulstar]

Hi CaliRaw,

I believe she got the ph and weightloss book by Young.

Ciao,

[Noone]

Don't know for sure at this point. Will research some more before I give an opinion. Good question and maybe others will give us some input.
***
I like to know because it would be nice to have information about fruits which are always been riped on the plant. They are the most nutritious.


Noone

[JenniferMooreFuller]

CaliRaw, We got the Alka Blue - Antioxidant Water Alkalizer. You replace the filter inside every so often, but it lasts a long time.

[Frecs]

I am not far into this study . . . but It is my understanding up to this point that fruits that are vine ripened are alkaline. However, the fruit we buy at the market is not vine ripened and are, therefore, acid. It seems that watermelon is always alkaline because they are vine ripened.

Comments? Anyone understand it that way? I was overloading on fruit and was always testing acidic.

I eat about equal amounts of fruits and veggies and always test between 6.8 and 7.2 (sometimes even 7.4). I rarely have access to "tree/vine ripened"....

[Frecs]

From the book "Green for Life" by Victoria Boutenko - she says to test your stomach's acidity (we need acid in our stomachs to process the nutrients out of our foods) by eating beets. If your poo is beet-colored, you are lacking stomach acid. Her answer to this - drink more green smoothies. She did a test w/ several participants and had great success. It's an excellent book - very informative. (some of her smoothies are gross, though - I have a hard time w/ "savory" smoothies. ewww) :)

Also - question - where do you get the ph testing strips? I have looked for them but cannot find them. I know I just said to test w/ beets, but I would like to have a daily/weekly way to test ph.

Trust me, I don't lack stomach acid and my poo is beet-colored after eating or drinking beets. I'd be concerned if it wasn't! (I'd actually suspect problems in the colon if your poo doesn't reflect the beets color...) A stomach lacking in stomach acid is in trouble!

And, I'm sorry but "a couple" test subjects does not a study make.

[Frecs]

From what I've read, if taken in the morning, during the first urine flow, it will be acidic. So, I tried it then and mine certainly was.

I test my first urine of the morning...I range from 6.8 to 7.4 with the average being 7 to 7.2. This reflects the work your body has had to do during the night which is when your body's main focus is assimilation and elimination. (Based on the circadian rthyms of our digestive system: noon to 8pm digestion; 8pm to 4am assimilation; 4am to noon elimination.) So, the acidity/alkalinity of your first urine is the best indicator. Or, so I understand. :)

[SharonC]

As so many have said, the raw food diet is the very best for alkalinizing, and it naturally eliminates the most acid foods. The general recommendation is to consume 75% to 80% alkaline foods. And has also been said, positive emotions are very important as well...

I think it would be very difficult to become too alkaline - have not read up on this issue.

That is so interesting about vine ripened. I wonder if it has to do with lacking in nutrients (especially minerals) when it is picked too early. Of course, most food grown today (vine ripened or not) is lower in nutrients due to the lack of proper nutrients in the soil. I have heard that conventionally grown tomatoes are picked green, and a chemical is used to make them turn red - disgusting! Grow my own in the summer so at least I know they are vine ripened and the soil is nutrient rich. Buy organic in the winter and hope for the best!

GREEN SMOOTHIES - the more GREENS the better. I use lots of kale and dandelion. Also, mixed greens, romaine, spinach, celery, beet tops, carrot tops, a little parsley, etc. Purslane is very easy to grow and loves the summer heat. http://www.wildgardenseed.com/index.php?cPath=49
Parsley is also very easy to grow - it is pretty much year round in North Texas. Both of these can easily be grown in little spots in the landscaping if do not have a garden.

Supplement with green foods (alfalfa, barleygreen, chlorella, spirulina, etc.).

Sprouts and wheatgrass - very inexpensive and easy to grow (indoors).

I also try to consume a lot of sesame seeds (great source of calcium). I have read that the unhulled are best - soaked and sprouted.

Regarding water, such a hot topic right now. I am now adding WaterMax to my water, from Hallelujah Acres - https://commerce.hacres.com/product.aspx?id=332

[Douglas]

Here is a list of the Acid, Alkaline foods.
http://www.thewolfeclinic.com/acidalkfoods.html Doug in Calif...:cool:

[juicyraw]

In the book, he says that nearly all fruit (except lemon, limes, and grapefruit) are acidic in the body. He says try to avoid it. No can do!


Hey Rawbies!

I'm trying to get equal parts fruit & greens (juice) but always end up with more fruit.... any fruit... watermelon, grape, pineapple, etc.

The watermelons are local and vine ripened. Most everything else is store bought and probably not.

And I test consistently 7.0-7.5 (morning, noon and night). Once when I was eating raw for a couple of weeks, I never could get alkaline. I'm not sure what that was about... or about the sweet fruit and vine-ripened but it sure is staying there now.




:p

[Nurse in the Raw]

Actually our urine shouldn't be too alcaline. Acid is what keeps the critters away so our urine should be a little acidic or else we would all have UTI's. Our bodies will balance themselves out naturally, which is why I don't waste money on test strips. Just one more thing for me to obsess over. As long as you eat raw and get in a daily dose of greens, your body will naturally balance and attain homeostasis.

Homeostasis depends on the dynamic action and interaction of a number of body systems. Factors such as temperature, salinity, acidity, plus nutrient and waste balances all affect a complex organism's ability to sustain life.