When I went to school to become a naturopathic doctor, we certainly did extensive study on nutrition however I don’t remember a strong emphasis on having a balanced pH or perhaps I missed those classes. I realize now how important acid/alkaline balance is for optimal health. Every person that comes through my office doors has one thing in common>>they are consuming a diet too high in acid foods. In fact, western culture as a whole consume far more acid foods (~80%) than alkaline foods (~20%). Ideally, our diet would have 60-80% coming from alkaline foods and only 20-40 % coming from acid foods. What is pH anyways and why does it matter?

pH stands for potential of hydrogen (the measurement of hydrogen ions in  a particular solution)  and the acid/alkaline balance relates to the chemistry of your body’s fluid and tissues. This relationship between acid and alkaline is quantified on a scale of 0-14 with a pH of 7 being neutral, pH of less than 7 classified as acidic and a pH above 7 classified as alkaline. Optimal blood pH is ~7.365 so slightly alkaline. When a food is metabolized, an acid or base is left. Our diet should contain more alkaline foods to promote a slightly alkaline pH.

Alkaline foods include all the green veggies especially the leafy variety> think kale, collards, bok choy, lettuce, spinach. All the brassicas are alkalinizing and cancer fighting> think broccoli, cauliflower, kale, watercress, turnips, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi. Raw tomatoes are alkaline but cooked are acidic. All grasses including wheatgrass are alkaline. Root vegetables are alkaline such as sweet potatoes, white potatoes (not french fries), radishes, and all other vegetables such as sweet peppers, celery, carrots, etc. Beans and peas are considered to be alkalizing as well. There are many resources online to give you a comprehensive list of alkaline foods. Raw almonds are alkalinizing. Grains are more acidic but two that are considered more neutral or slightly alkaline include millet and buckwheat. Stevia is a sweetener that is considered alkaline.

Deep breathing and meditation support a more alkaline environment.

Acid foods which contribute to a more acidic pH include animal protein >red meat, poultry, fish, dairy products (cheese, yogurt, milk, etc), coffee, tea, sugar, nuts (moreso if salted, roasted), refined grains, rice, oats, wheat, legumes such as soybeans, chick beas, black beans, sugar, vinegars (except apple cider). Anything processed is acidic, alcohol, condiments, soy sauce. Fruits are more acidic although lemons, limes, and grapefruit are more alkaline in function and thus contribute to a more alkaline pH. Dried fruits are acidic. Drugs and cigarettes are acidic as is a lifestyle full of stress. I’ll write more about pH next time. Until next time, eat more veggies…

1. Do a life review – the first step is to review your life and look at the path you have taken. Did messages of what you should do or should not do influence your path? Look for anything that was significant about your life; key decisions you made, health setbacks, traumas. What were you interested in when you were young?
2. Spend time in contemplation and get connected. Whatever makes you feel connected, seek that out daily. For some people this might be daily meditation, daily exercise, walks in nature, listening to music, etc. Whatever makes you feel at peace and more connected, do that. In this quiet contemplative space will many insights lie; create time in your day for this spirit centered time.
3. Get clear on your own present picture of who you are. If this is tough for you to do, write a list of you who you are not first. Start with things that you can say are definitely true for you. For example: My favorite color is blue. What do you like to do with your time? If you had a day all to yourself, how would you choose to spend it? What are things that are unique or quirky about you? Do you consider yourself a morning person or night person or both? What kind of music do you like? What kind of diet suits you best- raw foods, cooked foods, small frequent meals? These answers must come from you only and not outside influences or what you think you should like.
4. What factors support your growth and allow you to thrive? Developing your personal awareness is key. How can you best stay in balance with yourself?
5. What do you fear is inside of you? Face this and you will be set free. Generally this is a major obstacle to loving and accepting yourself. You may not even know what this is right now.
6. Rid yourself of old outdated belief systems that restrict your personal freedom. Look at core beliefs that you carry. Ie. The universe is not a safe place. Try to let go of black and white thinking constructs.
7. What are new belief systems that support who you truly are?
8. Say yes to everything – self exploration requires that you participate in your life. Don’t limit your experience. Where do you limit the amount of well being that can flow to you in your life? Where do you cut off nourishment (love) from flowing to you? How can you open up to receiving more nourishment (love) in your life?
9. Take the time to connect with your intuition when you make decisions. Check in with yourself and learn to trust your inner voice. Take action steps directed by your inner voice.
10. Be empowered in your life. You are capable of healing anything in your life. Healing does not always mean curing but often your health improves just by agreeing to take this journey and your happiness quotient expands exponentially.

 

 

 

 

I think it is important to look at intention setting with regards to thoughts, words and what naturally follows>>>actions that influence and support your health in a positive direction. We have had a plethora of research in the field of consciousness as well as mind body medicine and we (as individuals) are starting to realize that there is a lot we can do to influence our health in a positive way.

Mindfulness plays a great supporting role in the spectrum of health because when we bring our attention to our thoughts and words we can, in fact, see if we are thinking health promoting thoughts or health negating thoughts. How often do you think thoughts that ‘something is getting worse’ – like eyesight or for that matter anything with regards to your health? Thoughts are incredibly creative and words even more so bring some mindfulness to this process. It is easy to focus on what is not right with our health; when you ask someone how they are how often do you hear ‘I’m getting better every day.’ I would guess that you might here what is currently wrong or another stream of dialogue about something else that is equally bothersome. There is nothing wrong with this- we are all human. It is in our humanity that we actually connect with each other.

Mindfulness brings you more awareness about what thoughts and words you’re holding in your current reality so you can interrupt the stream if it not leading you down the path of health and well being. How does your internal dialogue feel to your mind, body, spirit? Intuitively, you know whether something feels better to your health or not. Thinking good thoughts about your mind, body and spirit are key. I know how incredibly important this process is to the health of your mind, body, spirit because I have seen my own stability grow in leaps and bounds by following this internal process.

Speak to your mind with loving kindness. If you are in a reactive mode, where you are having a human moment (perhaps angry thoughts or thoughts of self-judgement), forgive yourself and start sending love and compassion to yourself. Try to find a thought that feels better to feel (this too will pass is a favorite of mine). Bring your attention to the present moment. Most thoughts that feel stressful are either about the future or the past. Bringing your consciousness into the present moment will help you stay in current time.

If you are struggling to speak kind words to your body, remember that your cells hear everything you say to them. Try to find one thing that you can like about your body. If you are speaking, please refrain from sending any messages to your body that are not laced with love and acceptance. How do you want your body to be? Focus on that picture above anything else. Focus on all the great things that your body can do. Have gratitude for the path your body has traveled with you. Be conscious of the words that come out of your mouth about your health or your mind or your body and be sure you are holding yourself in the highest light that you can. Be sure to speak out loud what you are wanting to occur; focus on what you want; your highest potential-your most positive outcome- then leave the rest up to faith! That is all you can do.