The Alkaline/ Acid Food Theory

How did Hippocrates heal his patients in ancient times?

His dietary recommendations were calculated according to present biochemical means and the ratio was revealed to be 80% Alkaline-forming and 20% Acid-forming foods. Modern naturopathic Healing Methods are also based on this principle of 80/20,so how does it work?

All foods leave an ash residue after metabolism,which is either alkaline or acid,depending on the mineral composition of foods and the way individuals digest them.Individual stress patterns,ability to process life's ups and downs and emotional stability all impact on the digestive system,influencing it's action.

Stress,negative emotions,poor food combinations,excess acid-forming foods and drinks and insufficient digestive capacity can produce acidic residues. Good food combinations,moderate quantities of food chewed well, relaxation,soothing light massage,moderate,non-confronting excercise,deep breathing,meditation,prayer,centeredness,moonlight and unconditional love are all alkalizing. The human body needs an alkline environment to continue proper functioning of vital organs.Once the alkaline reserves are depleted by excess acid forming foods and mental states and positive acidity is reached,the body breaks down.Alkaline reserves (calcium,magnesium,sodium,potassium,iron and manganese) are created by alkaline forming foods.

GOOD DIGESTION

If one has a busy life,there are ways to ensure that digestion happens properly.

1.CREATE PEACEFUL MEAL TIMES. Eat alone if necessary.Hunger is the best sauce.Happiness digest food well.

2.GIVE THANKS TO THE GIFT OF FOOD. Blessing your food makes it more alkeline.

3.CHEW AND INSALIVATE YOUR FOOD WELL. This also makes it more alkeline,especially grains.Fill stomach half with food, a quarter with liquid,leaving the last quarter empty for digestion. Less liquid with grains.Avoid iced water with meals.

4.MAKE GOOD FOOD COMBINATIONS. If digestion is troubled or wightloss is desired.Protein and starch 50%/50% at same meal may not digest properly,causing acidity.FRUIT IS BEST ON IT'S OWN.

See chapter about healthy food combinations.

5.Symptoms of digestive stress. Drop in energy after the meal or sleepiness,stomach pain,acid reflux and heartburn,dizziness,bad temper,bitter taste in mouth,constipation plus all the initial signs of over-acidity (signs listed in next column),that may follow in the days after a bout of indigestion.

6.Relief of digestive stress. Mild cases:a.lemon juice in water.b.papaya natural enzymes tabs,c.peppermint tea,d.fresh ginger root tea,e. fennel tea. Extreme pain: if lemonjuice doesn't help,use 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 4 oz water or 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar in water(last two only use twice then stop and seek professional help). Simplify food ombinations to avoid upsets.Homoeopathic Carbo Veg 30c will soon sette upset stomach and intestines.

6.DIGESTIVE HERBS can be cooked in with food,i.e.fennel seeds or leaf with fish or cayenne,anise,dill,garlic,parsley and curry herbs with beans. Herbal teas (chamomile and peppermint) and tinctures (dandelion) can be taken before the meal to stimulate the digestive capacity. Consult a Herbalist for herbs that suit your individual constitutional needs. Peppermint tea half an hour before food is a safe digestive aid. Or a spoon of organic apple cider vinegar in water before meals,or a little sipped with the meal,helps digestion.

7.DIGESTIVE ENZYMES. They can be taken to assist digestion.Or increase raw content of meals to give your body the raw material for it to make it's own enzymes.Raw fruits and veges,sprouted grains,seeds and beans are excellent for enzyme replenishment,as are fermented foods such as yogurt,miso,tempeh,sauerkraut,sour dough bread and cultured cheeses.

8.EAT A WIDE VARIEY OF FOODS.Suspected allergenic foods may be tolerated once in 4 days.

9.ACID-TASTING FOODS, like all citrus,pineapple,strawberries,kiwifruit and tomatoes become alkaline forming after metabolism. They can cause a sudden release of acidity as a rash.Stop eating them and reintroduce more slowly a few days later.

EXCESS ACID WASTE. Ecxess acid waste is the cause of many ailments. If your diet is largely composed of meats,fish,cheeses,breads,white flour foods,white sugar foods,greasy take-aways,chocolade,coffee,wine,beer and cigarettes (all acid forming),you may suffer from acidic complains.

Initial symptoms of over-acidity Include:Ache,agitation,bloating,chemical sensitivities to odours and gas heat,cold hands and feet,constipation,diarrhoea,dizziness,excess head mucus, food allergies,heartburn,hot urine,hyperactivity,indigestion,irregular heartbeat,joint pains that travel,lack of sex drive,low energy,metallic taste in mouth,mild headaches,muscular pain,panic attacks,P.M.T.,rapid heartbeat,rapid panting breath,white-coated tongue.

Intermediate symtoms of over-acidity Include: Asthma,Bacterial and Fungal infections,Cold sores,Colitis,Cystitis, dark circles under eyes,Depression,Ear aches,Flu and Colds,Gastritis, Hay fever,Impotence,Insomnia,Memory loss,Migraine headaches,Psoriasis, Sinusitis,Urethritis.

Advanced symtoms of over-acidity Include: Cancer (al forms) Crohn's disease,Erythematosis,Hodgin's disease, Leukaemia,Multiple Sclerosis,Schizophrenia,Systematic Lupus,Rheumatoid Arthritis. (All symptoms according to Dr.T.Baroody in"ALKALIZE OR DIE").

THE ANTIDOTE to EXCESS ACIDITY is ALKALINE-FORMING FOODS. If your body is showing symtoms of over-acidity,you can increase the amount of alkaline-forming foods (most fruits and all veges) and alkaline forming mental/emotional states,to gain better health. The best way to judge how acidic you are is to observe your own body symtoms.Tests can be done,but they show only the amount of acidity being released. The real test is to honestly ask yourself 'how do I feel?' If your body is storing acid wastes and giving any of the symptoms listed, you can heal yourself with nature's alkaline pakages.All ripe fruit except cranberries,blueberries,plums and prunes are alkalizing to different degrees, except patotoes without skins. You will heal yourself in the most basic sense when you reach out for alkalizing foods and as they work their way into your body tissues, neutralizing and releasing stored acid wastes,you will feel lighter,cleaner and more energetic. A common question is:"Can I eat too much alkaline-forming food?" Well,according to DR. Baroody, that is a rare occurence and could only be caused by the ingestion of an hyper-alkalizing substance,such as excess bicarbonate of soda. If one maintains the 80/20 rule,there is no change of becoming too alkaline. To antidote excess acidity,one can eat 100% Alkaline forming foods for several days or longer if necessary. Bulding alkaline reserves is the key to stable health,strong bones and good teeth.

A cleansing or healing crisis may occur with the intake of more alkaline forming foods than you are normally accustomed to. As the acid wastes are released from channels of elimination,you may experience any of the initial symtoms of over-acidity. Unfortunately,as viruses thrive in acid wastes,this is also the time that you may fall prey to an opportunistic virus. Viral or bacterial attack is best eliminated with lemon juice and honey drinks,freshly pressed fruit and vege juice,herbal teas (chamomile,ginger, lemon grass,lemon balm,rose hips,sage,thyme,to name a few). Juice and broth fasting if ever present,licht meals of 100% alkaline-forming foods otherwise. Hot epsom salt baths and steam inhalations for colds. Dry brush massage and/or aromatherapy oil massage for an achy body.Homoeopathic remedies and/or Vit. C and Zinc may be used. Deep breathing,shedding tears and walking barefoot on dewy grass help to eliminate acid burden. Natural TONICS can be used to boost energy,once symptoms are cleared. Swedish Bitters,Ginseng,Spirulina,Bee Pollen and/or Royal Jelly can be usefull. If in doubt,consult a Naturopath for remedies and dosages most suitable for you.