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SunChild
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posted February 15, 2006 11:29 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for SunChild     Edit/Delete Message
pH Basics
One of the most critical factors in obtaining vibrant health is the ability to maintain a consistently alkaline cellular pH. Certain body fluids have a relatively acidic pH, such as stomach acid or urine, others, such as blood strictly regulates at a slightly alkaline pH – because even a minor deviation from this would mean instant death. Blood pH is such a high priority, in order to maintain it, the body deposits excess acidic substances in the cells. This excess acidity scalds the cells, causing irritation, inflammation, and the progression of disease. Understanding how the body deals with excess acidity can shed tremendous light on how the disease process begins, and, more importantly, how to reverse it!

The body does everything in its power to prevent the scalding of its cells. In order to ensure neutralization of excess acidity, many intricate buffering systems occur within the body. The body will proceed through every level of the back-up buffering system it has, if necessary. Each level of buffering is increasingly costly to the body in effort and resources, however. It is imperative that we recognize just how deep in trouble the body is, and replenish its resources quickly, to avoid the progression of disease.


Where Does This Acidity Come From?

Your body is alkaline by design and acid by function. Although your cells live in an alkaline environment, they produce acid as normal metabolic waste products. Cellular waste is “natural,” and easily eliminated through the lungs, urine, and feces. If the acidity would leave the body at the same rate it was made, a state of equilibrium would occur and we would always maintain perfect health. Ideally, no source of acidity would ever upset the internal equilibrium. Unfortunately, we don’t live in an ideal world.

Exposure to sources of acidity continually occurs. Both internal and external sources of acidity affect internal pH balance. Internal sources include acidity from negative emotions, stress, and excess dietary acidity. External sources such as environmental pollution, toxic personal grooming supplies, chemically based household cleaning supplies and the like enter the body through the skin, lungs, and mucous membranes. From there, they enter the blood stream, contributing to excess acidity.

Too much acid is termed acidosis. Acidosis is the inability to rid the body of excess acidity, an extremely toxic condition.

Acidosis = Toxicity

It is imperative to our health to eliminate as many sources of acidity as possible. Replace conventional personal grooming supplies with natural products. Read the labels and be sure you understand every ingredient, what reason it has being in the product, and the source of the ingredient. Several natural and organic grooming supply companies now do a wonderful job labeling their products in this manner. The same goes for household cleaning supplies. Safe household cleaning supplies are available. Or make your own using common household ingredients, such as baking soda, or vinegar.


Harmless Household Cleaner

2 cups White Vinegar (not for internal use, but safe for this application)

Two teaspoons Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

A few drops each of essential oils of peppermint, lavender, and tea tree

Warm water to fill 32 oz spray pump bottle

Shake to agitate briefly before use


How Diet Affects pH Balance

Different types of food are typically categorized as being either carbohydrate, protein, or fat-based. (Natural foods contain all three, to a greater or lesser extent.) How the body processes each is important to understand. Carbohydrate foods are exactly what they sound like, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. These foods are eliminated from the body as CO2 (carbon dioxide) and H2O (water). As long as you are exhaling and urinating, you are completely eliminating carbohydrates, and they are not contributing excess acidity. Fats, too, are carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen based, and do not contribute to excess acidity.

Protein foods also contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but they have one other element the other two do not: nitrogen. The nitrogen rides piggyback on a carbohydrate molecule. This configuration forms various amino acids, the basis for all protein structures. The body uses the carbohydrate portion as a fuel source and sends the amine, the nitrogen compound, to the liver for formation of the body’s various protein structures. (Most Americans are under the false assumption that protein is a fuel source to the body, and therefore eat a lot of it. But, protein is not your fuel source; carbohydrates are. Protein is used to repair and replace cells as needed. The body has a very specific protocol for achieving this, as well.) Because the vast majority of Americans consistently consumes much more protein than the body actually requires, the body is perpetually in a state of nitrogen overload.

Carbohydrates are your fuel

Protein is your tire-patch kit


The body must go to great lengths to deal with the excess nitrogen. In the blood stream, the amines (nitrogen compounds) form ammonia. The liver must collect the ammonia and convert it into something a bit safer: urea. The kidneys then collect the urea to form urine. If your ammonia level is too high on a blood test, your liver is not keeping up with the excess nitrogen. If the urea level is too high, your kidneys are not keeping up. (Obviously, any excess nitrogen is very hard on your body. Because most of the nitrogen the body actually requires is in the air we breathe, it is best not to overtax the body’s systems with too many nitrogenous compounds from food.)

Notice that the building blocks for making proteins are called amino acids. The source of excess dietary acidity is excess protein in the diet. High-protein foods – meats, dairy products, and grains – that are the foundation of most American’s diets are the champion acid producers.
Now that we understand where the acidity comes from, let us discuss how to find alkaline resources.

Meats, Poultry, Fish = Very Acid

Cow’s Dairy Products, Eggs = Acid

Cereals, Grains, Nuts =Acid

Fruits, Vegetables, Raw Goat’s Dairy = Alkaline

It’s All in the Ashes

The ash (of a food, either acid or alkaline) is the metabolic residue that is left after food has been completely digested and assimilated. Nutrients, such as vitamins, enzymes, carbohydrates, proteins, fats - the usable components of food - are either used or stored, and the fibers are passed through the colon and eliminated. What remains is the ash of the food. The ash is the mineral remains of the food. It can be either acid ash, if the food contains little or no alkaline minerals, or alkaline ash, if the food contains considerable alkaline mineral resources. Alkaline ash foods contribute to the alkaline banks or alkaline reserves of the body. These resources are used to combat the excess acidity of the body, no matter what the source. (Internal, external, dietary, emotional, it doesn’t matter. The only buffer against the acidity is the alkaline mineral resources of the body.)

Your alkiline ash mineral reserves will become depleted if not replenished. If most of your food leaves acid ash and only a small proportion leaves alkaline ash, the acid level of your body will rise. (They will rise, in time, to a level not conducive to cellular health, and therefore LIFE! We live or die at the cellular level.

The pH of a food is not determined before digestion but after. If you were to lay a pH test paper on a lemon, it would obviously read highly acidic from the citric acid. But once it enters the digestive tract and is processed by the body, the citric acid yields a considerable amount of calcium ascorbate, a bio-available calcium source. Lemons are actually highly alkaline!

quote:
If the needed alkalizing minerals aren’t replaced, the body will adapt its natural functions to accommodate to conditions that are far from natural. It must adapt its functions and call on backup systems to handle what are, in essence, emergency situations. In time, however, adaptation begins to take its toll. No system can sustain ‘combat readiness’ on a continuous basis without suffering from excess stress, and eventually breaking down. When this happens, we develop chronic degenerative diseases like osteoporosis, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, or cancer.

(Adapted from Fell’s Your Health & Wellness by M Ted Morter, Jr. DC)



The Buffer System: Organic Minerals

Inorganic minerals are not usable to the human body. No mineral “vitamin” pills or antacid tablet can replenish the body’s mineral resources. Minerals from an inorganic source will either be stored – causing hardening of the soft tissue or joint debris, or they will be eliminated – a potential source of kidney or urinary tract stones, but they will not be used. Please reread this paragraph about 15 times, or until it sinks in.

Only the root system of a plant can convert inorganic (rock) minerals into organic minerals. The roots are capable of converting tightly held molecular bonds, ionic bonds, into loosely held covalent bonds, making the minerals accessible to our bodies. The leafy plant material above the ground now contains highly bioavailable mineral resources! Eat those leafy greens!!

An important note: When you heat a covalently bonded food to a temperature above 130o, you make the mineral bonds stronger, converting the minerals into inorganic, non-bioavailable ionic bonds. Vegetables that have been blanched, steamed, parboiled, etc. to an internal temperature above 130o cannot be used to rebuild alkaline mineral stores.

quote:
If we don't get enough bio-available calcium from living foods, like leafy greens and sesame seeds then the body will use the one it does have access to that is most atomically similar -- one that's in the same family on the periodic chart according to Dr. Steven Schechter in his book, Fighting Radiation and Chemical Pollutants. Our body will absorb strontium-90, (from pasteurized dairy products) and will attempt to utilize it in bones and teeth as it would calcium. Strontium-90 and calcium are in the same atomic family with one big difference -- strontium-90 is radioactive. It collects in our bones and teeth, releasing radioactive particles. We know that exposure to radioactivity either causes cancer, or promotes its rapid development.

Adapted From: Healing with Living Foods January 2006 Newsletter



The Minerals of the Alkaline Reserve

The minerals of the alkaline reserve are sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium – these must come from plants! (Organic, raw goat dairy yogurt can also be used. It is alkaline. The protein structures have been partially pre-digested by the bacterial action that transforms it from milk to yogurt. Do not use cow’s milk products of any kind.) These minerals perform the neutralizing functions of the body. Sulfur, phosphorus, and many other mineral are acid ash. We need these minerals as well, but they do not contribute the alkalinity necessary to perform acid-neutralizing functions.

Sodium is the first and preferred alkaline buffer - the first mineral resource depleted. Don’t be surprised or confused by this. Although we have far too much inorganic sodium in our diets, from packaged and processed foods, we have far too little organic sodium from green leafy plants. Stress and acid diet destroy this valuable resource rapidly!

Every cell in the body has sodium ion pumps, that must be filled in order for the cell to function. While the fluid surrounding the cells is governed by potassium, the fluid inside the cells requires sodium


Need a quick and easy source of organic sodium?

Drink celery juice! Celery/apple or celery/pear.)

If the sodium reserve is beginning to become depleted, the body has a back-up system to handle the problem temporarily. A waste product of protein digestion, highly alkaline ammonia, is recruited as a buffer. Where does the body get this ammonia? From the nitrogen in the protein itself! The odor of ammonia in urine is a signal that the body is responding to an emergency of too little usable sodium. The next buffer is sodium bicarbonate. This stage is sodium sparing, requiring only one sodium molecule, but eventually, the sodium is completely depleted and the body must utilize other alkaline minerals. Calcium, magnesium, and potassium are then called into service.


Coffee and soda pop are extremely acidic, depleting more minerals from the body than other commonly consumed items.


Where to find alkaline ash minerals

Sodium

Food Sources: Kelp & seaweed, celery

Deficiency symptoms: “Allergic to everything,” depression, crying for no logical reason, excess perspiration, dehydration, parched lips, constipation, diarrhea, gas in the intestinal tract, gall bladder stones, arthritic pains, LEFT side pains, drooping of the left side of the mouth, muscular weakness, mental apathy, high systolic (heart at work) blood pressure.


Potassium

Food Sources: Potatoes (especially peelings,) oranges, tomatoes, bananas, kelp & seaweed, parsley, apricots

Juice Sources: Carrots, dandelion leaves, beet tops, blueberries, cabbage, endive, lettuce, mint leaves, parsley, spinach, pineapples, Swiss chard, grapes, black cherries

Deficiency symptoms: Milk and cheese allergy, edema (water retention – especially if the sodium level is too high in proportion to the potassium level,) high diastolic (heart at rest) blood pressure, damaged or weakened heart, (the heart is a potassium vehicle in a sodium sea,) RIGHT side pains, drooping of the right corner of the mouth, lack of productivity.

Notes on Sodium/Potassium Balance:

A lactating woman’s milk secreted from the right breast is predominately potassium, and left breast is predominately sodium. A baby who nurses always on one breast may need that specific nutrient because the mother may be deficient in that nutrient. A baby who changes breasts on its own does so to obtain the nutritional balance.

Stuffiness on the left side of the nose indicates a need for sodium, stuffiness on the right side of the nose indicates a need for potassium. Stuffiness on both side, indicates a need for both sodium and potassium. A “cold” indicates a need for both sodium and potassium, along with sulfur. The tonsils are the sulfur sack of the body. (Remember that sulfur is anti-infective. One of the first antibiotics ever developed was sulfur. Sulfur fumigation was used in sickrooms, sulfur powders were used to treat wounds.) Those whose tonsils have been removed will have to be vigilant about supplying organic sulfur to the body. Cabbage family plants, figs, garlic, and onions are good sources. Drink celery/apple/lemon/garlic juice for a cold.

Calcium

Food Sources: goat’s milk, endive, lettuce, watercress, kale, cabbage, dandelion greens, sesame seeds, oats, almonds, millet

Juice Sources: kale, endive, watercress, dandelion greens, also oat milk, sesame milk, and almond milk

Deficiency symptoms: loose teeth, dull ache in the tailbone area, muscle cramps, numbness and tingling in arms and legs, fragile – porous bones, brittle nails, joint pains, tooth decay, nervousness, mental depression, irritability, Parkinson’s disease.


Magnesium

Food Sources: Kelp & seaweed, almonds, endive, lettuce, watercress, kale, dandelion greens, figs, apples, sesame seeds

Juice Sources: Oranges, lemons, grapefruit, tangerines, limes, plums, spinach, dandelion greens, lettuce, apples, grapes, beet tops, cherries, peaches, pears

Deficiency symptoms: Allergy to wheat or corn, ringing in the ear, kidney stones, bladder calcification, gall bladder stones, muscle cramps, arteriosclerosis, heart attack, epileptic seizures, nervous irritability, confusion, depression, impaired protein metabolism, premature wrinkles, over-calcification of the joints (rheumatoid arthritis,) diabetes, and constipation.

Notes on Magnesium:

Half of the magnesium in the body is combined with calcium and phosphorus in the bones, assuring the strength of bones and teeth. The remainder of the magnesium is in the muscles, red blood cells, and other soft tissues. Magnesium is an important catalyst in many enzyme reactions, especially those involved with energy production. Magnesium also helps in the utilization of B & E vitamins, fats, calcium and other minerals. Magnesium effectively reduces cholesterol levels, treats nervous and neuromuscular problems. Kidney, bladder, or prostate gland calcification can be corrected by magnesium.


A Few Health Complications Associated With Mineral Reserve Depletion

1)Gallstones: Stones form when the ratio of the cholesterol to bile salts in the bile has been upset. When sodium is depleted, the cholesterol is not liquid any longer; it solidifies and forms stones. Removing the gallbladder does not restore alkaline resources. It just shuts off the fire alarm while the fire is still burning. Those who have had their gallbladders removed must exercise extreme care to consume enough alkaline ash mineral foods.

2) Ulcers: The most alkaline tissue in the body is stomach lining. The lining is coated with sodium because it must withstand the acidity of digestion. However, when alkaline minerals are not available to alkalize stomach lining, an ulcer will result.

3)Hyperactivity in children, restlessness in adults: Hyperirritability is common in acidosis. Overly acid bodies are showing the telltale signs of irritability, sleeplessness, etc. Alkaline bodies are at peace, and sleep well! Gradually convert the diet toward more raw fruits and vegetables.

4)Bladder irritation: When mineral resources are depleted, the body resorts to the back-up plan: ammonia. Ammonia is extremely alkaline. The urine pH becomes too alkaline. Usually, a few days of drinking cranberry juice converts the urine pH back to more acidic, and the symptoms improve. However, if alkaline ash foods are routinely eaten, urine pH remains naturally slightly acidic, and urinary tract irritation is avoided.

5) Fluid retention: The body traps fluid in order to dilute excess intracellular protein. Dietary protein leaves acid ash that must be neutralized. When the necessary minerals are not available for neutralization, dilution by fluid retention is the next best option.

6)Osteoporosis: Granted, it’s lack of calcium in the bones that causes them to crumble, but why is the calcium lacking? It is being used as a substitute for sodium to carry out the buffering process. Excess dietary protein weakens the bones. Dairy products are too acidic to be considered a calcium source (unless it is goat dairy.)

7)Cancer: The odor of ammonia in urine is a signal that the body is responding to an emergency of too little usable sodium. The odor of ammonia is usual in the rooms of patients who are in the final stages of cancer. Ammonia is seeping through the pores of the skin. Cancer results when the body has depleted all its alkaline mineral resources, including all of its back-up systems. When there is nothing left that the body can resort to that will eliminate its excess acidity, cancer is the result.

A wonderful, very thorough acid/alkaline food list can be found at http://home.bluegrass.net/~jclark/alkaline_foods.htm

Monica Dewart is a living foods nutritionist and cancer specialist in private practice, located in a suburb of Tulsa, OK. Please feel free to contact her. The articles on this website are transcripts of the many health and nutrition classes she has taught. She is available to speak in the Northeastern Oklahoma area.
How to Contact Living Eden
livingedenvibranthealth@yahoo.com


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aqua
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posted February 16, 2006 12:24 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for aqua     Edit/Delete Message

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paras
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posted February 16, 2006 01:23 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for paras     Edit/Delete Message

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Devilfish
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posted February 16, 2006 08:58 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for Devilfish     Edit/Delete Message
THAT WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunchild you are a great source of health knowledge i love that you post the science behind the remedy.now i have a more complete reason why garlic works so well on strep throat.flu is hitting my area hard,we have been fighting it off very well but yesterday my daughter came down with a fever& sore throat, im going to try the juice combo listed..........normally i use a ginger, garlic, pinapple blend.the info on the stuffy nose, wow,very interesting stuff, thank you!

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SunChild
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posted February 17, 2006 06:20 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for SunChild     Edit/Delete Message
Glad you found it helpful...

It's so good to know.

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zanya
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posted March 01, 2008 02:26 AM     Click Here to See the Profile for zanya     Edit/Delete Message
this is spectacular insight into health and healing.

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Yin
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posted March 01, 2008 08:07 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Yin     Edit/Delete Message
Since this has been brough up before, I figured we can bunch all the threads together.
link
link
Here is a website with a nice food chart: link

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Azalaksh
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posted April 05, 2008 03:38 PM     Click Here to See the Profile for Azalaksh     Edit/Delete Message
** bumping good info **

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