Give Acid the Boot

By now most of us have heard the term internal inflammation. And most of us know this malady is at the root of pain, weight gain, fatigue, and lots of other health problems. And it’s starting to become common knowledge that the most common culprit of this internal inflammation is acid in the diet.

But here’s a fact maybe you didn’t know (that I share at the risk of annoying or even angering some of our readers): High protein “weight loss” diets (think Paleo or Keto) promote high levels of acidity and while they lead to weight loss, they also lead to internal inflammation. These diets especially affect the glands and organs. I know these diets are really popular right now, but dieter beware…

So if a high protein diet isn’t the best way to eat, what is? Basically, you want an approach that focuses on whole foods with an emphasis on plants. These foods balance your internal pH and ward off internal inflammation. There’s a good book on how to do just that, from Michelle Schoffro, The Ultimate pH Solution. She discusses 10 ways to conquer excess acidity and start feeling great:

Eat lemons. If you run only one errand today, make it a trip to your local health food or grocery store to buy a sack of lemons. Yes, a sack. Once you get home, squeeze the juice of half a lemon into a tall glass of water and drink immediately. This one step will help you to quickly reset your body chemistry.

Drink plenty of water. Drink at least 8 more cups of water throughout the day, preferably with the above-mentioned fresh lemon juice added to each. Lemon juice breaks down acid waste in your body and restores your blood and tissues to slightly alkaline levels. This “treat” ought to become you new BFF!

Breathe deeply. Take a few deep breaths. Oxygen will not only energize your brain but it will quickly help to balance the chemistry of your cells — and healthier cells mean a healthier body.

Take a daily walk. Boost your oxygen levels even further by heading out for a brisk walk. Exercise helps to quickly and efficiently oxygenate your body. More oxygen in your blood means its better equipped to nourish every organ and tissue, which increases energy, mental clarity and moods.

Drink peppermint tea. Instead of reaching for a caffeine jolt from acidic coffee or colas, drink peppermint tea. Research shows that peppermint (which is NOT acidic) provides a quick boost of energy that won’t send your energy levels plummeting a few hours later.

Eat vegetables. I know, big DUH. But do you make them the focal point of your meals? Your body would love it if you did. Even if you absolutely detest broccoli, don’t take it out on the entire veggie kingdom. Think of all the delicious alternatives: How about some delicious mashed sweet potatoes or rich guacamole, for instance?

Eat almonds every day. Snack on raw, unsalted almonds every few hours. Not only are they loaded with calcium, magnesium, protein and other important nutrients, their high fiber and protein content help to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Drink smoothies. Enjoy a delicious smoothie instead of a sugary snack or breakfast. Start with some almond milk and add frozen berries, half a frozen banana and a few fresh green leaves (spinach, kale, chard, beet greens, etc.). And a heaping teaspoon of green powder like barley juice, spirulina, chlorella, wheatgrass, or other green food supplement is a good acid-fighter as well.

Eat a large salad a day. And when you do, be sure to avoid store-bought dressings full of rancid oils, preservatives, additives, and sugar. Processed foods are highly acid forming.

Eat less meat. The stuff builds acid in the body. Instead, opt for beans, fish, or raw nuts or seeds. Add beans to soups, stew, chili or wraps, or make them into delicious dips for a high-fiber, high-protein, high-nutrition source of energy.

This is a good time of year to adopt a more pH-approach to eating, what with all the fresh fruits and vegetables that’ll be showing up in our gardens and farmers’ markets. So seriously consider these eating tips and give acid (aka internal inflammation) the boot!

    Alice Osborne
    DVO Newsletter Contributor since 2006
    Email the author! alice@dvo.com