Maintaining Our Body's Ph Levels

Based on the principles that prioritize an alkaline-forming diet, here are key food categories often recommended for limitation or avoidance becuase of their affect on our body's Ph level:

1. Highly Refined and Processed Sweeteners

Sweeteners, especially those that are highly refined, are considered contributors to acidity.

• Foods to Limit: White granulated sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and excessive amounts of processed honey.

• The Issue: Beyond their acidic nature, excessive sugar intake is linked to inflammation and can worsen health issues, particularly during cold and flu season by stimulating excess mucus production.

• Alternative Suggestion: If a sweetener is needed, consider limiting intake and opting for alternatives like small amounts of raw honey or agave.

2. Highly Processed Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates that have been heavily processed lack fiber and essential nutrients, and are often considered acid-forming.

• Foods to Limit: White bread, soft wheat bread, quick-cooking oats, and other refined grain products.

• The Issue: The refining process strips these foods of their alkalizing minerals, leaving them metabolically acidic. They also break down quickly into sugars, contributing to the issues mentioned above.

• Healthier Focus: Prioritize whole, unrefined grains and complex carbohydrates like brown rice, quinoa, and whole-rolled oats.

3. Flesh Foods (Meat)

Most animal proteins, including meat, are considered acid-forming due to the breakdown of amino acids during digestion.

• Foods to Limit: All types of meat.

• The Issue: The metabolic waste products from digesting meat tend to be acidic. Furthermore, the consumption of non-organic meats introduces the added concern of hormones and antibiotics used in production.

• Consideration: If consuming meat, aim for moderate portion sizes and choose organic or grass-fed options when possible to minimize exposure to synthetic additives.

4. Dairy Products

Dairy items, with a few exceptions, are generally classified as acid-forming foods.

• Foods to Limit: Milk, cheese, and other traditional dairy products.

• The Issue: Beyond their acidic effect on the body's metabolic load, dairy products are a well-known cause of increased mucus production, which can be particularly problematic during periods of congestion or respiratory illness. You must also take into account the welfare and health of the animals from which the products are sourced.

• Alternative Suggestion: Explore plant-based alternatives such as almond, soy, or oat milk, and nut-based cheeses.

Why Avoidance Matters, Especially in Winter

Limiting these specific foods offers benefits that go beyond just pH balance. The article emphasizes that highly processed carbohydrates, dairy, and sugars are notorious for causing the body to produce excess mucus. This makes avoiding them extremely beneficial during the colder months when cold and flu viruses are circulating and the body is already prone to respiratory congestion. By reducing your intake of these foods, you can help minimize mucus build-up, supporting clearer breathing and overall seasonal health.