Each of our cells and tissues need alkalinity to function at optimum, yet our bodies' processes produce acid. The balance between these two is vital to our health.

The body tries to maintain the alkalinity of the blood, pushing acidity out through the skin and urine. It can draw on our alkaline reserves, pulling calcium and other minerals from our bones and teeth to neutralise excess acidity. In time, this may lead to osteoporosis and false teeth.

Acids produced by the body are neutralised to form salts which may be deposited in the legs, vertebrae, shoulders, neck and scalp where they do least harm, but may also lead to cellulite; kidney and gallstones; headaches; arthritis; frozen shoulder; rheumatism; loss of flexibility; hardening of the arteries and other serious conditions.

The body in an alkaline state experiences a feeling of well-being. It is confident and strong and carries an underlying sense of optimism, despite life's challenges and hard work.

An over acid body is red-eyed, prickly and irritable; often suffering from insomnia, low libido, acid stomach, headache, muscular pain, poor skin and poor concentration. This can ultimately lead to degenerative diseases and premature ageing. Restoring our alkaline balance may be the most important step we can take to better health.

Things to consider:

• Eating processed food can also increase the body's acidity by causing constipation.
• Food remaining too long in the colon produces acid gases which combine with body fluids and enter the bloodstream.
• If you suffer from food intolerances you may notice that these reactions have an 'acid' pattern. Reducing this acid condition with alkalising minerals as soon as a reaction starts should bring you out of it more quickly.
• Studies have shown that people smoke more when their body is acid. Another study found that a significant number of people have voluntarily given up smoking when regularly taking an alkalising dose of sodium bicarbonate.
• The Bowen Technique creates an integrated body response: improving circulation and lymphatic and venous drainage; helping with the uptake of nutrients and elimination of toxins. So you may like to use this technique in conjunction with your cleansing programme.
• Deep breathing also reduces acidity - this is why breathing exercises and yoga are good for us.

Adjusting your food intake: A good balance of 20-30% Acid-forming foods to 70-80% Alkaline-forming foods is said to be the optimum.
Some examples of Acid-forming foods

• Animal - Beef, Game, Lamb, Pork and all their products; Fish, Poultry and all their products, including eggs.
• Dairy - Milk, Butter, Cheese, Cream and products containing them eg mayonnaise
• Beans and Pulses Flour and Grains - all of them, including cakes, pastry, bread, biscuits and sauces made with them.
• Nuts - most of them, except Almonds and Coconut
• Fruits - Oranges, Plums, Rhubarb, Tomato Vinegar and Preserves such as preserved fruit, Pickles, Jams, Marmalade Coffee, Indian Tea Chocolate and Cocoa
• Most Flavourings and Colourings plus
• Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco
  Some examples of Alkaline-forming foods:
• Vegetables - Beetroot, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Garlic, Green Leafy Vegetables, Leeks, Onions, Parsnips, Potatoes, String Beans, Turnip
• Fruits - Most fruits except Oranges, Plums, Rhubarb, Tomato
• Salad Veg - Alfalfa, Cress, Cucumber, Lettuce, Sauerkraut, Sprouted Seeds, Watercress Herbs
• Yoghurt & Whey
• Nuts - Almonds & Coconut
• Honey (Organic)
• China and Herbal teas
• Blood and Bonemeal

  General guidelines to help alkalise the body:

• Avoid all foods containing white sugar
• Avoid red meat and cut down on animal products
• Use natural condiments such as Miso and sea salt
• Avoid chemicals and refined foods Avoid processed foods
• Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables
• Drink alkaline beverages
• Cook only natural and fresh foods
• Use supplements such as magnesium and Barley grass
• Practise daily deep breathing
• Body brush daily 

Note:Taking alkalising minerals in the form of supplements, alkaline drinks or supplements each morning will buffer the blood, stop the loss of minerals and bring back the fresh feeling of an alkaline body. It is important to take the alkalising drink or supplement between meals and not just before a meal containing protein. The stomach produces acid which is required to break down protein.

• As with any dietary adjustments, it is important to seek the approval of your GP prior to embarking on any of the above.
• For further information on nutritional therapy you should contact a fully qualified member of BANT, to ensure you are getting the best advice.

  Together, we are working towards Total Balance   07971 207833