An acidic imbalance can cause many health problems, and although most conventional doctors don’t believe that an acid-producing diet can be the leading foundation for chronic illnesses, conventional medicine has evidence supporting the link between an alkaline diet preventing many illnesses, such as osteoporosis, age-related muscle wasting, heartburn, insomnia and nasal congestion.

The human blood pH should be at a slightly alkaline level of 7.35 – 7.45. A pH scale will show 7.0 as neutral, below 7.0 as acidic and above 7.0 as alkaline; below or above this range can lead to the onset of disease.

Healthy cells must have the correct pH balance in order to keep the body functioning optimally. Some functions such as the body’s production of energy and transportation of substances, will only optimally take place when the cells are within a specific pH range.

Un-fortunately acidosis is very common and eating a modern diet is often the cause. Lifestyle and environmental conditions such as emotional stress, sleep deprivation, smoking, drinking coffee, toxic inhalation (petrol fumes) and medication which many people live with, also assists in the increase of acidity within the body.

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Diets rich in highly acidic forming foods such as bread, pasta and sugar based products will most likely cause the cellular pH to drop into the acidic range; below 7.0. If the body becomes too acidic, cells begin to malfunction or die.

An acidic producing diet can cause many health related conditions, such as;

• Lack of energy
• Cancer and tumor growth
• Decreased cell repair
• Increased susceptibility to illness
• Heartburn
• Osteoporosis
• Bloated feeling
• Belching
• Insomnia
• Constipation with diarrhea
• Excessive mucous production
• Age related muscle wasting
• Chronic headaches
• Calcium kidney stones
• Frequent cold and flu attacks

One of the best ways to correct an acid imbalance is through nutrition and lifestyle. In order to achieve and maintain the optimal pH level within the body, a diet should consist of 80% alkaline forming foods and 20% acid forming foods.

The main foods which are alkaline forming are fresh fruits, vegetables, plant based foods (i.e. herbs) and fresh clean water. Whole food supplements such as JuicePlus+, and/or super foods spirulina, barley grass and kelp can assist a diet high in fresh plant based foods, nutritionally and in keeping acidic/alkaline cell balance.