Acid-Alkaline Imbalance in Lafayette LA

Q: Have you ever wondered if many of the diseases raging through society have a common cause? The chiropractors in Lafayette LA believe that the explanation may come down to these simple words: pH Imbalance.

What is Acid-Alkaline Imbalance?

Over acidity, which can become a dangerous condition that weakens all body systems, is very common today. It gives rise to an internal environment conducive to disease, as opposed to a pH balanced environment which allows normal body function necessary for the body to resist disease. A healthy body maintains adequate alkaline reserves to meet emergency demands. When excess acids must be neutralized our alkaline reserves are depleted leaving the body in a weakened condition. A pH balanced diet, according to many experts, is a vital key to health maintenance.

Understanding pH

pH (potential of hydrogen) is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 14-the lower the pH the more acidic the solution, the higher the pH the more alkaline (or base) the solution. When a solution is neither acid nor alkaline it has a pH of 7 which is neutral.

Water is the most abundant compound in the human body, comprising 70% of the body. The body has an acid-alkaline (or acid-base) ratio called the pH which is a balance between positively charges ions (acid-forming) and negatively charged ions (alkaline-forming.) The body continually strives to balance pH. When this balance is compromised many problems can occur.

It is important to understand that we are not talking about stomach acid or the pH of the stomach. We are talking about the pH of the body's fluids and tissues which is an entirely different matter. Most people who suffer from unbalanced pH are acidic. This condition forces the body to borrow minerals including calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium-from vital organs and bones to buffer (neutralize) the acid and safely remove it from the body. Because of this strain, the body can suffer severe and prolonged damage due to high acidity-a condition that may go undetected for years.

Mild acidosis can cause such problems as:

• Cardiovascular damage, including the constriction of blood vessels and the reduction of oxygen
• Weight gain, obesity and diabetes
• Bladder and kidney conditions, including kidney stones.
• Immune deficiency
• Acceleration of free radical damage, possibly contributing to cancerous mutations.
• Hormonal disruption
• Premature aging
• Osteoporosis; weak, brittle bones, hip fractures and bone spurs
• Joint pain, aching muscles and lactic acid buildup.
• Low energy and chronic fatigue.
• Slow digestion and elimination.
• Yeast/fungal overgrowth.

Restoring pH Balance in the Body

Your body is able to assimilate minerals and nutrients properly only when its pH is balanced. It is therefore possible for you to be taking healthy nutrients and yet be unable to absorb or use them. If you are not getting the results you expected from your nutritional, diet or herbal supplemental program, look for an acid alkaline imbalance. The first step would be to change your pH Balance from acidic to alkaline and here are a few key steps:

pH Balance Guideline for Acidicity

1. Pro-biotics are essential: Take 1-2 capsules of pro-biotics on an empty stomach before a meal. Pro-biotics support the growth of friendly bacteria and therefore serve to keep your G.I. tract "moving along," which allows us to eliminate acidic toxins. Since approximately 60 % of our immune system lies within our gut - probiotics therefore, also support immune function.
2. Alkalize with Green Food: Drink ONE green drink/day. Whether you prefer to juice your greens, make a smoothie or mix your dehydrated powdered greens with water - one green drink a day will provide your body with more highly soluble calcium than a glass of milk! Ask Dr. Marino for her favorite recipes!
3. Take a high quality Omega-3 with Vitamin D3: Vitamin D is what helps you hold calcium in the body and Omega-3 helps the body buffer acids.

What Causes Me to be Acidic?

The reason acidosis is more common in our society is mostly due to the typical American diet, which is far too high in acid-producing animal products like meat, eggs and dairy, and far too low in alkaline-producing foods like fresh vegetables. Additionally, we eat acid-producing processed foods like white flour and sugar and drink acid-producing beverages like coffee and soft drinks. We use too many drugs, which are acid-forming; and we use artificial chemical sweeteners like NutraSweet, Equal, or aspartame, which are extremely acid-forming. One of the best things we can do to correct an overly-acid body is to clean up the diet and lifestyle.

For this week's recipe I've included a highly alkaline meal:

Coconut Quinoa & Roasted Broccoli Bowl

• 1 head of broccoli
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• a few tablespoons of melted coconut oil
• ½ cup roughly crushed walnuts
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• handful of arugula

DIRECTIONS: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Chop the broccoli into pieces of florets and stems. In a bowl combine coconut oil & seasoning. Toss to coat and then spread in an even layer on a cookie sheet and back for 15 minutes. In a pan melt some coconut oil and toast the cooked quinoa for about 3-4 minutes until lightly brown. Place the broccoli, quinoa, walnuts, cranberries and arugula in a large bowl, toss and serve! If needed, add your favorite salad dressing for flavor.