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The Role Of Acid And Alkaline Substances Within The Body (view source)
Revision as of 01:32, 26 April 2021
, 01:32, 26 April 2021→Article #2: Acid/Alkaline: Clearing Up The Confusion By Marti Fry
= Lesson 12 =
= Lesson 12 =
PDF pages 282-294 [[Life Science Health System - T.C. Fry|-Table of Contents-]] [[Air, Sunshine, And Natural Light Essential To Health|-Next-Lesson 13-]]
'''[[Fats In The Diet|Previous-Lesson 11-]] | -PDF pages 282-295- | [[Life Science Health System - T.C. Fry|-Table of Contents-]] | [[Air, Sunshine, And Natural Light Essential To Health|-Next-Lesson 13]]'''
== Acid-Base Balance ==
== Acid-Base Balance ==
== Body Maintenance Of Normal pH ==
== Body Maintenance Of Normal pH ==
In order to maintain a proper pH in the bodily fluids, and so that acidosis or alkalosis will not manifest, three major physiological control systems exist within the body. The first mechanism involves a buffer system for the hydrogen ion fluctuations. All bodily fluids are supplied with acid-base buffers which combine with any acid or alkaline sub- stance and prevent excessive change in the hydrogen ion concentration.
In order to maintain a proper pH in the bodily fluids, and so that acidosis or alkalosis will not manifest, three major physiological control systems exist within the body. The first mechanism involves a buffer system for the hydrogen ion fluctuations. All bodily fluids are supplied with acid-base buffers which combine with any acid or alkaline substance and prevent excessive change in the hydrogen ion concentration.
Another mechanism the body uses to maintain normal pH is within the respiratory system. When the hydrogen ion concentration (H + ) changes measurably, the respiratory system is immediately stimulated to alter the rate of pulmonary ventilation. This brings about a change in the quantity of carbon dioxide (CO2) within the system. High levels of carbon dioxide in the system, as created when holding the breath or due to physiological impairments of respiration, increase the acidity of the bloodstream. Any disease that interferes with normal breathing, such as emphysema or asthma, will impede the release of CO2 from the lungs and, subsequently, this CO2 will combine with water to form carbonic acid. This increases the concentration of hydrogen ions, and thus the acidity of the blood is simultaneously increased.
Another mechanism the body uses to maintain normal pH is within the respiratory system. When the hydrogen ion concentration (H + ) changes measurably, the respiratory system is immediately stimulated to alter the rate of pulmonary ventilation. This brings about a change in the quantity of carbon dioxide (CO2) within the system. High levels of carbon dioxide in the system, as created when holding the breath or due to physiological impairments of respiration, increase the acidity of the bloodstream. Any disease that interferes with normal breathing, such as emphysema or asthma, will impede the release of CO2 from the lungs and, subsequently, this CO2 will combine with water to form carbonic acid. This increases the concentration of hydrogen ions, and thus the acidity of the blood is simultaneously increased.
== Acid And Alkaline In The Diet ==
== Acid And Alkaline In The Diet ==
When nutritionists talk about acid- or alkaline-forming foods, they are referring to the condition of the food after ingestion. There are many food substances which are acidic in their natural form that become alkaline when broken down within the body.
When nutritionists talk about acid or alkaline-forming foods, they are referring to the condition of the food after ingestion. There are many food substances which are acidic in their natural form that become alkaline when broken down within the body.
A physical description of an acidic substance would be “sour or sharp to the taste buds.” Litmus paper is a simple means to determine whether a substance is acidic. Acidic substances such as vinegar, lemon juice, grapefruit juice, tomato juice, tea, coffee or sour milk will all turn blue litmus paper red. The red coloration is an indication of the substances acidic characteristics. Alkaline substances, on the other hand, will cause red litmus paper to turn blue. However, when acid and alkaline substances are mixed together, they neutralize each other, forming water and salt.
A physical description of an acidic substance would be “sour or sharp to the taste buds.” Litmus paper is a simple means to determine whether a substance is acidic. Acidic substances such as vinegar, lemon juice, grapefruit juice, tomato juice, tea, coffee or sour milk will all turn blue litmus paper red. The red coloration is an indication of the substances acidic characteristics. Alkaline substances, on the other hand, will cause red litmus paper to turn blue. However, when acid and alkaline substances are mixed together, they neutralize each other, forming water and salt.
Generally speaking, the metabolic processes of the breakdown of foods from the vegetable kingdom change in character from acidic to alkaline, while the foods from the animal world change from alkaline to acid during metabolism.
Generally speaking, the metabolic processes of the breakdown of foods from the vegetable kingdom change in character from acidic to alkaline, while the foods from the animal world change from alkaline to acid during metabolism.
All foods contain within them a combination of both acid-forming and alkaline- forming elements. The particular influence a food will have on pH will be determined simply by which elements are dominant, the acid elements or the alkaline elements. These elements, when broken down, will either release (H+) ions, and thus create an acidic medium, or they will accept and combine with (H+) ions, creating an alkaline medium.
All foods contain within them a combination of both acid-forming and alkaline-forming elements. The particular influence a food will have on pH will be determined simply by which elements are dominant, the acid elements or the alkaline elements. These elements, when broken down, will either release (H+) ions, and thus create an acidic medium, or they will accept and combine with (H+) ions, creating an alkaline medium.
Keep in mind the following basic concepts:
Keep in mind the following basic concepts:
Fruits should be eaten alone or with each other at a meal, and vegetables can be eaten at a meal with either nuts, seeds or avocados. An example of a menu that insures a good acid-alkaline balance is as follows:
Fruits should be eaten alone or with each other at a meal, and vegetables can be eaten at a meal with either nuts, seeds or avocados. An example of a menu that insures a good acid-alkaline balance is as follows:
Breakfast: Melon.
'''Breakfast:''' Melon.
Lunch: Grapes, bananas and dates.
'''Lunch:''' Grapes, bananas and dates.
Dinner: Large vegetable salad of lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, broccoli and sprouts.
'''Dinner:''' Large vegetable salad of lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, broccoli and sprouts.
The important point to keep in mind is that the alkaline-forming foods are the most natural and beneficial foods for humans. As a Hygienic practitioner, it is important to understand that even if some people will not completely adhere to a totally Hygienic regime, any improvement in the acid-alkaline ratio will be an improvement of their well- being.
The important point to keep in mind is that the alkaline-forming foods are the most natural and beneficial foods for humans. As a Hygienic practitioner, it is important to understand that even if some people will not completely adhere to a totally Hygienic regime, any improvement in the acid-alkaline ratio will be an improvement of their well- being.
'''You said to avoid refined and processed foods because these foods are lacking in alkaline minerals. Does this mean that refined and processed foods are acid-forming?'''
'''You said to avoid refined and processed foods because these foods are lacking in alkaline minerals. Does this mean that refined and processed foods are acid-forming?'''
No. Refined and processed foods are usually devoid of both the alkaline minerals and the acid minerals. This means they are more likely to be neutral than acid-forming in the diet. However, like the acid-forming foods, foods devoid of most minerals upset the acid-alkaline ratio of the body, but in a different way: Vitamins and minerals are needed for the metabolism and consequent efficient use of foods eaten. When carbohydrates are eaten, but the nutrients needed in their metabolism and utilization are not supplied in the way that nature intended, the body must draw upon its reserve supplies and then on the minerals in the bones and teeth. Since the body’s reserve supplies are quite limited, consumption of refined and processed foods results in minerals being drawn from bones and teeth and in a myriad of health problems, from hypoglycemia and diabetes, to dental caries, osteoporosis, nervousness and depression.
No. Refined and processed foods are usually devoid of both the alkaline minerals and the acid minerals. This means they are more likely to be neutral than acid-forming in the diet. However, like the acid-forming foods, foods devoid of most minerals upset the acid-alkaline ratio of the body, but in a different way: Vitamins and minerals are needed for the metabolism and consequent efficient use of foods eaten.
When carbohydrates are eaten, but the nutrients needed in their metabolism and utilization are not supplied in the way that nature intended, the body must draw upon its reserve supplies and then on the minerals in the bones and teeth. Since the body’s reserve supplies are quite limited, consumption of refined and processed foods results in minerals being drawn from bones and teeth and in a myriad of health problems, from hypoglycemia and diabetes, to dental caries, osteoporosis, nervousness and depression.
The reason why the body does not keep a larger reserve of vitamins, minerals, etc. for metabolism of refined and processed foods is obvious: We are not naturally designed for eating fragmented foods; that is, foods that have had some components removed in processing or refining.
The reason why the body does not keep a larger reserve of vitamins, minerals, etc. for metabolism of refined and processed foods is obvious: We are not naturally designed for eating fragmented foods; that is, foods that have had some components removed in processing or refining.
'''Will including grains in the diet disturb the body’s acid-alkaline balance?'''
'''Will including grains in the diet disturb the body’s acid-alkaline balance?'''
First, we should repeat that the body has built-in buffer systems for maintaining its normal pH balance. Most foods will stimulate these systems to maintain normal pH. However, some foods cause the body’s buffer systems to work extra hard be- cause certain foods (those not normal and correct to the human dietary) render too many acids upon metabolism, most notably, meats, dairy products, eggs, etc.
First, we should repeat that the body has built-in buffer systems for maintaining its normal pH balance. Most foods will stimulate these systems to maintain normal pH. However, some foods cause the body’s buffer systems to work extra hard because certain foods (those not normal and correct to the human dietary) render too many acids upon metabolism, most notably, meats, dairy products, eggs, etc.
Grains are also acid-forming, as a rule. Therefore, if you eat them, eat them in extreme moderation (nor more than once every two or three days). We recommend that you have your grain portion in place of a portion of nuts, seeds or avocados, since grains are very poor combinations with these foods. Grains, if eaten, should be consumed with raw non-starchy vegetables and not with fruits or sweeteners. Nor should they be salted because, as stated earlier, salt is poisonous in the human organism and leads to health problems.
Grains are also acid-forming, as a rule. Therefore, if you eat them, eat them in extreme moderation (nor more than once every two or three days). We recommend that you have your grain portion in place of a portion of nuts, seeds or avocados, since grains are very poor combinations with these foods. Grains, if eaten, should be consumed with raw non-starchy vegetables and not with fruits or sweeteners. Nor should they be salted because, as stated earlier, salt is poisonous in the human organism and leads to health problems.
== Article #1: Alkalinity And Acidity Of Foods In Metabolic Reaction ==
== Article #1: Alkalinity And Acidity Of Foods In Metabolic Reaction ==
When foods are eaten, they are oxidized in the body resulting in the formation of residue or ash. In this residue if the minerals sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium pre- dominate over sulfur, phosphorus, chlorine and un-combusted organic acid radicals, they are designated as alkaline ash foods. The converse of this is true for foods designated as acid ash.
When foods are eaten, they are oxidized in the body resulting in the formation of residue or ash. In this residue if the minerals sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium predominate over sulfur, phosphorus, chlorine and un-combusted organic acid radicals, they are designated as alkaline ash foods. The converse of this is true for foods designated as acid ash.
Numerical values of alkalinity or acidity are determined in long, painstaking analytical laboratory work. The concentrations of the various elements are determined separately and then computed in terms of equivalents. The excess of one group of minerals over the other is expressed as cubic centimeters of normal acid or base (alkaline) per 100 grams edible food. The values obtained are called degrees of acidity or alkalinity.
Numerical values of alkalinity or acidity are determined in long, painstaking analytical laboratory work. The concentrations of the various elements are determined separately and then computed in terms of equivalents. The excess of one group of minerals over the other is expressed as cubic centimeters of normal acid or base (alkaline) per 100 grams edible food. The values obtained are called degrees of acidity or alkalinity.
|Apricot, dried
|Apricot, dried
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|25.3 Raisin
|25.3
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|Raisin
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|20.4
|Swiss Chard
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|20.3
|Prune, dried
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|20.4 Swiss chard
|17.5
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|Dandelion greens
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|20.3 Prune, dried
|16.4
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|Soybean sprouts
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|17.5 Dandelion greens
|15.8
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|Spinach
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|16.4 Soybean sprouts
|15.0
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|Taro corns & tubers
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|15.8 Spinach
|14.2
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|Cucumber
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|15.0 Taro corns & tubers
|14.0
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|Lima bean, fresh
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|14.2 Cucumber
|13.5
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|Almond
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|14.0 Lima bean, fresh
|12.1
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|Peach, dried
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|13.5 Almond
|11.1
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|Beet
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|12.1 Peach, dried
|10.7
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|Avocado
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|11.1 Beet
|10.5
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|Kale
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|10.7 Avocado
|10.4
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|Chive
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|10.5 Kale
|10.2
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|Carrot
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|10.4 Chive
|10.2
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|Rhubarb
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|10.2 Carrot
|9.9
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|Endive, (escarole)
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|10.2 Rhubarb
|9.6
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|Date
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|9.9 Endive, (escarole)
|9.1
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|Chestnut
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|9.6 Date
|8.6
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|Parsnip
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|9.1 Chestnut
|8.5
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|Granadilla
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|8.6 Parsnip
|8.5
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|Lemon with peel
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|8.5 Granadilla
|8.5
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|Coconut meat(dry)
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|8.5 Lemon with peel
|8.5
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|Rutabaga
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|8.5 Coconut meat, dry
|8.4
|Onion, mature dry
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|8.5 Rutabaga
|8.3
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|Tomato, ripe
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|8.4 Onion, mature dry
|8.2
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|Peach, fresh
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|8.3 Tomato, ripe
|8.2
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|Plum
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|8.2 Peach, fresh
|8.1
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|Celery
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|8.2 Plum
|8.1
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|Watercress
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|8.1 Celery
|7.7
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|Blackberry
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|8.1 Watercress
|7.7
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|Guava
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|7.7 Blackberry
|7.7
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|Lemon
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|7.7 Guava
|7.7
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|Bamboo shoots
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|7.7 Lemon
|7.7
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|Iceberg lettuce
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|7.7 Bamboo shoots
|7.5
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|Cantaloupe
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|7.7 Iceberg lettuce
|7.5
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|Coconut milk
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|7.5 Cantaloupe
|7.4
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|Loganberry
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|7.5 Coconut milk
|7.4
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|Pea, dried
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|7.4 Loganberry
|7.3
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|Sweet cherry
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|7.4 Pea, dried
|7.3
|Leek
|7.3 Sweet cherry
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|7.3 Leek
|7.2
|Potato
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|7.2 Potato
|7.1
|Orange
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|7.1 Orange
|7.0
|Lettuce: Cos, Losseleaf
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|7.0 Lettuce: Cos, Losseleaf
|6.7
|Prickly pear
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|6.7 Pricklypear
|6.7
|Sweet potato
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|6.7 Sweet potato
|6.6
|Apricot(fresh)
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|6.6 Apricot, fresh
|6.5
|Turnip
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|6.5 Turnip
|6.4
|Grapefruit
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|6.4 Grapefruit
|6.2
|Nectarine
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|6.2 Nectarine
|6.2
|Common cabbage
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|6.2 Common cabbage
|6.0
|Banana
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|6.0 Banana
|6.0
|Coconut meat, fresh
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|6.0 Coconut meat, fresh
|6.0
|Kohlrabi
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|6.0 Kohlrabi
|5.8
|Pineapple
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|5.8 Pineapple
|5.7
|Raspberry
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|5.7 Raspberry
|5.7
|Tangerine
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|5.7 Tangerine
|5.5
|Gooseberry
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|5.5 Gooseberry
|5.0
|Mango
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|5.0 Mango
|4.9
|Quince
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|4.9 Quince
|4.9
|Mushroom
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|4.9 Mushroom
|4.8
|Sapodilla
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|4.8 Sapodilla
|4.8
|Snap bean
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|4.8 Snap bean
|4.8
|Radish
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|4.8 Radish
|4.5
|Orange juice
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|4.5 Orange juice
|4.5
|Eggplant
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|4.5 Eggplant
|4.5
|Okra
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|4.5 Okra
|4.3
|Brussels sprouts
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|4.3 Brussels sprouts
|4.2
|Broccoli
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|4.2 Broccoli
|4.2
|Horseradish(raw)
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|4.2 Horseradish, raw
|4.0
|Sour red cherry
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|4.0 Sour red cherry
|4.0
|Lemon juice
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|4.0 Lemon juice
|3.9
|Red cabbage
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|3.9 Red cabbage
|3.5
|Pomegranate
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|3.5 Pomegranate
|3.4
|Pear(fresh)
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|3.4 Pear, fresh
|3.2
|Cauliflower
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|3.2 Cauliflower
|3.2
|Chicory
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|3.2 Chicory
|3.2
|Pumpkin
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|3.2 Pumpkin
|2.8
|Winter squash
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|2.8 Winter squash .
|2.7
|Grapes
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|2.7 Grapes
|2.7
|Savoy cabbage
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|2.7 Savoy cabbage
|2.6
|Strawberry
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|2.6 Strawberry
|2.2
|Apple
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|2.2 Apple
|2.2
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|Watermelon
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|1.8 Sweet corn
|1.8
|Sweet corn
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|1.3 Pea, fresh green
|1.3
|Pea(fresh/green)
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|.1 Olive oil
|.1
|Olive oil
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|(neutral reaction)
| -
|[neutral reaction]
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|.1 Asparagus
|.1
|Asparagus
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|.2 Chinese waterchestnut
|.2
|Chinese waterchestnut
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|.8 Sorghum grain
|.8
|Sorghum grain
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|1.4 Blueberry
|1.4
|Blueberry
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|2.1 Filbert
|2.1
|Filbert
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|2.3 Cress
|2.3
|Cress
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|3.2 Brazilnut
|3.2
|Brazilnut
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|3.8 Oliver, green pickled
|3.8
|Olives(green/pickled)
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|4.3 Artichoke globe
|4.3
|Artichoke globe
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|4.3 White bean, dried
|4.3
|White bean(dried)
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|7.8 White rice
|7.8
|White bean(dried)
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|8.5 English walnut
|8.5
|English walnut
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|10.3 Jerusalem artichoke
|10.3
|Jerusalem artichoke
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|10.5 Lentil
|10.5
|Lentil
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|10.6 Peanut
|10.6
|Peanut
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|10.9 Wheat grain
|10.9
|Wheat grain
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|11.3 Rye grain
|11.3
|Rye grain
|-
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|(most acid reaction)
|
|[most acid reaction]
|}
|}
From Composition and Facts About Foods
From Composition and Facts About Foods
Alkalosis may result from lung or kidney impairment or from over-breathing, but it does not result from consumption of too many alkaline-forming foods, as there is no such thing as too many alkaline-forming foods. These foods are our normal dietary and they always contain a proper balance of base (alkaline) and acid minerals. Alkalosis may occur, however, if antacid preparations are frequently taken.
Alkalosis may result from lung or kidney impairment or from over-breathing, but it does not result from consumption of too many alkaline-forming foods, as there is no such thing as too many alkaline-forming foods. These foods are our normal dietary and they always contain a proper balance of base (alkaline) and acid minerals. Alkalosis may occur, however, if antacid preparations are frequently taken.
Acidosis and alkalosis are both pathological conditions that need never occur. How- ever, acidosis is rather common because so many people consume a diet heavy in acid-forming foods such as meats, milk, cheese, eggs, etc. and because so many refined foods are consumed (sugar, flour, rice, wheat, etc.).
Acidosis and alkalosis are both pathological conditions that need never occur. However, acidosis is rather common because so many people consume a diet heavy in acid-forming foods such as meats, milk, cheese, eggs, etc. and because so many refined foods are consumed (sugar, flour, rice, wheat, etc.).
Acidosis is the predecessor to almost all, if not all, diseases. This is not because acidosis causes diseases, but the same unhealthful practices that result in acidosis also are the causes of diseases. Illnesses are body processes to set a wrong internal situation right. They are carried on by the body in order to eliminate harmful toxins and to correct imbalances, including over-acidity in the body. Therefore, no “cures” should be sought. The body should be left alone to carry out the cleansing process without interference from drugs, foods, etc.
Acidosis is the predecessor to almost all, if not all, diseases. This is not because acidosis causes diseases, but the same unhealthful practices that result in acidosis also are the causes of diseases. Illnesses are body processes to set a wrong internal situation right. They are carried on by the body in order to eliminate harmful toxins and to correct imbalances, including over-acidity in the body. Therefore, no “cures” should be sought. The body should be left alone to carry out the cleansing process without interference from drugs, foods, etc.
From a practical standpoint, you need not concern yourself with the degree of acidity or alkalinity of the foods you eat. Just eat a wholesome diet of uncooked fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, and you will be providing your body with exactly the kind of nourishment it needs and was designed to handle.
From a practical standpoint, you need not concern yourself with the degree of acidity or alkalinity of the foods you eat. Just eat a wholesome diet of uncooked fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, and you will be providing your body with exactly the kind of nourishment it needs and was designed to handle.
'''[[Fats In The Diet|Previous-Lesson 11-]] | -PDF pages 282-295- | [[Life Science Health System - T.C. Fry|-Table of Contents-]] | [[Air, Sunshine, And Natural Light Essential To Health|-Next-Lesson 13]]'''
Editor: [[Michael J. Loomis]] | Scribe: [[Main Page|Terrain Wiki]] | Author: [https://chewdigest.com/ Chew Digest]