Changes

The balance in the blood of acidic and alkaline components can be only moderately altered without creating a very serious physiological instability. Therefore, it is crucial that the body, while controlling degrees of pH in organs, glands and other areas of the body, simultaneously maintain this strict range of balance in the pH of the blood. The following chart best illustrates the pH ranges of different areas of the body:

The balance in the blood of acidic and alkaline components can be only moderately altered without creating a very serious physiological instability. Therefore, it is crucial that the body, while controlling degrees of pH in organs, glands and other areas of the body, simultaneously maintain this strict range of balance in the pH of the blood. The following chart best illustrates the pH ranges of different areas of the body:

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

|Body Area pH Value

|Body Area

|pH Value

|-

|-

|Gastric Juice 0.9

|Gastric Juice

|0.9

|-

|-

|Gallbladder Bile 5.4-6.9

|Gallbladder Bile

|5.4-6.9

|-

|-

|Urine 6.0

|Urine

|6.0

|-

|-

|Saliva 6.3-6.8

|Saliva

|6.3-6.8

|-

|-

|Feces 7.0-7.5

|Feces

|7.0-7.5

|-

|-

|Intestinal Juices 7.0-8.0

|Intestinal Juices

|7.0-8.0

|-

|-

|Pancreatic Juices 8.0

|Pancreatic Juices

|8.0

|}

|}

The blood is slightly alkaline, with a pH of 7.35 to 7.4. Many of the enzymes that facilitate metabolic reactions operate optimally only in solutions of specific alkalinity. When there is a deviation from this level of alkalinity, whether higher (referred to as alkalosis), or lower (referred to as acidosis), severe malfunctions can occur. These malfunctions are manifested by slower enzymatic reactions, and thus a decrease in synthesis of specialized molecules, such as vitamins, proteins, etc. There is also an impairment of the production of ATP molecules that are needed for energy and are made from glucose. The major effect of acidosis is disorientation due to the depression of the central nervous system. Inversely, the major effect of alkalosis is extreme nervousness, eventually leading to convulsive reactions, namely tonic spasm. This spasm is referred to as tetany, and usually develops primarily in the musculature of the forearm and face, then spreads over the muscular system of the entire body. Tetany results from over-excitability of the central and peripheral nervous systems due to alkalosis.

The blood is slightly alkaline, with a pH of 7.35 to 7.4. Many of the enzymes that facilitate metabolic reactions operate optimally only in solutions of specific alkalinity. When there is a deviation from this level of alkalinity, whether higher (referred to as alkalosis), or lower (referred to as acidosis), severe malfunctions can occur. These malfunctions are manifested by slower enzymatic reactions, and thus a decrease in synthesis of specialized molecules, such as vitamins, proteins, etc. There is also an impairment of the production of ATP molecules that are needed for energy and are made from glucose.  

 

The major effect of acidosis is disorientation due to the depression of the central nervous system. Inversely, the major effect of alkalosis is extreme nervousness, eventually leading to convulsive reactions, namely tonic spasm. This spasm is referred to as tetany, and usually develops primarily in the musculature of the forearm and face, then spreads over the muscular system of the entire body. Tetany results from over-excitability of the central and peripheral nervous systems due to alkalosis.

== Body Maintenance Of Normal pH ==

== Body Maintenance Of Normal pH ==

== 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. 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. 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:

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.

 

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.   

 

Keep in mind the following basic concepts:

# Organic matter is taken into the body in the form of food.

# Organic matter is taken into the body in the form of food.

# This organic matter is broken down into simple compounds (monosaccharides, amino  acids, lipids etc).

# This organic matter is broken down into simple compounds (monosaccharides, amino  acids, lipids etc).

Following is a reference list categorizing some common foods as being either acidic or alkaline within the body.

Following is a reference list categorizing some common foods as being either acidic or alkaline within the body.

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

|Most Grains Fish*

|Most Grains

|Fish*

|-

|-

|Beef* Cheese*

|Beef*

|Cheese*

|-

|-

|Poultry* Eggs*

|Poultry*

|Eggs*

|-

|-

|Most nuts (walnuts, pecans, brazils)

|Most nuts (walnuts, pecans, brazils)

|-

|-

|Most legumes (peanuts, lentils)

|Most legumes (peanuts, lentils)

|}

|}

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

|Vegetables Fruits

|Vegetables

|Fruits

|-

|-

|Greens (lettuce, spinach, etc.) Citrus fruits

|Greens (lettuce, spinach, etc.)

|Citrus fruits

|-

|-

|Carrots Bananas

|Carrots

|Bananas

|-

|-

|Tomatoes Melons

|Tomatoes

|Melons

|-

|-

|Potatoes Strawberries

|Potatoes

|Strawberries

|-

|-

|Celery Apples

|Celery

|Apples

|}

|}

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

|Cabbage Apricots

|Cabbage

|Apricots

|-

|-

|Broccoli Figs

|Broccoli

|Figs

|-

|-

|Beets Dates

|Beets

|Dates

|-

|-

|Sprouts Plums

|Sprouts

|Plums

|-

|-

|Peaches Pears

|Peaches

|Pears

|}

|}

Foods that are beneficial in maintaining body pH are fruits and vegetables (prefer- ably in their raw form), plus unprocessed nuts and seeds.

Foods that are beneficial in maintaining body pH are fruits and vegetables (preferably in their raw form), plus unprocessed nuts and seeds.

I have refrained from giving you a complete list of all the specific acid and alkaline- forming foods, because this author feels that it is most important for you, as a student of Natural Hygiene, to grasp the major concepts and apply them to your life. Please refer to Composition and Facts About Foods by Ford Heritage for more specific details.

I have refrained from giving you a complete list of all the specific acid and alkaline-forming foods, because this author feels that it is most important for you, as a student of Natural Hygiene, to grasp the major concepts and apply them to your life. Please refer to Composition and Facts About Foods by Ford Heritage for more specific details.

The following rules will supply a conceptual basis from which to apply the dietary philosophy of Natural Hygiene.

The following rules will supply a conceptual basis from which to apply the dietary philosophy of Natural Hygiene.

FOODS TO AVOID

'''FOODS TO AVOID'''

# All animal foods.

# All animal foods.

# Dairy products, including milk, yogurt and cheese.

# Dairy products, including milk, yogurt and cheese.

# Vinegar and various condiments.

# Vinegar and various condiments.

# Drugs (acidic and alkaline).

# Drugs(acidic and alkaline).

# Refined and processed foods. (Many alkaline elements have been removed.)

# Refined and processed foods(Many alkaline elements have been removed).

# Fats. (found in both meat and dairy products.)

# Fats(found in both meat and dairy products).

# Teas, coffee, cocoa and chocolate.   

# Teas, coffee, cocoa and chocolate.   

FOODS TO EAT These should be fresh and unprocessed.

'''FOODS TO EAT''' - These should be fresh and unprocessed.

# Uncooked vegetables.

# Uncooked vegetables.

# Fresh fruits.

# Fresh fruits.

# Unroasted nuts and seeds.  If you simply follow these rules, your body will benefit from a diet rich in all the es- sential proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. It will do this without having to deal with foods that deplete alkaline reserves and simultaneously overwork the buffer systems and organs of the body. These simple rules, combined with all the other areas of Natural Hygiene, will insure a condition in which your body can maintain a balanced state of health and well-being.  <br />

# Un-roasted nuts and seeds.   

If you simply follow these rules, your body will benefit from a diet rich in all the essential proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. It will do this without having to deal with foods that deplete alkaline reserves and simultaneously overwork the buffer systems and organs of the body. These simple rules, combined with all the other areas of Natural Hygiene, will insure a condition in which your body can maintain a balanced state of health and well-being.  <br />

== Acute Conditions Involving Acid Alkaline Imbalances ==

== Acute Conditions Involving Acid Alkaline Imbalances ==

Every year the number of prescriptions written for acid-alkaline imbalances continues to increase. Antiacids, alkalizers, specific digestive enzymes, etc. remain popular as house- hold “remedies” for many acute digestive disorders. The temporary relief experienced by these so-called remedies is interpreted by the majority of sufferers as being a cure for the problem. Nothing could be further from the truth. These drugs work in much the same way as a lazy housecleaner sweeps the dust under the rug; that is, covering up the symptom, but not eliminating the cause. Our bodies are like the rug in that they will only allow the drugs to cover up the problem for so long. Eventually, these acute digestive disorders will become chronic, re- sulting in a more difficult condition for the body to deal with. So, what was once simply a minor case of acid indigestion or heartburn becomes a major digestive ailment. The stomach, liver, small and large intestines, kidneys and pancreas can all be seriously im- paired, both from consumption of an improper diet and from the use of drugs that cover up an overly-acidic diet and the, consequent indigestion.

Every year the number of prescriptions written for acid-alkaline imbalances continues to increase. Antiacids, alkalizers, specific digestive enzymes, etc. remain popular as house- hold “remedies” for many acute digestive disorders. The temporary relief experienced by these so-called remedies is interpreted by the majority of sufferers as being a cure for the problem. Nothing could be further from the truth. These drugs work in much the same way as a lazy housecleaner sweeps the dust under the rug; that is, covering up the symptom, but not eliminating the cause.

 

Our bodies are like the rug in that they will only allow the drugs to cover up the problem for so long. Eventually, these acute digestive disorders will become chronic, resulting in a more difficult condition for the body to deal with. So, what was once simply a minor case of acid indigestion or heartburn becomes a major digestive ailment. The stomach, liver, small and large intestines, kidneys and pancreas can all be seriously impaired, both from consumption of an improper diet and from the use of drugs that cover up an overly-acidic diet and the, consequent indigestion.

Almost anyone who has been eating the standard diet of meat, dairy foods and re- fined and processed foods will suffer in varying degrees from an acid-alkaline imbalan- ce. Add to this fare: alcohol, cigarettes, drugs and condiments, and the percentages will rise even higher. As a Hygienic practitioner, you will begin to witness miraculous results when working with people suffering from these acute imbalances.

Almost anyone who has been eating the standard diet of meat, dairy foods and refined and processed foods will suffer in varying degrees from an acid-alkaline imbalance. Add to this fare: alcohol, cigarettes, drugs and condiments, and the percentages will rise even higher. As a Hygienic practitioner, you will begin to witness miraculous results when working with people suffering from these acute imbalances.

== Case Histories Of Acid Indigestion Due To Improper Diet ==

== Case Histories Of Acid Indigestion Due To Improper Diet ==

A young female, age 26, came to my office complaining of a dull, aching stomach pain. This pain seemed to manifest whenever she ate a large meal. At times this pain would work its way up the esophagus, causing discomfort under the ribs and around the heart.

A young female, age 26, came to my office complaining of a dull, aching stomach pain. This pain seemed to manifest whenever she ate a large meal. At times this pain would work its way up the esophagus, causing discomfort under the ribs and around the heart.

These symptoms, along with lack of vitality, occasional constipation and mood fluc- tuations, had been plaguing the patient for about eight months. Investigation into her diet indicated that she was consuming a great deal of dairy products and sweets. After plac- ing the client on a short fast, her diet was changed to include mostly fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. I also put her on an exercise program. After three weeks, the client’s pain had completely subsided and her vitality, mood swings and constipation had improved dramatically.

These symptoms, along with lack of vitality, occasional constipation and mood fluctuations, had been plaguing the patient for about eight months. Investigation into her diet indicated that she was consuming a great deal of dairy products and sweets. After placing the client on a short fast, her diet was changed to include mostly fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. I also put her on an exercise program. After three weeks, the client’s pain had completely subsided and her vitality, mood swings and constipation had improved dramatically.

==== Case #2 ====

==== Case #2 ====

A male client, age 31, entered my office complaining of severe gas whenever he ate. He was also passing pieces of food in his stools, indicating an imbalance in the digestive juices. This condition has been going on for about three years and was gradually becom- ing worse. A case history showed that the client was consuming dairy products, refined sugar and some meats in excess, as well as combining his foods improperly.

A male client, age 31, entered my office complaining of severe gas whenever he ate. He was also passing pieces of food in his stools, indicating an imbalance in the digestive juices. This condition has been going on for about three years and was gradually becoming worse. A case history showed that the client was consuming dairy products, refined sugar and some meats in excess, as well as combining his foods improperly.

The client was placed on a fast and then placed on a Hygienic diet with proper food combining. Gradually, over the next month-and-a-half, the client’s condition improved to the point where his stools were normal and he was no longer experiencing his gas problem.

The client was placed on a fast and then placed on a Hygienic diet with proper food combining. Gradually, over the next month-and-a-half, the client’s condition improved to the point where his stools were normal and he was no longer experiencing his gas problem.

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 The important point to keep in mind is that the alkaline-forming foods are the most

Dinner: Large vegetable salad of lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, broccoli and sprouts.

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.

== Considerations When Working With pH Imbalances ==

== Considerations When Working With pH Imbalances ==

When a client comes to you complaining of fatigue, nervousness, insomnia, hyperac- tivity, emotional swings, lethargy, frequent colds, abdominal discomfort, etc., it’s fairly certain that part of their problem is an acid-alkaline imbalance. If this is the case, you, the Hygienic practitioner, must educate your client and help him to eliminate the causes of his problem. You should start out by explaining that the two major reasons for their particular problem are:

When a client comes to you complaining of fatigue, nervousness, insomnia, hyperactivity, emotional swings, lethargy, frequent colds, abdominal discomfort, etc., it’s fairly certain that part of their problem is an acid-alkaline imbalance. If this is the case, you, the Hygienic practitioner, must educate your client and help him to eliminate the causes of his problem. You should start out by explaining that the two major reasons for their particular problem are:

# Too many concentrated proteins in the diet; that is, meat, eggs, milk, fish and cheese;

# Too many concentrated proteins in the diet; that is, meat, eggs, milk, fish and cheese;

# Overconsumption of foods that have been processed and refined and are thus deficient in alkaline elements.

# Overconsumption of foods that have been processed and refined and are thus deficient in alkaline elements.

It is important to explain the benefits of a more alkaline diet and how it is truly the only way to eliminate the cause of their problems.

It is important to explain the benefits of a more alkaline diet and how it is truly the only way to eliminate the cause of their problems.

== Questions & Answers ==

== Questions & Answers ==

I got the impression that the “acid-forming elements” and the “alkaline-forming elements” you refer to are particular minerals, the acid-forming ones being sulphur, phosphorus and chlorine and the alkaline-forming ones being potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and iron. Why is the study of acid and alkaline separate from the study of minerals?

'''I got the impression that the “acid-forming elements” and the “alkaline-forming elements” you refer to are particular minerals, the acid-forming ones being sulphur, phosphorus and chlorine and the alkaline-forming ones being potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and iron. Why is the study of acid and alkaline separate from the study of minerals?'''

Your impression is correct. Also, your question is a good one. It is important to remember that the human organism is a whole entity, even though it is composed of various glands, systems, etc. Also, foods are whole, even though they are composed of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Yet, it is customary and convenient to study the various parts of the whole, always keeping in mind that the whole is greater than the total of all its parts.

Your impression is correct. Also, your question is a good one. It is important to remember that the human organism is a whole entity, even though it is composed of various glands, systems, etc. Also, foods are whole, even though they are composed of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals. Yet, it is customary and convenient to study the various parts of the whole, always keeping in mind that the whole is greater than the total of all its parts.

The subject of acid and alkaline should have been at least briefly discussed in the lesson on minerals. But is an important and large subject that also warranted a lesson in itself. Hence, this lesson!

The subject of acid and alkaline should have been at least briefly discussed in the lesson on minerals. But is an important and large subject that also warranted a lesson in itself. Hence, this lesson!

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.

People who advocate a macrobiotic diet claim that rice is the perfect food in that it best harmonizes with the body’s needs as regards acid and alkaline. Yet the macrobiotic diet is entirely different from the Hygienic diet—and you do not advocate the use of rice in the diet at all! Please explain.

'''People who advocate a macrobiotic diet claim that rice is the perfect food in that it best harmonizes with the body’s needs as regards acid and alkaline. Yet the macrobiotic diet is entirely different from the Hygienic diet—and you do not advocate the use of rice in the diet at all! Please explain.'''

In a diet based on grains, rice is one of best of the grains as regards the acid-alkaline Indeed, it is far less harmful in the diet than is wheat, the Western world’s staple grain. In that regard, the macrobiotic diet is less harmful than the conventional American diet. In fact, the macrobiotic even has a few things in common with the Life Science (natural) diet: For one, neither dietary regime, in its pure interpretation, advocates sweeteners of any kind. Nor does either dietary school advocate dairy foods, eggs or meats (except fish, in the case of macrobiotics).

In a diet based on grains, rice is one of best of the grains as regards the acid-alkaline Indeed, it is far less harmful in the diet than is wheat, the Western world’s staple grain. In that regard, the macrobiotic diet is less harmful than the conventional American diet. In fact, the macrobiotic even has a few things in common with the Life Science (natural) diet: For one, neither dietary regime, in its pure interpretation, advocates sweeteners of any kind. Nor does either dietary school advocate dairy foods, eggs or meats (except fish, in the case of macrobiotics).

However, it must be understood that macrobiotics is based on tradition, economic lack and many false premises, whereas the Life Science regime is based on science and nature and not upon economic considerations or tradition. Sea salt is advocated by the macrobiotic school. However, scientific fact is that all salt in inorganic form, which sea salt and rock salt both are, is poisonous and is responsible for many diseases and health problems. This is why soy sauces and miso, both containing salt, are very harmful foods. Rice is rather bland without soy sauce or other flavorings. Also, it has to be cooked, a distinct health disadvantage. Rice is deficient in water and in the wide variety of vitamins and minerals that can be found in fresh raw fruits and vegetables. Rice also lacks the flavor and the attractiveness of fresh fruits and vegetables. Just looking at a few of the facts, you can readily see which foods nature intended for humans and which came to be used by humans as a result of lack, ignorance and tradition.

However, it must be understood that macrobiotics is based on tradition, economic lack and many false premises, whereas the Life Science regime is based on science and nature and not upon economic considerations or tradition. Sea salt is advocated by the macrobiotic school. However, scientific fact is that all salt in inorganic form, which sea salt and rock salt both are, is poisonous and is responsible for many diseases and health problems. This is why soy sauces and miso, both containing salt, are very harmful foods. Rice is rather bland without soy sauce or other flavorings. Also, it has to be cooked, a distinct health disadvantage. Rice is deficient in water and in the wide variety of vitamins and minerals that can be found in fresh raw fruits and vegetables. Rice also lacks the flavor and the attractiveness of fresh fruits and vegetables. Just looking at a few of the facts, you can readily see which foods nature intended for humans and which came to be used by humans as a result of lack, ignorance and tradition.

Macrobiotic cooking also uses oils for sautéing foods and for making tempuras.

'''Macrobiotic cooking also uses oils for sautéing foods and for making tempuras.'''

That’s correct. As you have learned in previous lessons, heated oils are very toxic within the human organism and lead to many serious diseases, including cancer.

That’s correct. As you have learned in previous lessons, heated oils are very toxic within the human organism and lead to many serious diseases, including cancer.

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 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.

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.

Isn’t it okay to use a little baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) mixed with distilled water in case of indigestion that may occur even if foods are correctly combined or in cases where incorrect combinations cannot be avoided, like when you’re a guest at someone else’s house?

'''Isn’t it okay to use a little baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) mixed with distilled water in case of indigestion that may occur even if foods are correctly combined or in cases where incorrect combinations cannot be avoided, like when you’re a guest at someone else’s house?'''

Absolutely not! Baking soda and all commercially-sold antacid preparations are very harmful when taken often, for they cause alkalosis by depleting the body’s acid-forming minerals. Remedies of any kind should never be used! The law of dual effects says that a secondary effect follows on the heels of the primary effect of any drug (baking soda is one). What this means in this case is that a worse case of indigestion will occur in the next meal after the baking soda was used.

Absolutely not! Baking soda and all commercially-sold antacid preparations are very harmful when taken often, for they cause alkalosis by depleting the body’s acid-forming minerals. Remedies of any kind should never be used! The law of dual effects says that a secondary effect follows on the heels of the primary effect of any drug (baking soda is one). What this means in this case is that a worse case of indigestion will occur in the next meal after the baking soda was used.

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.

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"

|(most alkaline reaction)

|+(most alkaline reaction)

|-

|-

|43.7 Fig, dried

|43.7

|Fig, dried

|-

|-

|41.6 Lima bean, dried

|41.6

|Lima bean, dried

|-

|-

|36.6 Apricot, dried

|36.6

|Apricot, dried

|-

|-

|25.3 Raisin

|25.3 Raisin

|-

|-

|20.4 Swiss chard

|20.4 Swiss chard

|-

|-

|20.3 Prune, dried

|20.3 Prune, dried

|-

|-

|17.5 Dandelion greens

|17.5 Dandelion greens

|-

|-

|16.4 Soybean sprouts

|16.4 Soybean sprouts

|-

|-

|15.8 Spinach

|15.8 Spinach

|-

|-

|15.0 Taro corns & tubers

|15.0 Taro corns & tubers

|-

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|14.2 Cucumber

|14.2 Cucumber

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|14.0 Lima bean, fresh

|14.0 Lima bean, fresh

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|-

|13.5 Almond

|13.5 Almond

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|-

|12.1 Peach, dried

|12.1 Peach, dried

|-

|-

|11.1 Beet

|11.1 Beet

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|-

|10.7 Avocado

|10.7 Avocado

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|10.5 Kale

|10.5 Kale

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|-

|10.4 Chive

|10.4 Chive

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|10.2 Carrot

|10.2 Carrot

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|-

|10.2 Rhubarb

|10.2 Rhubarb

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|9.9 Endive, (escarole)

|9.9 Endive, (escarole)

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|9.6 Date

|9.6 Date

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|9.1 Chestnut

|9.1 Chestnut

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|8.6 Parsnip

|8.6 Parsnip

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|8.5 Granadilla

|8.5 Granadilla

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|8.5 Lemon with peel

|8.5 Lemon with peel

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|8.5 Coconut meat, dry

|8.5 Coconut meat, dry

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|8.5 Rutabaga

|8.5 Rutabaga

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|8.4 Onion, mature dry

|8.4 Onion, mature dry

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|8.3 Tomato, ripe

|8.3 Tomato, ripe

|-

|-

|8.2 Peach, fresh

|8.2 Peach, fresh

|-

|-

|8.2 Plum

|8.2 Plum

|-

|-

|8.1 Celery

|8.1 Celery

|-

|-

|8.1 Watercress

|8.1 Watercress

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|-

|7.7 Blackberry

|7.7 Blackberry

|-

|-

|7.7 Guava

|7.7 Guava

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|-

|7.7 Lemon

|7.7 Lemon

|-

|-

|7.7 Bamboo shoots

|7.7 Bamboo shoots

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|7.7 Iceberg lettuce

|7.7 Iceberg lettuce

|-

|-

|7.5 Cantaloupe

|7.5 Cantaloupe

|-

|-

|7.5 Coconut milk

|7.5 Coconut milk

|-

|-

|7.4 Loganberry

|7.4 Loganberry

|-

|-

|7.4 Pea, dried

|7.4 Pea, dried

|}

|}

{| class="wikitable"

{| class="wikitable"