You Don’t Have to Return to Chem 101 to Know Your Diet’s pH Level
Did you know that everything you eat falls somewhere on the pH spectrum? Do you care? Here’s why you should.
Knowing whether your food is alkaline (good for you) or acidic (not so good for you) can make a big difference nutritionally.
Why? Because when your body converts food into energy, this natural burning of calories leaves behind a metabolic waste residue that can be alkaline, neutral, or acidic.
When planning menus for our personal chef services clients, we suggest consuming a more alkaline diet because we believe this residue affects your body’s pH levels, meaning:
- An acidic diet may increase your vulnerability to illness and disease.
- A higher alkaline diet may contribute to healthy weight loss, heart health, lower cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and more.
What Does a Swimming Pool And Your Stomach Have in Common?
Almost nothing, except helping better explain pH scales. 😉
If you are a pool owner, you know that the pH scale goes from 0 (totally acidic) to 14 (totally alkaline), with a pH level of 7 being neutral.
The truth is, your stomach operates at more acidic levels (around 3.5 or lower) to break down food. Your blood runs just a tad alkaline (just over 7), and your urine varies because kidneys have the job of keeping your blood pH steady.
For that reason, be wary of lone pH readings. If you want to know your own pH levels, try consistently timed early-morning urine tests on pH paper over a period of time to indicate trends rather than a single result.
Who Benefits From a Higher Alkaline Diet
If you desire healthy weight loss options, arthritis relief, immune-boosting, and cancer prevention (for which the science is more speculative), we recommend requesting a higher alkaline menu with your personal chef services.
A more alkaline diet means a more plant-based diet, and any vegetarian-leaning diet has a multitude of benefits, including high fiber content and less fat, calories, and cholesterol.
Additionally, there are specific benefits for those with chronic kidney disease.
Why a Higher-Alkaline Diet Passes Our Litmus Test
Indeed, some acidic foods are still essential to good health, and that’s why we work them into our personal chef services in moderation.
But we recommend replacing high acid foods such as sugar, soda, and other sweetened beverages, processed foods, fish, and meats (processed or fresh), including chicken, turkey, and beef, with high alkaline options like berries and citrus, and vegetables from asparagus to zucchini and oatmeal, quinoa, and wild rice.
Examine the Pros and Cons for Yourself
Some say the science isn’t solid, but there are still health benefits to the eating style.
The bottom line is that an alkaline diet, whether directly or indirectly, can be an important contributor to healthy weight loss, heart health, lower cholesterol and blood-sugar levels, and more.
