With Lady Gaga back on tour and surviving a very hectic tour schedule, she has taken celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak on tour with her as he reveals via Twitter: “About to “5-Factor-ize” the Lady GaGa tour…my luggage is packed with 5-factor snack bars, chips, and smoothies!”

However, Lady Gaga was hospitalized six times last year because of her extreme dieting according to David Ciemny, her former tour manager. In a new book written by New York Post veteran reporter Maureen Callahan, Poker Face: The Rise and Rise of Lady Gaga, Ciemny claims she would binge on junk food such as cakes and sweets, then not eat for weeks to fit into her costumes — once losing 20 pounds between fittings for one of her outfits reports RadarOnline.

On the topic of diet and nutrition, Lady GaGa revealed to Daily Telegraph on February 18, “I’m on a very strict, healthy, pop star diet. A diet of three meals and two snacks daily, consisting of low fat protein, fiber, healthy carbs, and fats. “I don’t eat bread, just vegetables and salad and fish. Eating like that is much better for me anyway but on Sundays I sometimes eat pasta.”

Click here to view the embedded video.

While there has not been a response by Lady Gaga’s entourage to any of these claims surrounding the pop star, millions of young women are suffering from eating disorders such as compulsive eating, binge eating, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia. About 40% of 9 and 10 year old girls are trying to lose weight, according to a study in Pediatrics, the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. What frightens some researchers is that many of these girls aren’t even overweight. They are not dieting for health reasons, but because of dissatisfaction with their bodies.

Source

At any given lunch period at Old Union Elementary School in Southlake, Texas, 28 cans of carbonated soda (many wrapped in foil to keep cool) are being consumed amongst 106 third graders. In other words, 26% of the class is drinking soda at lunch. By the end of the day, 60% of all the third graders will have consumed at least one soda. Soft drinks have replaced milk as the drink of choice for these children. As parents we willingly comply, but the health effects to our children, and the financial burden to our health care system will be enormous.

How many sodas do school children drink?

The average teenage boy drinks three cans of soda daily which results in an extra 163,000 calories or 47 pounds a year. The average teenage girl drinks two cans of soda daily, which is the equivalent to 109,200 calories or 31 pounds per year. Ten percent of teenage boys drink seven or more cans of soda daily and 10% of teenage girls drink five or more cans of soda daily. The numbers are astounding. It is no wonder that Americans consume an average of 686 calories of sugars a day—more than a quarter of a typical 2,250 calorie diet.

What are some potential health effects of soda?

When soda is consumed between meals and sipped over a long period of time, sugar remains in the mouth for prolonged periods of time, increasing the risk of cavities. More shocking is the impact soda consumption has on increasing obesity rates, hyperactivity, osteoporosis, dietary deficiencies, and caffeine dependence in children.

Obesity

Obesity is the single largest problem associated with soda consumption. The American Academy of Pediatrics believes sodas are a major source of daily excess calories and a major cause for the increased obesity rates in children and teenagers. Researchers in California found that 58% of students who drank three or more soft drinks (diet or regular) per day were overweight compared with 33% of students who drank less than three soft drinks per day. Most sodas include over 100% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of sugar. (Soft drink manufacturers are the largest single users of refined sugar in the United States.) Sugar increases insulin levels which can increase the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, and weight gain. A 12-ounce can of cola has 150 calories and the equivalent of almost a ¼ cup of sugar. A 20-ounce cola has 250 calories and the equivalent of 1/3 cup sugar.

Hyperactivity

For some kids, sugar is a major factor in mood, behaviour and attention patterns. It has been demonstrated that destructive, aggressive and restless behaviour correlates directly with the amount of sugar consumed on a daily basis. Hyperactivity, often diagnosed as ADHD, has a direct correlation with diets high in processed foods, sugar and food additives.

Weakened bone

Calcium is critical to the physical structure and healthy functioning of the human body. It is necessary for transmitting nerve impulses and regulating muscle contraction. Calcium is the primary mineral in your body that makes up your bones and keeps them strong. Ninety percent of the human body’s calcium is stored in the bones and teeth. The need for calcium starts with infancy and continues throughout one’s life. If your diet is deficient in calcium, your body will take what it needs from your bones. The result, osteoporosis, is a reduction in bone density that leaves bones more porous, fragile, and susceptible to fractures.

Children are not getting enough calcium in their diet, in large part because they are drinking soda instead of milk. Drinking soda adversely affects calcium absorption. The phosphoric acid in soda neutralizes the hydrochloric acid in your stomach, which then adversely affects digestion and the body’s ability to absorb calcium. In the United States, children have traditionally consumed much of their calcium from milk. But children are drinking less milk and school purchases reflect this trend. From 1985 to 1997, school districts decreased the amount of milk they bought by nearly 30% and increased purchases of soda by 1,100%. Today in fact, 56% to 85% of school age children consume at least one soft drink daily.

Unfortunately, the problem extends beyond young children. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, only 13.5% of girls and 36.3% of boys age 12 to 19 in the United States get the recommended daily amount of calcium, placing them at serious risk for osteoporosis and other bone diseases. A recent study from Harvard University reported that teenage girls who drink soda were three times more likely to have a bone fracture than girls who do not, and that physically active girls who drink cola beverages were five times more likely to have had a bone fracture. Compounding this situation is the fact that nearly 90% of adult bone mass is established by 20 years of age. It would seem the nation’s youth are in the midst of a calcium crisis.

Caffeine dependence

Cola is the most popular soda flavour in the United States. With exceptions, most colas contain between 35-55 milligrams of caffeine per 12 fluid ounces. Caffeine, a diuretic, is the second most common cause of calcium loss (sodium is first) from the body. To minimize calcium loss through the urine, it is recommended that daily caffeine intake from all foods for school age children is not more than 85 milligrams per day. For adults, it is recommended that caffeine intake does not exceed 300 milligrams per day.

In addition, caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant, so it can cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and rapid heartbeat. Caffeine is able to penetrate deep into vital tissue. Caffeine has a powerful effect on coronary arteries and the pulmonary and systemic vessels, causing a greater flow of blood to the heart muscle, but decreasing the flow of blood to the brain by constricting cerebral blood vessels. Caffeine can cause abnormally fast, abnormally slow and irregular heartbeats. It also wreaks havoc on blood pressure, commonly producing hypertension. Caffeine has been linked to heart disease, pancreatic and bladder cancer, and hypoglycemia.

The body easily becomes addicted to caffeine which may be one of the reasons soda companies intentionally add it to their products. Due to their smaller size and higher sensitivity, one can of cola for children is equivalent to three cups of instant coffee for an adult. Depending on how much caffeine is consumed daily, an abrupt halt in caffeine intake can lead to symptoms ranging from a simple headache to nausea, drowsiness, depression, and reduced attention span. Even two sodas a day may cause withdrawal symptoms when soda drinking is discontinued. Fortunately, the symptoms tend to be short-lived and most of these can be avoided by cutting back on caffeine gradually.

Diet sodas

What about drinking diet soda? Even without sugar, diet soda contains phosphoric acid and caffeine. In addition, diet sodas contain the chemical aspartame. This “non-nutritive” sweetener is 160 to 220 times sweeter than regular white sugar. One 12-ounce diet cola contains 200 milligrams of aspartame, or the equivalent of six blue packets of a sugar substitute. There are over 92 different health effects associated with aspartame consumption including headaches, birth defects, diabetes, emotional disorders and seizures. Airline pilots aren’t allowed to eat foods containing aspartame because it affects their judgement. Is aspartame safe for children? The FDA acknowledges possible side effects from aspartame consumption but conclusive research still needs to be done.

Inspired to start eating more local and organic produce but don’t know where to start? Joining a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) might be exactly what you’re looking for!

Over the last decade CSA has become a very popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food straight from the farm. How does it work? At the beginning of the growing season (late winter, early spring) the farmer will offer a certain number of “shares” to the public for purchase. In exchange you will receive a weekly box of fresh, organic produce for the duration of the season. CSA helps support local farmers by providing them with funds when input costs are high and by guaranteeing a market for the farm’s produce. Consumers benefit by receiving fresh, nutrient dense food and by becoming more connected to the land on which their food is grown. It’s a cost effective way to buy organic produce and it takes the guesswork out of eating local!

Local Harvest lists the following rewards for both the consumer and the farmer:

Advantages for farmers:

• Get to spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their 16 hour days in the field begin
• Receive payment early in the season, which helps with the farm’s cash flow
• Have an opportunity to get to know the people who eat the food they grow

Advantages for consumers:

• Eat ultra-fresh food, with all the flavor and vitamin benefits
• Get exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking
• Usually get to visit the farm at least once a season
• Find that kids typically favor food from “their” farm – even veggies they’ve never been known to eat
• Develop a relationship with the farmer who grows their food and learn more about how food is grown

CSA is based on a system of “shared risk and reward.” You’ll receive shares (produce) in the farm’s bounty and you also share the risks due to weather and other factors beyond the control of the farmer.

This is our first year participating in a CSA and I’m thoroughly enjoying our weekly bin of veggies from Nathan Creek Organic Farm! I’d recommend researching farms now to start planning for next season! Visit Farm Folk, City Folk for a list of local farms participating in Community Supported Agriculture.

Want to know what we’re doing with all our local produce? Visit the Vancouver Nutritionist blog for recipes and inspiration!

The fitness supplements industry has been primarily targeted at young males wanting to bulk up in the gym. In 2008, bodybuilding – related products generated a $2.7 billion industry. Some health experts have criticized protein supplements as being unnecessary for the majority of people that buy them, because most already consume enough protein in a balanced diet. Since the human body can only metabolize 5-9 grams of protein per hour; excessive daily intake can cause kidney problems or weight gain. However, there is a subset of professionals in the medical and fitness industry that are recommending protein powders to aid in promoting fat loss and muscle gain.

Compared to some muscle building supplements, whey protein is more of a general fitness product that helps to speed up the recovery of muscles after a workout. It also can, in some instances, help athletes and fitness enthusiasts become stronger faster.

Here is a look at six different types of protein sources available in products at health food and supplement stores.

1. Whey protein is the most commonly used type of protein. This is because it is absorbed by the body very fast and easily. It also contains high levels of all the essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids. Whey protein also contains the highest amount of the amino acid cysteine which is key for the biosynthesis of glutathione.
2. Casein protein (or milk protein) is the richest in glutamine, an amino acid that reportedly helps in recovery, and has casomorphin which helps the body to absorb the amino acids over long periods of time.
3. Soy protein (Soybeans) contain isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen. Soybeans are the only plant food that has all of the essential amino acids our body requires, making it a complete protein.
4. Egg white protein Egg-white is composed of 40 different types of proteins and is almost pure protein, making egg white protein powder a very popular choice.
5. Hemp seed protein The hemp seed contains complete and highly-digestible protein and hemp oil is high in essential fatty acids.
6. Rice protein Naturally prominent in rice protein, tryptophan helps the body fabricate serotonin. With more readily available serotonin in the system, mood will be elevated, resulting in fewer sugar and starch cravings.

Even Hollywood has jumped on the protein supplement bandwagon. Fergie who always looks stunning and exercises regularly, gets some help through a protein powder called Ultima Power shake mix which is micronutrient-fortified, rich in protein, and promotes fat loss and muscle gain. Marvel’s ‘Thor’ is coming to the big screen next summer and the film’s leading man, 26-year-old Aussie star Chris Hemsworth revealed that he had to bulk up over the course of six months for the role by eating clean proteins and drinking  a lot of protein shakes. A Beverly Hills skin specialist, Sonya Dakar, who is best known for advising her clients that healthy skin begins with a healthy body, has just released an FDA-approved supplement collection called Beauty Boot Camp.

We want to know which protein powder you throw in the blender and drink after your workouts? Leave a comment below.

Ice Cream is a delicious treat any time of the year. But summer is the perfect season for ice cream sandwiches. If you have a gluten intolerance, you’ve probably had to pass them by. Now, you can once again indulge in this old–fashioned favourite. Enjoy our gluten–free ice cream sandwiches, and you’ll never feel deprived. Our cookie is full of rich, chocolate flavour with none of the chemical taste or preservatives of the store–bought variety. You get to choose the ice cream filling, so let your imagination soar with all the possibilities—mint chocolate chip, coffee, strawberry, toffee crunch, checkerboard of vanilla and chocolate. Can’t wait? You won’t miss those stale old ice cream sandwiches from the corner store ever again. This recipe serves approximately 12 mouth watering filled sandwiches.

Ingredients:

¾ cup sweet butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1½ cups brown rice flour mix*
½ cup sweet rice flour*
½ cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
Baking spray to grease cookie sheets

Filling:

You favourite ice cream

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease cookie sheet with baking spray.
2. Beat butter and sugar at medium speed in large bowl of electric mixer until well–blended. Add egg and vanilla and beat well.
3. Add flours, baking cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and xanthan gum, and mix until a soft dough is formed.
4. To shape into a rectangular solid (for traditional shaped ice cream sandwiches), drop dough in a mound on large sheet of plastic wrap. Fold the plastic over the dough and shape into a long log 2½” high by 2½” wide by 6” long using plastic to flatten ends. Try to smooth dough with your fingers. Refrigerate roll until well–chilled. Unbaked dough can be kept in refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to two months. To freeze, wrap plastic–wrapped log of dough in foil.
5. Using a thin, sharp knife, slice chilled dough into ¼ inch slices and place onto lightly greased cookie sheet 1 inch apart. Bake in center of oven for about 11–12 minutes until cooked through. (Cook 1–2 minutes extra for a crisper cookie). Cool slightly on cookie sheet and transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
6. Cut ice cream into squares 1” to 1½” thick. Place ice cream on one side of a cookie and cover with another cookie. Wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap and store in airtight container in freezer. Cookies and ice cream can also be kept separately and put together just before serving.

Cook’s note:
For round ice cream sandwiches, mound dough on plastic wrap, fold the plastic over the dough, and shape it into a round log 3” diameter by 6” long. Spoon ice cream onto one side of a cookie and cover with another cookie.

The edges of each ice cream sandwich can be dipped into tiny chocolate morsels, M&Ms, or other crushed candies for an extra added treat!

*see “Gluten–Free Flour Mixes” in our Recipe Archive
** Available in natural food stores or online from Authentic Foods (see “Gluten–Free Flour Mixes” in our Recipe Archive) or other vendors.

Have you ever taken a bite out of a big red strawberry, only to find that the inside is white and it lacks the rich and juicy flavour that you remember as a child? Chances are this strawberry was grown thousands of kilometers from your home.

The main reason for this flavourless phenomenon is that the fruits and vegetables that are shipped from other parts of the world are usually harvested prematurely in order to sustain the long journey around the globe, from farm to plate. When produce is picked before it’s had a chance to fully mature, the nutritional value is greatly diminished. Fruits and vegetables must stay connected to the plant and roots in order to receive vital nutrients from the soil. When picked early, the nutrient value of your fruits and vegetables suffers greatly – something that you cannot see, feel, taste or smell!

Eating local is one of the best ways to ensure that you are consuming the most nutrient dense foods available. Food that is grown and harvested locally has the opportunity to acquire its maximum nutrient content before it is available to you.

Eating organic takes this concept one step further because organic farming practices honour the traditional wisdom of creating and maintaining nutrient rich soil in addition to reducing your exposure to dangerous chemicals.

Wondering how you can maximize your vitamin and mineral intake to support your overall health? Eat Local!

Just like in people, obesity has become a significant health problem in our pets. Obesity in pets is associated with diabetes, respiratory issues, arthritis, and decreased life span. Unfortunately people have equated loving their pets to feeding them excessive amounts of food and treats. Keeping our pets at an ideal body condition is a much better way to love them and to help them have a long, healthy life.

Food for thought:

When trying to manage your pets weight start with the guidelines on the food package, remember they are just guidelines and adjustments will be made based on your pets response. Also feed them for the weight that they should be, not the weight that they are (unless they are at their ideal weight). Keep in mind that when they recommend 1 cup per day they mean a measuring cup, not your extra large coffee cup.

Just like in people, some dogs have the genes that predispose them to being overweight. Some breeds that tend to have a higher incidence of obesity are: Labrador and Golden Retrievers, Pugs, Cocker Spaniels, Shelties, Dachshunds and Beagles. Some dogs also simply have a slow metabolism, this may be due to genetics or it may also be related to health problems like hypothyroidism.

Many people underestimate the impact of treats. Many pet treats are actually higher in calories then their regular food and thus can contribute significantly to weight problems. Four to five treats can translate into another meal’s worth of calories!

Portion control is an important part of a weight management plan. Having regular meal times and measuring out portions is the best way to help your pet lose those extra pounds. If portion control and regular exercise is not working to get the weight off then consider switching to a diet specific for weight loss. These diets tend to have fewer calories and more fiber so that your pet feels full with a lighter caloric load. I also recommend regular weight ins to monitor the animals progress and make sure that the weight is coming off at a reasonable rate.

If you think your pet is overweight have them assessed by your veterinarian, together you can create a weight management plan to get your pet back on a healthy track.

A burrito, also named taco de harina, is a type of Mexican food. It often consists of a flour tortilla wrapped or folded around a filling. Southwestern cuisine, New Mexican cuisine, and Tex-Mex in particular, has popularized the breakfast burrito, in which elements of an American breakfast are wrapped inside a flour tortilla with green chile.

While Tia Sophia’s, a Mexican café in Santa Fe, New Mexico, claims to have invented the original breakfast burrito in 1975, Fitness Goop offers this gluten-free mouth watering option. Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Without it your metabolism will slow down, which will not aid in weight loss or maintaining weight a healthy weight. So, why not stoke the fires of your metabolism with a nutritious gluten-free breakfast burrito. (Serves 2)

Ingredients:

3 large eggs
1 tablespoon non-fat milk, soy milk, water, or olive oil
1 teaspoon butter (or butter substitute) for frying
Freshly ground black pepper
2 pieces of cooked crispy bacon (humanely raised)—optional
1 ounce cheese (such as sharp cheddar, Swiss, or Havarti)—optional
1 Food For Life Brown Rice Tortilla, cut in half

Directions:

1. Preheat a small, non-stick frying pan on medium-high heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs with the milk for 30 seconds.
2. Melt the butter in the frying pan. As the very last of the butter liquefies, add the egg mixture. Reduce the heat to medium.
3. Do not stir immediately; instead, wait until the first hint of setting begins. Using a spatula or a flat wooden spoon, push the eggs toward the center of the pan while tilting the pan to redistribute any of the remaining liquid.
4. When the eggs are moist on top and set on the bottom, carefully fold half the eggs on top of the other half, or roll the eggs over. For an easy, non-traditional omelette, carefully turn the eggs over and cook an additional 30 seconds. Season with pepper and evenly divide in half.
5. While the eggs are cooking, divide the cheese evenly and place in the middle of each tortilla half. Lightly toast in toaster oven until cheese melts. Place each tortilla on a lunch-size plate and top with bacon slice and eggs. Roll and enjoy.

Variation to this recipe: For an egg-white scramble, use 6 egg whites in place of the 3 large eggs.

Enjoy this healthy recipe and let us know what you think of the Gluten – free Breakfast Burrito.

Are you looking for a delicious breakfast or dessert that you can fully enjoy because you know that it’s good for you? One of my all time favourite foods is fresh granola with whole milk yogurt and local berries – healthy eating at its best!

Store bought varieties of granola are expensive and a far cry from being healthy. They contain rancid nuts and seeds, refined sugars and unhealthy fats. Luckily it’s really easy and affordable to make your own, with good quality ingredients! Before we move on to the recipe let’s take a moment to look at the key ingredients:

Oats – Shown to help lower high cholesterol and help prevent heart disease and diabetes. Oats are also a good source of manganese, selenium, vitamin B1, dietary fiber, magnesium, protein and phosphorus. If you have Celiac Disease you’ll need to purchase certified gluten-free oats.

Unrefined Sea Salt – When naturally harvested and dried in the sun, high quality unrefined sea salt contains a wealth of trace minerals and electrolytes that are vital for a variety of functions in the body including the immune system, adrenal and thyroid function.

Non-Irradiated Cinnamon – Slows the rate at which the stomach empties after meals, reducing the rise in blood sugar after eating. Purchase non-irradiated spices to ensure that you’re benefiting from the nutritional qualities of the herb or spice.

Raw Honey – Healthy alternative to refined sugar. Contains live enzymes that aid in the digestion of carbohydrates.

Virgin (Unrefined) Coconut Oil – The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are directly absorbed for quick energy instead of being stored as fat in the body. This heart healthy oil is a saturated fat, which is highly stable and does not go rancid easily even when heated during cooking. This makes it one of the safest and healthiest oils to use in your kitchen.

Nuts/Seeds – Purchase raw and unsalted nuts and seeds. Adding them to your granola after toasting ensures that the heat sensitive oils retain all their health benefits.

Dried Fruit – Purchase unsweetened and unsulphured dried fruit.

Ingredients:

3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (or certified gluten-free rolled oats)

¼ tsp unrefined sea salt

½ tsp cinnamon

¼ cup raw honey

¼ cup virgin coconut oil

1 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. In a small bowl, stir together honey, coconut oil and vanilla. (If your coconut oil is solid at room temperature you can place the bowl on top of your warm stove to melt the coconut oil while you prepare the oat mixture.)

3. In a large bowl, stir together oats, salt and cinnamon.

4. Combine the oat and honey mixture and combine thoroughly, using your hands to coat the oats evenly with the honey mixture.

5. Spread the mixture in a thin, even layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.

6. Bake, stirring after 15 minutes, until the granola is very light golden brown. It should take 20-30 minutes in total. You can bake it a little longer for a crunchier, toastier flavour but keep a close eye on it – if it gets dark it will taste burnt.

7. Cool the granola completely. It will harden as it cools.

8. Once the granola’s cool, get creative! Now is the time to stir in all your extras…

Here are some of my favourite combinations:

• Honey Nut – chopped almonds, cashews and pumpkin seeds
• Apple Cinnamon – dried apples, almonds and raisins
• Tropical – shredded coconut, goji berries and macadamia nuts
• Mixed Seed – pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds

Store in an airtight container and eat within two weeks.

Happy Eating!

What would you add to this basic recipe to make a delicious and nutritious granola?

A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, pH (potential for hydrogen) 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.

The following is a generalized list of examples of pH:

1. pH 0 – battery acid
2. pH 1 – hydrochloric acid
3. pH 2 – lemon juice, vinegar
4. pH 3 – grapefruit
5. pH 4 – tomato juice
6. pH 5 – black coffee
7. pH 6 – urine/saliva
8. pH 7 – fresh water, milk
9. pH 8 – sea water
10. pH 9 – baking soda
11. pH 10 – Milk of Magnesia®
12. pH 11 – ammonia
13. pH 12 – soap
14. pH 13 – bleach
15. pH 14 – liquid drain cleaner

Why is pH important?

Your body is able to assimilate minerals and nutrients properly only when its pH is balanced. The human body has a specific pH value, and our bodies continually strive to maintain that specific pH. In fact, each of the body fluids has a specific pH value. The blood, for example, has a more alkaline pH balance of 7.4. The saliva and urine are more acidic, averaging between 6.5 and 7.0. Optimal balance of the body’s pH is necessary to maintain overall health and prevent chronic disease. When this balance is compromised, many problems can occur and your health is compromised.

It is important to understand that we are not talking about stomach acid or the pH of the stomach. The stomach needs to be acidic to aid in the digestion of food. We are talking about the pH of the body’s fluids and tissues, which is an entirely different matter. Water comprises 80% of the body. Blood is mostly water (82%), as are your muscles (70%) and brain (85%). Your body needs water to regulate body temperature and to provide the means for nutrients to travel to all your organs. Water also transports oxygen to your cells, removes waste, and protects your joints and organs. Water is charged with negative ions (called electrons) which function as a potent antioxidant to attract free radicals and to neutralize positively-charged toxins (protons) in the blood.

The human body is composed of many different types of cells, which are composed of many different types of molecules, which consist of one or more atoms of one or more elements joined by chemical bonds. And atoms consist of a nucleus, neutrons, protons, and electrons. Electrons are involved in chemical reactions and are the substance that bonds atoms together to form molecules. The most important structural feature of an atom for determining its chemical behavior is the number of electrons in its outer shell. A substance that has a full outer shell tends not to enter in chemical reactions. By nature, atoms seek stability, so they will try to fill their outer shell by gaining or losing electrons, or sharing electrons by bonding together with other atoms.

When weak bonds split, free radicals are formed. Free radicals are highly-charged, unstable molecular fragments that may puncture cell membranes, destroy enzymes, and even break down DNA just to steal an electron from another molecule. Some free radicals occur naturally, as your cells burn food for energy (a process called oxidative metabolism). Other free radicals come from exposure to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight), radon, x-rays, pollutants, pesticides, food additives, alcohol, and other toxins. Sometimes the body’s immune system’s cells purposely create them to neutralize viruses and bacteria.

Generally, free radicals attack the nearest stable molecule, stealing an electron. When the attacked molecule losses its electron, it becomes a free radical itself, beginning a chain reaction that is disruptive to living cells. To give you an idea of how much damage free radicals can do, consider that these renegade molecules strike and fracture every single one of your DNA molecules 10,000 times a day. About 9,900 of these breaks in the DNA strand are restored to normal by DNA repair enzymes. About 100, or 1 percent, escape the enzymes’ notice. This damage accumulates over time, setting the stage for atherosclerosis, cancer, and other degenerative diseases¹.

Certain foods can accelerate the disease process, while other foods can significantly improve health because food affects the body’s pH levels. Some foods create an acidic effect within the body, while others act as alkalizing agents that can neutralize harmful acids. To be healthy, it is necessary to be in a state of acid-alkaline balance². Over acidity of fluids due to diet³ in the body reduces the potent antioxidant function of water, thereby weakening all body systems. A healthy body maintains adequate alkaline reserves to meet emergency demands to neutralize excess acids. When excess acids must be neutralized, our alkaline reserves are depleted leaving the body in a weakened condition. To counteract the cellular problems caused by mild acidity, the body’s innate mechanism of self-regulation draws upon its alkalizing mineral stores of calcium, magnesium and potassium, within the musculoskeletal system. Consistent withdrawal of these alkalizing minerals due to excess acidity can lead to osteoporosis (a common bone disease that occurs from the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time), spinal degeneration, tooth decay, dry skin and nails, and rheumatism⁴. A pH-neutral diet is vital to the strength and maintenance of the musculoskeletal system.

Cellular problems also lead to premature aging of cells because the body’s organs become weakened from mineral withdrawal. In the brain, impaired mental acuity and memory problems can result, contributing to dementia and early Alzheimer’s disease.

Even mild acidity in your body can over time cause such problems as:

• Weakened immune system, increased stress, and higher blood pressure
• Gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating and gas
• Cardiovascular damage, including the constriction of blood vessels, clogged arteries, weakened veins, and the reduction of oxygen
• All forms of cancer
• Unwanted weight/fat gain and obesity
• Insulin disorders and diabetes
• Liver, bladder, and kidney conditions, including kidney- and gallstones
• Neurological diseases: MS, ALS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s
• Premature aging, frequent headaches, sinusitis, constipation, and hemorrhoids
• Osteoporosis, weak and brittle bones, hip fractures, bone spurs, and calcium deposits
• Osteoarthritis, joint pain, aching muscles, and lactic acid buildup
• Hormonal imbalances, prostate problems, and adult acne
• Low energy, chronic fatigue, and fibromyalgia

Is your body neutralized?

To be neutralized means your personal chemistry is in balance so that you are strong and healthy. You can check your personal chemistry by measuring the pH of your urine or saliva. pH strips are used to measure pH. By using pH test strips, you can determine your pH factor quickly and easily in the privacy of your own home. If your urinary pH is between 6.5 and 7.2 your body is functioning within a healthy range (it will be lower in the morning). If your saliva stays between 6.5 and 7.5 all day, your body is functioning within a healthy range. The best time to test your pH is about one hour before a meal (first thing in the morning) and two hours after a meal (before going to bed).

Urine pH: Urine testing indicates how well your body is excreting acids and assimilating minerals, especially calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. These minerals function as “buffers.” Buffers are substances that help maintain and balance the body against the introduction of too much acidity or too much alkalinity. Even with the proper amounts of buffers, acid or alkaline levels can become extreme. When the body ingests or produces too many of these acids or alkalis, it must excrete the excess. The urine is the perfect way for the body to remove any excess acids or alkaline substances that cannot be buffered. If your average urine pH is below 6.5, you are too acidic, and the body’s buffering system is overwhelmed. You need to neutralize and eat more alkalizing foods, such as leafy green vegetables, almonds, and lentils and by drinking lemon water and green tea.

Saliva pH: The results of saliva testing indicate the activity of digestive enzymes in the body. These enzymes are primarily manufactured by the stomach, liver, and pancreas. If your saliva pH is too high (> 7.5), you may experience excess gas, constipation, and the production of yeast, mold, and fungus. If the saliva pH is too low (below 6.5), the body may be producing too many acids or may be overwhelmed by acids because it has lost the ability to adequately remove them through the urine. While the saliva also utilizes buffers just like the urine, it relies on this process to a much lesser degree. Occasionally, some people will have acidic pH readings from both urine and saliva, a result known as “double acid.”

Where can you buy pH strips?

pH strips can be purchased at your local health food store, Whole Foods Market Stores, Sprouts Farmers Markets, or online at Amazon and www.ph-ion.com.

What to do if your pH is below 6.5?

Diet dramatically affects the acid-alkaline balance in your body. If your body is acidic, drink (preferably in the morning) a glass of room temperature lemon water. Squeeze the juice of half a fresh lemon (at room temperature) into 8 ounces of room temperature, filtered neutral water (pH=7). Only use fresh lemons, not reconstituted. Reconstituted lemon juice is made by adding water back into concentrated lemon juice. Because it’s a processed food, reconstituted lemon juice requires the flavor to be adjusted in order to main a uniform flavor, and preservatives to be added to maintain color and freshness. Fresh lemon water is extremely alkalizing. Eliminate all soda (diet or regular) and wheat (refined or whole) from your diet and reduce your daily consumption of refined sugars to 180 calories (12 teaspoons including baked goods, ketchup, and candy). Eat more vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Eat less saturated fats (meat), processed foods, and refined grains.

Once you have balanced your pH, continue to test your pH once or twice per week, preferably Monday and Friday, for maintenance. Once you have neutralized, you will feel more energetic, healthier, and stronger. We call this marriage between good nutrition and a neutralized pH nutralization™. The outcome of being “nutralized” is a strong immune system and balanced health. We use pH as a scientific tool to measure the success of this marriage, not as a basis for every recipe. We want you to eat real fresh whole foods, like leafy greens, avocados, oranges, almonds, and wild salmon; not dehydrated green food shakes and expensive vitamin and mineral supplements.

How does fresh lemon juice neutralize acidity in the body?

Fresh lemon juice contains highly stable, water soluble, and negatively-charged ions. Negative charges (electrons) attract positive charges (protons). Therefore, lemon juice provides the electrons to neutralize free radicals in our blood helping to prevent cell and tissue damage that could lead to cellular damage and disease. After it loses an electron, lemon juice doesn’t become a free radical because it is a highly stable antioxidant, with or without the electron. Lemon juice increases the potent antioxidant function of water in our body.

A great book by Annalise Roberts and Claudia Pillow that outlines ways to strengthen your immune system and neutralize inflammation is now available, The Gluten-Free Good Health Cookbook.