Foods That Help Raise pH Levels in the Body

Proper pH levels are essential to good health. If our blood is too alkaline or too acidic, it can trigger defense mechanisms that may compensate for the problem, but could potentially cause other, more harmful problems. We can protect ourselves and prevent these problems, or possibly turn them around by eating foods with the proper pH.

When our blood pH is too low, acidosis occurs. This is associated with fatigue and is commonly found in those suffering from chronic diseases including cancer. Here are some foods that can help raise your pH level and restore good health.

These foods are only slightly alkaline, and can be used when your pH is only slightly low:

* Peas
* Watermelons
* Apples
* Blueberries
* Pears
* Grapes
* Onions
* Bananas
* Raspberries
* Peaches
* Tomatoes
* Oranges
* Lemons
* Apricots
* Grapefruits
* Potatoes (sweet or white)
* Strawberries
* Tangerines

These are foods With Medium Alkalinity:

* Cherries
* Limes
* Green Beans
* Dried Dates
* Raisins
* Avocado
* Pineapple
* Cauliflower
* Mushrooms
* Rutabagas
* Radishes
* Cucumbers
* Green Soy Beans
* Brussels Sprouts
* Beets

These foods have the highest alkalinity you can find in natural food sources. They can be helpful if your pH level is extremely low. If it’s not very low, consider trying some of the lower alkaline foods first.

* Broccoli
* Cabbage
* Rhubarb
* Lima Beans
* Lettuce
* Sauerkraut
* Watercress
* Chard
* Dried Beans
* Carrots
* Dried Figs
* Celery
* Molasses
* Beet Greens
* Raw Spinach

Consuming foods that help raise pH levels can be beneficial to those with low energy levels. They can also help patients with a variety of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, gall stones, and more. Most diseases, including those mentioned, are dependent on an acidic, low oxygen environment for survival.

If you are suffering from alkalosis, the foods mentioned in the above lists are best avoided by you until your pH is restored to normal levels. There are plenty of other healthy foods that you can eat that will help lower your pH.

It is best to consult your doctor for initial pH level testing. He or she may give you a blood test called an electrolyte panel, which will tell them, among other things, the pH level of your blood. Once they have determined where your pH levels stand, you can use litmus paper to test your levels at home. The reason an official test is important in the beginning is because home pH tests are not always as accurate. However, if used properly, they can give you a general idea of which direction your pH levels are moving.

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15 Pounds Lost Using “Fit Over 40″

After turning 40 I began gaining weight and feeling lethargic as my energy plummeted. That is until I tried Fit Over 40 … I’ve lost 15 pounds and feel better than I have in years!

Fit Over 40 is a complete package. It teaches you how to maintain a healthy body as you age. It is filled with success stories that will have you feeling like you CAN accomplish losing weight and feel GOOD about yourself.

Many of us that are over the age of 40 think … “Well, I AM getting old and this is what happens when you get old”.

Unfortunately, most people don’t realize it does not have to be that way. Gaining weight, losing mobility, having little or no energy or motivation is not the way it “is” because you’ve aged another year.

Shortly after beginning this program, I actually look forward to growing old. I feel great and I’m sure you’ll agree once you give Fit Over 40 a try.

There is no better way to change your life than by having the help of someone who has been there. That is why this program is great…and why it works. It gives you the mentality “They did it and SO CAN I.” Reading all of the success stories will have you feeling like the sky is the limit.

Fit Over 40 teaches you …

How easy it is to turn body fat into muscle
How to tone your body without hours at the gym
How to speed up your metabolism
How to identify and use your core values to get and stay motivated
How to tell the difference between good and bad carbs
And more …

The program teaches that you can lose body fat without killing yourself in the process. As you lose weight and tone your body you’ll feel better about yourself.

It will help your immune system fight off illness and keep your blood pressure and heart rate down.

Of course the side effect is that you’ll have more energy and sleep better which leads to feeling younger and therefore acting younger!

You’ll be happy and feel refreshed every morning when you wake up, especially when those old aches and pains don’t accompany getting out of bed each morning.

You’ll also find motivation with this program to get healthy and stay that way. It can be difficult to stay on track by yourself so this program offers you that extra push to get going and stay that way. Overall, you’ll learn to live a healthier lifestyle which means losing weight, being toned, and most importantly feeling good from the inside out.

Get Fit Over 40 and begin following the program now.

I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s the best program out there to help us that are over 40, feel younger and be more active than we’ve been in years!

By Guest Writer Janice Bass

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3 Motivational Tips

Motivating Yourself While Dieting

It’s important to support yourself on your weight loss journey. The more motivated you are the faster and easier you’ll be pushed forward towards your health and weight loss goals.

3 Weight Loss Motivational Tips

Motivational Tip #1 Keep a Journal
Write down your successes as well as your failures. When you’re feeling down, READ IT. Your previous successes will assure you that you can succeed. Your failures can teach you about overcoming obstacles.

Write down what you eat. (If you choose you can even write down the times and how you feel while you’re eating – this helps to overcome emotional eating.) By writing down what you eat, you’ll notice patterns, and know what foods help you to lose weight.

Motivational Tip #2 Closed Door Reminder
Hang up the bathing suit you want to wear this summer; Or that slinky black dress that you want to wear for that special occasion; Or buy an outfit one or two sizes smaller then you currently wear …
Hang your motivation where you will see it each and every time that you open your closed. When you see the item of clothing – visualize yourself wearing it in the near future as you tell yourself “I look great in this outfit.”

Motivational Tip #3 Read Success Stories
There are a ton of success stories out there! Get busy finding them and reading them – especially when you’re feeling down. Know that other people have been where you are now and they have succeeded. If they can do it – so can you!!!

You may want to join an online forum. Here you can read about other people’s successes and struggles as you make new friends that are on their own weight loss journey.

Most of all DON’T GIVE UP!!! Remember persistence is the key to reaching any goal that you set for yourself.

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Six Benefits of Green Tea

Eastern cultures have used green tea for over 4.000 years; however it has only recently been recognized for its medicinal properties in western culture. There are many health benefits that green tea can provide!

Six Benefits of Green Tea

Benefit #1. Protect Your Smile

Bacteria fighting agents that kill and help stop plaque production are found in green tea. Cleaner, healthier gums and teeth result from having less plaque. It also kills the bacteria that causes bad breath.

Benefit #2. Prevent Cancer

EGCG is a powerful antioxidant that is found in many teas; however green tea contains a much larger concentration. Chemicals that are naturally produced in the body and can cause cancer and other health problems are combated by antioxidants. Studies have shown one substance in green tea can actually slow the growth of cancer cells. Green tea has shown that it may reduce the risk of cancer up to 60 percent, although research has not yet been done on every type of cancer. The reoccurrence of certain cancers may also be reduced by green tea.

Benefit #3. Have a Healthier Heart

The EGCG in green tea has also been shown to lower total cholesterol levels. More specifically, it lowered “bad” cholesterol more than “good” cholesterol. EGCG also prevents heart attacks and strokes by inhibiting the production of blood clots. Green tea also lowers the levels of stress hormones which makes you more relaxed. Being stressed out can cause damage to your entire body, especially your heart. Drinking green tea can keep your heart beating stronger for a lot longer!

Benefit #4. Boost Your Immune System

Green tea fights diseases in your body, not just bacteria in your mouth. It contains an amino acid that helps fight bacteria which improves the immune response in your body. If you drink green tea regularly, you may find yourself getting sick more infrequently.

Benefit #5. Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis

Not only will you reap the benefits of easing the symptoms of this painful disease, however drinking green tea has been shown to prevent you from ever getting it. In China, where green tea is regularly consumed by many people, there is a much lower incidence of rheumatoid arthritis.

Benefit #6. Lose Weight

Consuming a lot of carbohydrates causes your body to produce a lot of insulin, which leaves you tired and craving more food. Green tea has been shown to keep blood sugar lower which causes the body to not produce as much insulin. This in turn, can help you eat less which can cause you to lose weight. Studies have also shown that green tea can speed up how fast your body metabolizes certain foods. The faster your metabolism, the faster you slim down.

Even with all of these great benefits, you should realize that drinking green tea every once in a while is most likely not going to make a big difference in your weight. Many studies which produced these results had participants drinking up to 10 glasses of green tea per day. While the best option is the real thing, some people just can’t drink enough green tea. If this is you, keep in mind there are supplements available that are green tea based.

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10 Changes To Your Diet – Instantly Make it 90% Better

By: Jayson Hunter RD, CSCS
MealPlans101.com

Most individuals do not eat like they are supposed to. Out of those individuals 95% of them don’t realize that by making 10 simple changes to their eating lifestyle they can improve their diet by 90% along with improving their health and overall well-being.

Apply these changes to your diet today and you too will be experiencing an increased benefit to your health, probable weight loss, a leaner body, and likely improvements to your blood profile. This all equals a longer healthier life.

Now let’s get started so you can benefit from these …
10 Simple Changes that Everyone Can Make Immediately.

1. Hydration: Is there a difference
Consume Green Tea or Water instead of calorie filled drinks such as soft drinks. Green Tea has many health benefits and is a powerful antioxidant. You should be drinking 1ml of non-caffeinated fluid for every calorie that you consume. This works out between (8-12) 8oz glasses of Green Tea or Water a day.

2. Benefits of Fiber
Recommend consuming 25-35 grams of fiber per day. Since the average diet contains only 14 grams we could all use more fiber. Fiber will help satisfy hunger pangs as well as control insulin and blood sugar levels which tend to promote fat storage when they are elevated. By simply eating at least 1 serving of fruit and vegetables at every meal should get you to the goal of 25-35 grams of fiber per day.

3. The Importance of Protein
Eat lean protein sources which include; lean beef, chicken breasts, turkey breasts, salmon, low-fat cottage cheese and other low-fat dairy products, and whey protein powders, at every meal. This will also help control insulin levels and satisfy hunger pangs which tend to promote fat storage. You will find yourself naturally eating less food throughout the day if you eat some type of lean protein at every meal.

4. Frequent Meals: Why?
Eat 4-6 small meals day a day instead of the usual 2-3 large meals. Eating frequently will help regulate and boost your metabolism to burn more calories. By also including your protein and vegetables at these meals you will tend to eat less overall thereby reducing your calorie intake.

5. What are Whole Foods?
Consume whole foods that are high in fiber and low in sugar such as lean protein (lean beef, chicken, fish, and whey protein), fruits & vegetables (oranges, apples, strawberries, blueberries, broccoli, peppers, asparagus, carrots, nuts (almonds, cashews, & walnuts), and whole grains.
Try to minimize processed foods that come in a box or a bag. Instead choose whole grain choices such as whole wheat foods, oatmeals, and vegetables.

6. Healthy Fats: Yes, there are healthy fats
Consume adequate amounts of healthy fat foods such as olive oil, walnuts, almonds, or other Omega-3 products. Healthy fats are great antioxidants as well as help with brain function and many other essentials processes that take place in the body on a daily basis. Essential Fatty acids also help prevent certain diseases.

7. Superfoods
Include what I call “Superfoods” into your meal plan on a daily basis. These include but not entirely lean meat, salmon, low fat plain yogurt, tomatoes, spinach, mixed berries, whole oats, mixed nuts, olive oil, flax seeds(or flax meal), green tea, and various beans. These are just some of the “Superfoods” you should be incorporating into your daily meal plans.

8. Fat
Keep total fat intake under 30% for the day. This can be accomplished by not adding too many extra fats such as butter, sour cream, mayonnaise, etc. This doesn’t mean you have to completely eliminate these items, but do not eat them as a regular food item every day.

9. Food Log: Yes, this is the most important step
Record what you eat and drink. You will be amazed at what you consume and not even realize you did it until you right it down and reflect back on the day. Keeping a food log is critical to your success because if modifications need to be made you need something to be able to evaluate and analyze. If changes aren’t happening like you had hoped the answer can usually be found in your food and or exercise journal.

10. Food Labels
Review food labels. Avoid foods packed with excess sugar, calories, or foods that contain any trans-fats. You should be looking for more natural foods and not overly-processed foods. Ingredients to look for and avoid or minimize if they are one of the top ingredients listed in the ingredients list: Sugar, High Fructose Corn Syrup and Hydrogenated or Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil.

If you see these ingredients listed at the top then that means the product is made up of that ingredient as it’s largest source.

Now I don’t expect you to make every change in one day. What I do expect is that if you are serious about living a better life and a healthier life then you need to make these changes over the next 4 weeks. The best way to accomplish this task is to map out your plan. Create meal plans and have a plan of attack in place in regards to what you are eating and when.

You will start to see just how easy it is to live a healthier life and achieve the goals that you desire.

About the Author – Jayson Hunter, RD, CSCS, is a registered dietitian and fitness professional with more than 10 years of experience. He has worked with 1000’s of individuals in achieving their ideal body and has been published in numerous magazines. He is also co-creator of Meal Plans 101 nutrition software. For more information on how you can utilize Jayson’s expertise go to MealPlans101.com

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Foods That Help Raise pH Levels in the Body