According to Donna Gates, Author of the Body Ecology Diet, a Candida expert, “The levels of sugar, oxygen, and carbon dioxide in the blood must all be stable, and the PH (the balance between acid and alkaline) of the bodily fluids including the blood, should be, 7.4, slightly alkaline.”

I was sitting with a client the other day and our topic was alkaline, watery, fiber rich, and whole foods. Although she was feeling great, after just 2 weeks of working together, we wanted to add more support for sustained healthy living.

So why is an Alkaline balance vital for health?

So what causes acidity? Standard American diet for sure but there are so many other causes such as: letting stress get to you, eating too much acid forming foods, constipation, exercise (if you aren’t doing proper breathing while exercising intensely), Candida overgrowth, SIBO (Small intestinal overgrowth, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), Leaky Gut, untreated diabetes, cancer, heart disease, too much sodium bicarbonate in the blood, asthma, too much alcohol, COPD, pneumonia, sleep apnea and more, can all lead to an acid/alkaline imbalance!

It’s all about balance isn’t it? That is a key principle of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian wisdom that has many key healing principles to offer. We have to eat right, sleep right, and deal with stress in ways that don’t overload us. SIMPLE, ha! Now I can tell you that eating 80 percent alkaline and 20 percent acidic is a helpful balance for healing, detoxing, and cleansing; however I don’t like rules. I resist rules; maybe you do too? Let’s just focus on more alkaline and using the concept of bio-individuality, that we are all unique beings and our bodies have different needs. Try your best to destress, relax, exercise, and eat right and be compassionate when you fall. We are all perfectly imperfect after all.

Alkalinity is Important for:

1. Reducing Inflammation: preventing the above named ailments and disease from occuring.

2. Improving Detoxification: The body’s natural detox processes, such as the function of the liver and kidneys, work more efficiently in an alkaline environment, helping to flush out toxins and waste.

3. Supports Bone Health: Chronic acidity can lead to the leaching of minerals like calcium from the bones, which can weaken bone structure over time. Keeping the body more alkaline helps preserve bone density and prevent conditions like osteoporosis.

4. Enhances Cellular Function: Cells perform better in a balanced pH environment, which is vital for energy production, nutrient absorption, and overall cell regeneration.

5. Boosts Immune System: An alkaline environment supports the immune system, making it easier for the body to fight off infections and disease.

6. Promotes Digestion: When the body is too acidic, it can lead to digestive issues such as acid reflux or bloating. An alkaline state can help improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

Maintaining an alkaline balance is largely influenced by diet and lifestyle, focusing on foods like fruits, vegetables, and plant-based foods, while reducing processed and acidic foods.

Check out this handout below to see levels of acidity and alkalinity in foods.