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What is pH and Why is it Important for Health?
Okay, so you might be wondering – what the heck is pH, and why is it so important for my health? Well, pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline something is. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral (like pure water), lower numbers being acidic (like lemon juice), and higher numbers being alkaline (like baking soda).
When it comes to your body, maintaining a balanced pH is key for optimal health. If your pH is too acidic, it can lead to inflammation, digestive issues, and other health problems. On the other hand, if your pH is too alkaline, it can also cause issues like muscle spasms and tingling sensations.
Luckily, you can help balance your pH through your diet. By consuming alkaline-promoting foods, you can help your body maintain a healthy acid-alkaline balance. Some examples of alkaline-promoting foods include leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
But keep in mind – it's not just about eating alkaline-promoting foods. You also want to avoid too many acidic foods, such as processed foods, sugar, and animal products, as these can throw off your pH balance.
A Quantum Perspective on pH Balance
While the concept of pH is typically explained in terms of acidity and alkalinity, quantum energetics offers another perspective on this topic. According to quantum physics, everything is made up of energy, and the pH of a substance is determined by the energy it contains. In this context, a low pH corresponds to a high energy state, while a high pH corresponds to a low energy state.
In the body, maintaining a balanced pH is essential for optimal health because it supports the proper functioning of the body's energy systems. When the pH balance is disrupted, it can lead to imbalances in the body's energy fields, which can cause physical and emotional symptoms. By consuming alkaline-promoting foods and avoiding acidic foods, you can help regulate your body's pH and support your overall energy balance.
pH is the Nutrient Gatekeeper
For any of you that are also into gardening, you may more about the importance of soil pH than you do that of our own bodies. As a recap, nutrients are often only available for plant cells to utilize when the pH of the soil is within a certain range. For example, roses thrive when soil conditions are acidic and iron can become locked up/not available for plants to utilize when the pH of the soil is too alkaline. Acting like a gatekeeper, the pH controls what nutrients are made available to cells. when the pH is not optimal, nutrients cannot enter cells to be utilized. Well, as you might have guessed, our own bodies rely on pH balance to keep all cells, tissues and organ systems running optimally.
What does that mean? We have healthy RBCs carrying sufficient oxygen supplies to tissues when diets are more plant-based/magnesium-based. This means tissues are oxygenated, energy is boosted and thinking becomes clearer. This also means that bones hold onto their precious mineral stores rather than feel pressured to give it up when blood pH becomes too acidic. More on that phenomenon later!
But the benefits of maintaining a healthy acid alkaline balance extend beyond just physical health. Energetically, an alkaline body promotes vitality, better digestion, and overall wellness. It's no wonder why many health experts consider the body’s pH balance as one of the essential components of optimal health! So, what are you waiting for?
What does it mean to eat an alkaline diet?
The standard American Diet is indeed SAD! Diets high in processed and fried foods, meats, dairy, eggs nuts, grains, and wheat are considered acidic foods. Over consumption of acidic beverages such as carbonated soda waters, sugar, alcohol, and coffee can also be problematic. When diets become too acidic, there is a trend towards increased inflammation in the body as well as extra pressure on the kidneys as they work harder to keep blood pH in range.
Eating an alkaline diet has been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved bone health, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and increased energy levels. But why is that?
Alkaline diets focus on eating plant-based foods which retain vital nutrients, protective antioxidants and active enzymes which naturally improve digestion. This includes fresh vegetables and fruits, lightly toasted nuts and seeds, lightly steamed vegetables, sprouts of grains and beans, fermented foods, freshly squeezed fruit juices and vegetable juices. These nutrients help to support your overall health and can reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to many chronic diseases.
In addition, an alkaline diet can help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis by increasing the amount of calcium that's absorbed by the bones. This is because acidic foods can cause the body to leach calcium from the bones to buffer the acidity, which can lead to weakened bones over time.
Food Choices Make or Break pH Balance
So, what are some examples of alkaline-promoting foods? Leafy greens like spinach and kale, fruits like berries and apples, and vegetables like broccoli and carrots are all great options. Nuts and seeds, such as almonds and pumpkin seeds, are also alkaline promoting.
On the other hand, acidic foods to limit or avoid include processed foods, sugar, alcohol, and animal products like meat and dairy.
Overall, an alkaline diet can offer a variety of health benefits and help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. But how can you make sure you're getting enough alkaline-promoting foods in your diet? That's where fermented greens come in – so keep reading to learn more!
What is Metabolic Acidosis and Why Should I Care?
Ever heard of metabolic acidosis? Well, it's a fancy way of saying that your body pH is too acidic. And guess what? It's not good for you. When we eat too many processed foods and don't get enough nutrients, our bodies can't keep up with all the acid we're consuming. And that's where fermented greens come in.
You see, our modern diets are deficient in important nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and fiber, but they're chock-full of saturated fats, simple sugars, and sodium. This sets the stage for metabolic acidosis, which can wreak havoc on our bones, organs, and even our ability to regulate blood sugar and blood pressure.
Studies have shown that even the slightest shift toward metabolic acidosis can lead to insulin resistance and systemic hypertension. And if that wasn't bad enough, an overly acidic diet combined with excess body weight, lack of exercise, and aging can lead to metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Yikes!
But it's not just our blood that's affected. When our bodies become too acidic, calcium and magnesium get pulled from our bones. This can lead to lower bone density and even osteoporosis. Plus, our kidneys – one of the most vital organ systems in our body – can become overwhelmed by all the acid, leading to kidney stones, kidney disease, and kidney failure.
So, what's the solution? Well, it's not about cutting out all acid-forming foods. We need a balance of acids and bases in our diet. And that's where fermented greens come in. They're packed with nutrients that can help us achieve pH balance and support our overall health. Plus, fermentation enhances the bioavailability of those nutrients, making them even more effective. So, add some fermented greens to your plate and let your body do the rest!
Fermentation Amplifies and Unlocks Nutrients from Plant Foods, but How?
One downside of consuming certain plant-based foods is that they may contain anti-nutrient compounds that can interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. This is where fermented greens can come in handy!
The fermentation process can help to break down anti-nutrient compounds, making it easier for your body to absorb the nutrients in the food. For example, fermenting cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower can reduce the levels of goitrogens, which can interfere with thyroid function and the absorption of iodine.
Fermentation not only helps to reduce anti-nutrient compounds but also enhances the bioavailability of nutrients in the food. This means that your body can more easily absorb and use the nutrients in the food. For example, fermenting leafy greens like kale and spinach can increase the levels of vitamin K2, which is important for bone health and can be difficult to obtain through diet alone. Fermentation can also increase the levels of other vitamins, such as B vitamins, and minerals, such as iron and zinc.
In addition, fermented foods are an excellent source of probiotics, live microorganisms that can boost the population of beneficial bacteria in your gut. Did you know that your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms? These tiny organisms play a crucial role in maintaining your overall health, especially your immune system and digestive health.
Organic acids found in fermented foods can also help to reduce inflammation and promote healthy digestion. Additionally, fermentation can enhance the bioavailability of gut-produced and gut-activated vitamins and compounds, including B vitamins and butyrate. So, if you're looking to improve your gut health, try adding some fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, or kefir to your diet. Your gut (and taste buds) will thank you!
A Quantum Look at Fermentation
In the context of quantum energetics, fermentation can be viewed as a process that amplifies and unlocks the energetic potential of plant foods. As plants grow, they absorb energy from the sun and the environment, which is stored in the form of nutrients and bioactive compounds.
However, these compounds may be bound up or inaccessible to the human body due to anti-nutrient factors. The fermentation process helps to unlock this energetic potential by breaking down these barriers and releasing the nutrients and energy contained within.
Furthermore, fermented foods are rich in probiotics, which can help to restore and balance the energetic field of the gut microbiome. These live microorganisms help to create a harmonious environment in the gut, which in turn supports overall energetic balance and well-being.
Additionally, the organic acids produced during fermentation have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to promote healthy digestion and energy flow throughout the body. By incorporating fermented foods into your diet, you can support the energetic balance of your body and enhance the availability of key nutrients and bioactive compounds.
Who shouldn't worry about pH balance?
If you're an athlete or someone who loves to exercise, this diet might not be for you. You need carbs for fuel and recovery, which might be tough if you're avoiding all those "acidic" grains. And if you're trying to build muscle, cutting back on protein from meat and dairy could hurt your performance. But hold up – dairy is actually a good source of calcium, even if it's "acidic". It's a balancing act between getting enough bone-building nutrients from plants, nuts, and seeds, in addition to the calcium that dairy provides.
People on alkaline diets who skip dairy only get about half the calcium they need every day, which is bad news for those at risk of osteoporosis. But don't worry – if you're supplementing with fermented greens or taking calcium-magnesium supplements (choose 1:1 or 1:2 ratio), you'll be just fine.
Fermented Greens - Practical and Potent Tools to Promote Health and Vitality
To sum it up – pH is important for your health, and you can help promote pH balance by eating a diet rich in alkaline-promoting foods and avoiding acidic foods more often than not. While eating fermented greens is a great way to promote a healthy pH balance, it's not always practical to consume large amounts of these foods every single day. That's where fermented greens supplements come in – they offer a convenient and potent way to get all the benefits of fermented greens in a daily dose!
Incorporating fermented greens into your diet is an easy and delicious way to support your body's pH balance and promote optimal health. Don’t believe me? Try out this recipe from QNL (Quantum Nutrition Labs on Instagram: “Nothing like a greens popsicle on a hot summer day ☀️" By consuming fermented greens, you are providing your gut with beneficial probiotics, organic acids, and gut-produced and gut-activated vitamins and compounds, which can lead to improved digestion, immunity, and overall vitality.
But don't just take our word for it. Whether you prefer to eat them in their whole form or enjoy them encapsulated in a convenient but potent powder, there are plenty of ways to incorporate these nutritious foods into your diet. By going alkaline, you can experience the energetic and vitalizing effects of pH balance on your body and mind. So, what are you waiting for? Take action and start nourishing your body with the power of fermented greens today!
What is pH?
pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline something is. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral (like pure water), lower numbers being acidic (like lemon juice), and higher numbers being alkaline (like baking soda).
What are some examples of alkaline-promoting foods?
Leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, and nuts are all great examples of alkaline-promoting foods.
How can I make sure I'm getting enough alkaline-promoting foods in my diet?
Adding fermented greens to your diet is a great way to get more alkaline-promoting foods. Additionally, focusing on eating a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, and nuts can help you maintain a healthy acid-alkaline balance.
What are the health benefits of eating an alkaline diet?
Eating an alkaline diet has been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved bone health, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and increased energy levels. An alkaline diet can also help reduce inflammation in the body.
Jenny Perez is an herbal educator, researcher, and writer who has been immersed in the field of nutrition and botanical medicine for more than 20 years. Jenny has created curriculum, content, and educational materials for Quantum Nutrition Labs, Premier Research Labs, the American Botanical Council, and Bastyr University’s Botanical Medicine Department where she was Adjunct Faculty, Herb Garden Manager, and Director of the Holistic Landscape Design certificate program.
