“The countless names of illnesses do not really matter. What does matter is that they all come from the same root cause…too much tissue acid waste in the body!” Theodore A. Baroody, N.D., D.C., Ph.D.

What is pH?

In simple terms pH measures acidity/alkalinity on a scale from 0 to 14. 0 is very acidic, 7 is neutral, 14 is very alkaline. Our body maintains our blood as slightly alkaline, about 7.4 on this scale. Even with the typical acid forming western diet, the blood will have the correct pH. If the pH of the blood goes outside 7.35 to 7.45 severe problems will develop.

Types of body fluid

There are various types of fluids in the body:
Intracellular fluid is found in all body cells and makes up about 66% of total body fluid.
Plasma is the fluid component of blood.
Interstitial fluid occupies the spaces surrounding your tissues.

So when we talk about getting the body pH correct we mean the pH of the fluids other than the blood. Most people have acidic body pH, which eventually leads to health problems.

The pH of our saliva is an indication of our overall body pH. The saliva should have a pH of just over 7.3; certainly if the saliva is acidic (pH less than 7) then the body has an acidity problem. pH test kits are available to test the saliva.

Below are some of the foods known to be acid forming or alkaline forming. Note, the pH of the food itself is not of much interest. What is important is the way the food affects body pH when digested. For example, lemons are acidic but have an alkaline forming affect when eaten.

Symptoms of an acidic body

If your body is acidic it will let you know. Common symptoms include: tiredness, leg cramps, insomnia, weight gain, weight loss, heartburn, allergies, skin disorders. If left unchecked, chronic disease will develop.

Water and body pH

Our body is 70% water, so the quality of our water intake has a dramatic effect on our body pH. Always drink pure water. Avoid soft drinks and alcohol.

Foods that make your body acidic

Meat, especially red meat.
Fish
Eggs.
Diary.
Wheat, rice.
Bread, pasta, pastries.
Legumes.
Most nuts.
Cranberries.
Blueberries.
Prunes.
Corn.
Coffee.
Alcohol.
Soft drinks.
Drugs.
Food chemicals.
Refined sugar.
Chocolate.

Foods that make your body alkaline

Lemons and limes.
Watermelon.
Grapefruit.
Papayas.
Green vegetables.
Carrot.
Beet.
Amaranth, millet, quinoa.
Sprouts.
Herbs.
Tomatoes.
Avacadoes.
Almonds.
Goat milk.
Raw honey.
Olive oil.
Flax seed oil.
Green tea.

Himalayan crystal salt

Himalayan crystal salt is great way to help the body back to an alkaline state. Read more here.

Barley grass

Barley grass juice and other green foods are great for helping the maintain an alkaline body pH. Make it fresh yourself or use a powdered product.

Weight loss

Many people struggle to lose weight even when they exercise a lot. Body pH may be the missing factor. An alkaline body pH will greatly assist weight loss.

Striking a balance

How can we achieve a lower body ph with a balanced diet? We don’t need to eat only alkaline forming foods, that would be an unbalanced diet. Choose a balanced diet with as many alkaline forming foods as possible. Check out the Mr Cabbage Head Diet .

References:

Baroody TA. Alkalize or Die. Holographic Health Inc. 1991.

Hay WH. A new health era.1933.

Young RO, Young SR. The pH Miracle: Balance Your Diet, Reclaim Your Health. Warner Books 2002.

The walnut tree can grow to 70 feet or more and may have a span as much as 4 feet round its trunk. The walnut tree has long leaves that can grow as long as two to three feet.

Walnuts are part of the mediterranean diet, well known for its health benefits.

Nutrients found in walnuts

Walnut are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. In fact 30g of walnuts provides the daily needs of omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts contain a lot of manganese and copper. Also found in smaller quantities are vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, phosphorus, selenium, potassium and zinc.

Walnut contains ellagic acid, an antioxidant compound that helps supports the immune system and contains several anticancer properties.

Walnuts for constipation

Walnut has a mild laxative effect, it is beneficial in cases of constipation.

Protect the heart

According to several studies, walnuts have amazing cardioprotective benefits. Research shows that polyphenolic compounds found in walnuts, ellagic and gallic acid, possessed significant antioxidant properties. Further study identifies 16 polyphenols with antioxidant activity so protective it is described as remarkable.

Research shows that inclusion of 30 g of walnuts per day in the diet significantly improves the HDL cholesterol to total cholesterol ratios in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Lower blood pressure

Researchers found that omega-3s from nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils such as walnuts and flaxseed had just as much impact on blood pressure as omega-3s from fish.

Walnuts contain relatively high levels of l-arginine, an essential amino acid, they may be of special importance when it comes to hypertension.

Think better with walnuts

The brain is more than 60% fat. For your brain cells to function properly, the brain fat needs to be mostly the omega-3 fats found in walnuts, flaxseed and cold-water fish. For this reason, walnuts are regarded as a brain food; they even have a wrinkled brain-like appearance.

Protect your bones with walnuts

Alpha linolenic acid, the omega-3 fat found in walnuts, promotes bone health by helping prevent excessive bone turnover by providing a lower ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats in the diet. (Griel et al. 2007)

Add walnuts to your lunch box

Why not have a few walnuts each day with a healthy sandwich for lunch? Walnuts are best eaten raw and unsalted.

References:

Blomhoff R, Carlsen MH, Andersen LF, Jacobs DR Jr. Health benefits of nuts: potential role of antioxidants. Br J Nutr. 2006 Nov;96 Suppl 2:S52-60. PMID:17125534.

Fukuda T, Ito H, Yoshida T. Antioxidative polyphenols from walnuts (Juglans regia L.). Phytochemistry. Aug;63(7):795-801 2003.

Griel AE, Kris-Etherton PM, Hilpert KF, Zhao G, West SG, Corwin RL. An increase in dietary n-3 fatty acids decreases a marker of bone resorption in humans. Nutr J. 2007 Jan 16;6:2. PMID:17227589.

Sabate, J. (1999). Nut consumption, vegetarian diets, ischemic heart disease risk, and all-cause mortality: Evidence from epidemiologic studies. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 70(3S), 500S-503S.

Sabate, J. (1993). Does nut consumption protect against ischaemic heart disease? European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 47(1), S71-S75.

Sabate, J., Fraser, G.E., Burke, K., Knutsen, S.F., Bennett, H., & Lindsted, K.D. 1993. Effects of walnuts on serum lipid levels and blood pressure in normal men. New England Journal of Medicine, 328(9), 603-607.

Tapsell LC, Gillen LG, Patch CS, Batterham M, Owen A, Baré M, Kennedy M. Including Walnuts in a Low-Fat/Modified-Fat Diet Improves HDL Cholesterol-to-Total Cholesterol Ratios in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2004.

You will note in the Mr Cabbage Head Diet that salt is not allowed. This refers to normal table salt which is just a chemical, sodium chloride. Eating this unnatural salt can contribute to fluid imbalance, cellulite, rheumatism, arthritis, gout, Kidney and gall bladder stones. Processed food often contains salt as well; this is another reason to avoid processed food.

What is Himalayan Crystal Salt?

Himalayan Crystal Salt comes from a time when the planet Earth was a pristine ecosystem. Millions of years ago, a primordial sea was evaporated by the sun, leaving absolutely pristine crystalline salt. Millions of years of pressure forced this salt into a crystalline form. This crystal salt is buried deep in the Himalayas. Himalayan Crystal Salt is 250 million years old and is probably the only source of all trace elements necessary for optimum human health.

In ancient times, Himalayan Crystal Salt was also called “king salt” because it was reserved for Royalty. The common citizens only got rock salt.

“Salt is born of the purest of parents: the sun and the sea.” Pythagoras (580 BC - 500 BC)

Benefits of Himalayan Crystal Salt

Himalayan Crystal Salt is a source of all the 84 elements found in the body.
Regulating the water content throughout the body.
Promoting a healthy pH balance in body cells, particularly brain cells.
Promoting blood sugar health.
Assisting in the generation of hydroelectric energy in cells.
Improves nutrient absorption through the intestinal tract.
Supporting respiratory health.
Promoting sinus health.
Prevention of muscle cramps.
Promoting bone strength.
Regulating sleep.
Supporting libido.
Promoting vascular health.
Regulation of blood pressure.

How much Himalayan Crystal Salt should we eat?

The easiest method is to prepare Sole, a saturated solution of Himalayan Crystal Salt. Put some Himalayan Crystal Salt crystals in a glass of pure water. Always have some undissolved crystals to give a saturated solution. Consume 5mL of this solution each morning with plenty of water.

So, instead of suppressing symptoms with drugs, why not give the body what it needs - all 84 elements needed for human health. Of course, we need more than these elements for sustenance.

References:

Hendel B., Ferreira P. Water and Salt, The Essence of Life. 2003

Agronomists place this ancient cereal grass as being cultivated as early as 7000 BC and was been eaten by Roman gladiators for strength and stamina.

Barley grass contains many of the vitamins, minerals and proteins necessary for the human diet. It contains 18 amino acids, beta-carotene, folic acid, vitamins E, B1, B2, B3 and B6, and B12. There are useful quantities of minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, phosphorus, manganese and zinc. Best of all, this goodness is easily absorbed since barley grass is a plant not a chemically derived supplement.

There are no known side effects attributed to barley grass; actually the side effects of barley grass are fantastic.

Barley grass benefits

The main appeal of barley grass is as a source of easily assimilated nutrients. Take barley grass 30 mnutes or more before a meal for maximum absorption.

Barley grass is a rich source of chlorophyll and live enzymes including the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD).

A Chinese study showed that barley grass was beneficial in lowering cholesterol levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Barley grass contain two kinds of fiber–some that dissolves in water (known as beta-glucan) and some that does not dissolve. Both types of barley fiber may help to lower cholesterol.

Barley grass’ high mineral content helps alkalinize the body and promotes an ideal pH, it contains the buffer minerals sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium which help the body manage its pH. Buffer minerals neutralize acidic materials and can help people maintain a healthy balance between acidity and alkalinity. Our cells cannot adequately function if the pH is not in a narrow range. Most processed foods along with red meat, coffee and pretty much everything in the typical American diet acidify the pH of the body. Barley grass can help rectify this situation, but obviously overall diet is very important.

Research has shown that when barley grass juice is added to injured cells, the cells’ DNA repairs itself rapidly. This may contribute to preventing the changes that often lead to cancer and rapid aging.

There are un-substantiated claims that barley grass is effective for the following conditions: skin diseases, hepatitis, asthma, anemia, diabetes, arthritis, obesity and even cancer.

Sources of barley grass

Barley grass can be made fresh, but for most people it is convenient to purchase barley grass powder. No doubt the quality of commercial barley grass will vary. Mr Cabbage Head does not recommend specifc products, but suggests avoiding those products where the grass is simply cut, dried and powered. Those products where the barley grass is juiced, cooled and evaporated in an oxygen free environment would be worth investigation.

References:

Hagiwara Y. Green Barley Essence. Keats Publishing Inc 1985.

Kanauchi O, Iwanaga T, Mitsuyama K. 2001. Germinated barley foodstuff feeding. A novel neutraceutical therapeutic strategy for ulcerative colitis. Digestion. 2001; 63 Suppl 1: 60-7.

Seibold, R. Cereal Grass, Nature’s Greatest Health Gift. New Canaan.Keats Publishing Inc 1991.

YuYM, Chang WC, Chang CT, Hseih CL, Tsai CE. Effects of young barley leaf extract and antioxidative vitamins on LDL oxidation and free radical scavenging activities in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Metabolism. 2002;28(2):107-114.

Studies have shown that moderate exercise combined with a Mediterranean diet, can increase life expectancy.  A Mediterranean diet is high in fish, nuts, olive oil, raw fruits, raw vegetables, and low in red meat.  A recent study showed that individuals aged 70 to 90 years eating a Mediterranean-like diet, who were non-smokers, moderately consumed alcohol, and engaged in physical activity had more than a 50% lower risk of death.   In another study based on surveys over one year with a five year follow up study, men and women aged 50 to 71 on a Mediterranean diet were 21 percent less likely to die over five years.

There are many countries that border the Mediterranean Sea, and the diet of these countries will vary.  Here are the key elements of a Mediterranean diet:

• Minimal intake of red meat with no consumption of bacon, sausage or other high fat meats.
• Regular consumption of fish. Fish is high in Omega 3 fatty acids.
• Bread is eaten without butter or margarine. No breads from white, heavily refined flour.
• Modest fat intake, but only good fats from sources such as olive oil and nuts. Olive oil does not increase cholesterol like saturated fats.
• Generous amounts of fruits and vegetables, around 10 servings a day.
• Small amounts of diary food. Goat cheese is used which is high in calcium.
• No more than four eggs a week.
• Red wine in moderation. Red wine is known to have strong antioxidant properties, however, if you don’t drink alcohol, you don’t need to start now.

The Mediterranean diet is a good balance of protein, fat and carbohydrates with plenty of fibre. Don’t starve yourself on a low fat or low carbohydrate diet.  Here are some the possible benefits of the Mediterranean diet:

• Reduced risk of heart disease.
• Reduced risk of cancer.
• Protection from diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
• Relief from rheumatoid arthritis.
• Lower cholesterol  and blood pressure.
• Assistance with weight management.

The Mediterranean diet might be the delicious, healthy diet you are seeking. Don’t forget to exercise.

References:

Harriss L.R.,English D.R., Powles J., et al. Dietary Patterns and cardiovascular mortality in the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study. American Journal Clinical Nutrition. 86:221-9 (2007)

Knoops KT, de Groot LC, Kromhout D, Perrin AE, Moreiras-Varela O, Menotti A, van Staveren WA. Mediterranean diet, lifestyle factors, and 10-year mortality in elderly European men and women: the HALE project. JAMA. 2004 Sep 22;292(12)1433-9.

Mayo Clinic. Mediterranean diet for heart health.  June 21, 2006.

Panagiota N. Mitrou, Victor Kipnis, Anne C. M. Thiébaut, Jill Reedy, Amy F. Subar, Elisabet Wirfält,  Andrew Flood, Traci Mouw, Albert R. Hollenbeck, Michael F. Leitzmann, Arthur Schatzkin.  Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and Prediction of All-Cause Mortality in a US Population. Archives of Internal Medecine. 2007;167(22):2461-2468.

Simini, Bruno . Serge Renaud: from French paradox to Cretan miracle. The Lancet 355:9197:48 (1 January 2000).

A recent study involving 1,179 healthy women from rural Nebraska indicates that high levels of vitamin D combined with calcium may help in the fight against cancer.  One group of women was given calcium (around 1500 mg daily) and vitamin D (1100 IU daily) while another group was given a placebo.  Over four years, the group receiving the calcium and vitamin D supplements showed a 60 percent decrease in cancers.

The amounts of vitamin D taken are several times the recommended levels.  The cancer industry opposes these high levels of supplementation.  You would almost think they wanted people to get cancer. Calcium and vitamin D are low cost supplements.  Sunlight exposure also produces vitamin D; we make our own vitamin D when our skin is exposed to sunlight.  Sunscreen prevents the body from making vitamin D; a SPF 8 sunscreen reduces the body’s ability to make vitamin D by 95%.  Of course we don’t want to get sunburn. It is suggested that long walks in the sun without sunburn are possible if your diet is high in anti-oxidant super foods and fresh produce.  Try eating more sprouted seeds, avocado, spirulina, nuts, fresh fruit and vegetables. Increase your sun exposure slowly to avoid sunburn.

It is interesting that dark skin pigmentation blocks ultraviolet radiation.  This means that black people need more sun exposure to make useful amounts of vitamin D.  Perhaps it is no coincidence that black men show high levels of prostrate cancer and black women show extremely high rates of breast cancer.  Surely these simple facts are well known by the medical industry?  The idea that you can greatly reduce your risk of getting cancer simply by walking in the sun, must be a big worry to the cancer industry.

In the body, vitamin D is converted into a steroid hormone, and genes responding to it play a crucial role in fixing damaged cells and maintaining good cell health.  “There is no better anti-cancer agent than activated vitamin D. I mean, it does everything you’d want,” said Dr. Cannell of the Vitamin D Council, a non-profit, California-based organization.

How much sunlight is needed to produce adequate levels of vitamin D?  Only 10 to 15 minutes a day of full body exposure without sunscreen can be enough, but the actual amount needed depends on skin colour and location.  Latitude is the main factor, the further the location from the equator, the longer the necessary exposure time.  Those who receive no regular sunlight exposure must obtain vitamin D from food or supplements.  Multivitamins typically do not have enough and it is impractical to drink three litres of milk a day. A daily supplement of 1000 IU of vitamin D is recommended by many health professionals.

References:

Holick, Michael Dr.  The UV Advantage.
Moritz, Andreas. Heal Yourself with Sunlight. 2003

During the Incan empire, maca was cultivated for use as both a nutritious food, and for its enhancement of energy and sexual function. Maca has been used for thousands of years to relieve menopausal symptoms and increase energy, libido, stamina, and mental clarity. Traditional consumers of maca have a saying: “Maca is Life, Maca is Health”.

Maca (Lepidium Meyenii) is a plant that grows at high altitudes in the Peruvian Andes where the soil is very rich in minerals. Maca has been consumed for thousands of years by the indigineous population of the Peruvian highlands. The Incan warriors consumed maca before battle for increased stamina. Studies show that consumption of maca can increase libido in both men and women. It is no wonder it is often known as “Peruvian Gingseng” and “Peruvian Viagra”.

The Spaniards discovered Maca during their conquest of South America. The high altitudes were playing havoc with the fertility of their animals. At the suggestion of the locals, the Spaniards fed maca to their livestock. The results were dramatic; in fact the Spaniards began collecting taxes in maca as well as gold. Maca was shipped back to Spain where it was well known for its potency increasing qualities.

Maca should be regarded as a food rather than a medicine. Maca works as an adaptogen, acting through the hypothalamus and pituitary, balancing hormone production according to the specific needs of the individual. Through optimizing the functioning of the hypothalamus and pituitary master glands it also balances and optimizes the functioning of the adrenal glands, the thyroid and the pancreas.

Maca only grows in mineral rich soils making maca an important dietary source of many minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and silica with traces of many other minerals. The 250 mg of calcium per 100g of maca makes maca a very rich source of this vital nutrient. Maca is used in Peru to treat and prevent osteoporosis. Maca also contains over 55 naturally occurring, beneficial phyto-chemicals. The vitamins B1, B2 and C are found in maca in significant quantities.

“Nine years after Medicine Hunter Chris Kilham took an exploratory trek to the Peruvian highlands, a treasured traditional super-food called Maca has entered the U.S. consumer mass market. Today, Wal-Mart has placed Medicine Hunter Maca Stimulant(R) on the shelves of 3480 stores, coast-to-coast.” PR Newswire, May 14, 2007.

“This product opens a new chapter in healthful rapid action energy stimulation,” explains ethnobotanist Kilham, who is Explorer in Residence at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. “Maca is one of the greatest super-foods of all time”.

Maca has no known side effects; the Peruvians have eaten maca for five thousand years. Maca is eaten as a staple food, so you can eat as much as needed. Start with 1 teaspoon a day. Maca is a great addition to your smoothie.

References:

Kilham, Chris. Maca: secret of the Incas. Better Nutrition, Sept, 1999.

Peruvian Maca. Healthy & Natural Journal. December 1, 2000

Gonzales GF, Cordova A, Gonzales C, Chung A, Vega K, Villena A. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improved semen parameters in adult men. Asian Journal of Andrology. 2001 Dec;3(4):301-3.

Gonzales GF. (2004) Of Maca and Men: Peru. In: Sharing Innovative Experiences Vol. 9: Development of Pharmaceutical Products from Medicinal Plants in the Developing World. UNDP/TCDC, TWNSO and TWAS: Trieste, Italy. 2004.

Gonzales, G. F., Gasco, M., Córdova, A., Chung, A., Rubio, J., Villegas, L. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on spermatogenesis in male rats acutely exposed to high altitude (4340 m). Journal of Endocrinology, 2004 (Vol. 180) (No. 1) 87-95

Wright, Tim. Move over Viagra: an overview of the latest on sexual function nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals World, June 1, 2002