“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.

So, is soy good for you? Soy has become very popular and has been pushed as a health food. We are lead to believe that it is a major component of the Asian diet, but this is not true. In Asian countries, soy is used more as a condiment and only in quantity after fermentation which reduces the danger. Soy was initially grown as a nitrogen fixer in crop rotation and not used as a food.

In 1913, soy was listed in the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) handbook as an industrial product – not as a food.

Let’s look at some of the reasons why soy is bad for your health.

Phytic acid in soy

Soy contains high levels of phytic acid, which is not neutralized by the usual preparation methods. High levels of phytic acid in soy reduce assimilation of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. Vegetarians who consume soy as a major source of protein risk serious mineral deficiencies.

Haemagglutinin

The haemagglutinin in soy is a clot-promoting substance that causes red blood cells to clump together.

Vitamin D

Soy foods increase the body’s need for vitamin D. This is serious given that many people are already vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D is need by the body to fight cancer.

Vitamin B12

Soy contains vitamin B12 analogs. These are not absorbed and can actually increase the body’s need for vitamin B12. This is especially a problem for vegetarians who need to be more diligent in obtaining vitamin B12.

Trypsin inhibitors in soy

The trypsin inhibitors in soy interfere with protein digestion and may cause pancreatic disorders. Animal based tests with soy containing trypsin inhibitors showed stunted growth.

Aluminium

Soy foods may contain high levels of aluminium which is toxic to both the nervous system and kidneys.

Accelerated brain aging

A study by Dr White of Japanese Americans living in Hawaii, showed a significant statistical relationship between two or more servings of tofu a week and “accelerated brain aging”. Those participants who consumed tofu in mid-life had lower cognitive function in late life and a greater incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Phytoestrogens

The phytoestrogens in soy can disrupt endocrine function and have the potential to cause infertility and breast cancer in women.

Infants fed exclusively soy-based formula have up to 22,000 times more estrogen compounds in their blood than babies fed milk-based formula. This is the equivalent of at least five birth control pills per day. Premature development of girls has been linked to the use of soy formula, as has the under development of males.

Soy and cancer

The soy industry pushes soy as a cancer preventing food. On the contrary, soy contains toxins such as lysinoalanine and nitrosamines. Nitrosamines are highly carcinogenic. Laboratory rats fed soy develop thyroid cancer, pancreatic cancer and digestive cancers. Note that cancer preventing compounds are found only in fermented soy not in tofu, soy milk and other soy products.

References:

Alarcon P. et. al. Clinical trial of home available, mixed diets versus a lactose-free soy-protein formula for the dietary management of acute childhood diarrhea. Journal of Pediatric and Gastroenterol Nutrition. v.12 (2), Feb 1991.

Berk Z. Technology of production of edible flours and protein products from soybeans. FAO Agricultural Services Bulletin 97, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations 1992.

Chandra R K. Five-year follow-up of high risk infants with family history of allergy who were extensively breast-fed or fed partial whey hydrolase, soy and conventional cow’s milk formulas. Journal of Pediatric and Gastroenterol Nutrition. 1997.

Jensen K. Chemical substances harmful for the endocrine system. Report to the European Parliament, July 23, 1998.

Katz S H. Food and Biocultural Evolution: A Model for the Investigation of Modern Nutritional Problems. Nutritional Anthropology, Alan R. Liss Inc., 1987.

Lonnerdal B. et. al. The effect of individual components of soy formula and cows’ milk formula on zinc bioavailability American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Nov 1984.

Palmer G. The Politics of Breastfeeding. Pandora Press, London, 1993.

Setchell K D R. Simmer-Nechemias L, Cai J, Helibi J E. Exposure of infants to phyto-oestrogens from soy-based infant formula. Lancet 1997.

White, L. Association of High Midlife Tofu Consumption with Accelerated Brain Aging. Plenary Session #8: Cognitive Function, The Third International Soy Symposium, November 1999.

Diets based on cabbage have been promoted for years. Let’s look at the humble cabbage.

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable along with kale, broccoli, and brussel sprouts. Cabbage was grown by the Ancient Greeks and Romans who held it in high regard as a general tonic capable of treating many health conditions.

Nutrients found in cabbage

Cabbage contains high levels of vitamin C and vitamin K. There are useful amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, folate, manganese, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Cabbage provides these nutrients with few calories and at a low cost, hence its popularity in diets.

Cabbage reduces cancer risk

There are many studies that show positive results in the prevention and cure of cancer when eating cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables. The cancer-fighting properties of cabbage are thought to result from the high levels of active phytochemicals.

University of Leicester researchers found that a naturally occurring compound (indole-3-carbinol) in green leafy vegetables such as brussel sprouts and cabbage could be a powerful cancer fighter when used in combination with chemotherapy drugs.

Swedish researchers found that eating plenty of cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and broccoli may offer protection against cancer of the pancreas.

A Polish study found the lowest rate of breast cancer among women who consumed high amounts of raw or lightly cooked cabbage during adolescence. However, even if cabbage was not consumed in significant quantities during adolescence, adding cabbage to the diet during adulthood also provided significant benefit. Another study in China found that women consuming high levels of cabbage had a 45% lower risk of breast cancer.

A study in Seattle showed that men consuming 3 or more servings of cruciferous vegetables each week had a 44% lower prostate cancer risk.

Cabbage and Alzheimer’s Disease

Research shows that antioxidant polyphenols abundant in red cabbage, can protect brain cells against the damage caused by amyloid-beta protein which is accumulated in people with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Cabbage and peptic ulcers

Studies show that raw cabbage juice is very effective in the treatment of peptic ulcers. In one study, peptic ulcers were totally healed after 10 days of consuming 1 litre of raw cabbage juice daily.

Cabbage and the thyroid

Cabbage contains goitrogens which can interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland. The risk is not clear, but Individuals with thyroid problems may want to avoid the consumption of cabbage.

Cooking cabbage

Wash and cut with a stainless steel knife immediately before cooking. Cabbage should only be lightly steamed or sautéed for a maximum of 5 minutes. Many of the benefits of cabbage are only found if the cabbage is eaten raw or after light cooking.

References:

Beliveau R, Gingras D, Stojanac M. Foods that fight cancer. Allen & Unwin. 2006.

Cheney G. Rapid healing of peptic ulcers in patients receiving fresh cabbage juice. Cal Med 70 (1949):10-14 1949.

Cohen JH, et al. Fruit and vegetable intakes and prostate cancer risk. Journal National Cancer Institute. 2000

Heo HJ, Chang YL. Phenolic phytochemicals in cabbage inhibit amyloid beta protein-induced neurotoxcicity. Food Science and Technology 2006 May;39(4)

Murray M, Pizzorno J. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. 2nd Revised Ed. Prima Publishing 1997.

Verhoeven DT et al. Epidemiological studies on brassica vegetables and cancer risk 1996.

Stoewsand GS. Bioactive organosulfur phytochemicals in Brassica oleracea vegetables– a review. Food Chem Toxicol 1995 Jun;33(6)

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.

The aloe vera plant has long, spiked leaves, which are thick-skinned and contain a clear gel-like substance. It is used today in cosmetics, skin creams, burn gels and sun screen creams. The juice of the aloe vera plant may be consumed internally and is rich in vitamins, minerals and enzymes.

Used in Japan for years, spirulina is a microalgae grown in alkaline, warm-water lakes. Spirulina’s green colour is due to its chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll acts as an antioxidant and may have medicinal benefits against cancer. Spirulina is also rich in phycocyanin, a pigment with anti-cancer properties.

Studies show the anti-cancer properties of spirulina.

Beta carotene is one of the most effective substances for deactivating free radicals, which damage cells, leading to cancer. Spirulina is the richest beta carotene food known, having over ten times more beta carotene than any other food, including carrots. Studies show that vitamin A and beta carotene inhibit the development of various cancers and tumors. Beta carotene (and not the preformed Vitamin A from animal sources) correlated with lower cancer rates.

A 1987 Israeli study demonstrated natural beta carotene is more effective than synthetic beta carotene. Natural beta carotene is better assimilated by the body because it contains the 9-cis carotenoid isomer which is lacking in synthetic carotene molecules. This means that beta carotene in algae and vegetables has a greater antioxidant power than synthetic beta carotene.

An Indian study found that spirulina inhibits the growth of oral tumors: “We evaluated the chemopreventive activity of Spirulina fusiformis (SF) (1 g/day for 12 mos) in reversing oral leukoplakia in pan tobacco chewers in Kerala, India. Complete regression of lesions was observed in 20 of 44 (45%) of subjects supplemented with SF, as opposed to 3 of 43 (7%) in the placebo arm.”

The Harvard University School of Dental Medicine reduced oral cancer cells with spirulina extracts. A beta carotene solution applied to cancerous tumours in mouths of hamsters reduced the number and size of tumours or caused them to disappear. When a beta carotene extract was fed to 20 hamsters pre-treated to develop mouth cancer, none developed the disease. Tissue samples contained an immune stimulating substance believed to have destroyed cancer cells before they could multiply.

Spirulina as a supplement

A traditional food source in parts of Africa and Mexico, spirulina is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and protein, GLA (essential fatty acid) and one of the few vegetable sources of vitamin B12. AS well as its potential anti-cancer properties, spirulina is a good supplement with many benefits.

References:

Amotz, B.A. Presentation to Polysaccharides from microalgae workshop. Duke University, 1987.

Balch, P.A. and Balch, J.F. Prescription For Nutritional Healing.

Mathew B, Sankaranarayanan R, Nair PP, Varghese C, Somanathan T, Amma BP, Amma NS, Nair MK. Evaluation of chemoprevention of oral cancer with spirulina fusiformis. Nutrition and Cancer 1995; 24(2):197-202.

Menkes, et al. Serum beta carotene, vitamins A and E, selenium, and the risk of lung cancer. N.E. Journal of Medicine, Nov. 1986, p. 1250.

Pitchford P. Healing with Whole Foods.

Schwartz, J., Scklar, G., Suda, D. Inhibition of experimental oral carcinogenesis by topical beta carotene. Harvard School of Dental Med. Carcinogenesis, May 1986, 7(5) 711-715.

Shekelle,R.B.etal. DietaryVitaminA and risk of cancer in Western Electric study. Lancet,1981,8257:1185-1189.

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