Ever since my pesky bout with FBC (f-bomb breast cancer for new readers), I’ve been very conscious of eliminating foods and beverages that form acidity in the body. Why? Well, because I have been told (in multiple, no uncertain terms!) that FBC or any kind of FC (f-bomb cancer) thrives in an acidic environment (as do a whole host of other problems, by the way).
Do you wonder what all of this pH-business means? After a great deal of research and consultation, I’m going to tell you a little bit about it. pH it goes back to high school chemistry (not the ridiculously hard chemistry, but the kind that makes sense!). It all begins with the concept of pH which is an abbreviation for potential hydrogen. A pH number measures from 0 to14 depending on how acidic or alkaline a liquid is — anything above 7 is alkaline and anything below 7 is acidic.
Water has a pH level of 7 — which means that it is neutral and is perfectly balanced. pH balance in our bodies is a never-ending task/goal that is in constant perpetuation. A range between level 6.0 to 7.5 is considered healthy.
Why is all of this important, you ask? Great question with great answers:
Diet is probably the most important factor that we can actively engage to balance our natural pH. A good (ideal) rule of thumb is the 70/30 rule, 70% alkaline forming foods and 30% acid forming foods. Below is a table to help guide your eating choices.
It is easy peasy to monitor your pH level by testing either your urine or saliva (because they are good indicators of what is happening in your internal environment). You can do it one of two ways: 1) At a doctor’s office or 2) at home. You can test the pH of these fluids with pH strips, which are available at most health foods stores.
- Testing saliva is the easiest way to gauge the body’s pH. To test saliva: Wait 2 hours after eating. Spit into a spoon. Dip the strip. Read immediately. Use the color chart from the text box. An optimal reading is 7.5. This indicates a very slightly alkaline body.
- Urine is more acidic than saliva. To test urine: Test a urine sample first thing in the morning. Fill a small cup with urine, and dip a strip into the cup. Read immediately. An optimal reading is about 6.5
The Silver Lining is that there are very accessible ways to correct an imbalance.
- Begin by monitoring your pH (see above). It’s best to know from where you start to guide where you want to go (DUH).
- Avoid acid forming foods, e.g., sugar, soda, alcohol, coffee, meats, bread and dairy.
- Eat alkaline forming foods, e.g., green juice, vegetable juice, almonds, garlic, berries, oranges, bananas, kale, pumpkins, squash, peas, green tea, wheat grass, and most other fruits and vegetables.
- Monitor your stress level because stress can be a cause of acidic pH balance.
- Check your medications because certain medications can cause your pH balance to be acidic.
- Squeeze fresh lemon into water throughout the day. Lemon is acidic until it enters the body where it becomes very alkalizing.
- Avoid pollution when you can, e.g., avoid smoke, pesticides and the use of plastic.
Some people suggest drinking Alkaline water. The scientific jury is still out on this. Some say yes, it makes a difference; others say not so much. I’ve tried it, but didn’t really notice a difference for me.
The bottom Silver Line (pun intended!) is that pH is incredibly important to maintaining a healthy, disease free state. The other Silver Line is that pH balance manageable and when out of whack, reparable. I hope that this information will help you think just a wee bit differently!
It’s important to note that there are many differing opinions on the effect of acid-alkaline balance. As always, this is my opinion based on my own clinical research and consultation with professionals. Please talk with your health care provider about what is best for you.
Fascinating. You have me wondering about my pH levels.
Thanks so much! Would love to hear about your levels…
I have been reading your blog. I enjoy your perspective and highly respect your thoughts. I have Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and it recently presented in my femur after a nine year wait. I finished chemo and radiation. I have been reading so much about diet and how it plays into the cancer. My frustration is that my oncologist will not suggest anything. We flew to Chicago and met with Dr. Block at the Block Center and I got a diet plan with many supplements but my two oncologist here, think I am wasting money. It feels helpless to simply go on and wait and watch for the next time. If I can do something proactive with diet, I feel I am fighting harder and living better. Thank you for your post on ph balance and it's importance!
Dear Jeri,
Thanks so much for your comment. I'm so sorry to hear your news. Though I've never been, I've heard great things about the Block Center. I have a bit of a difficult time with oncologists here who discount the value of nutrition in treatment and recovery. It's one interconnected system. My oncology nutritionist was an integral part of my team!
All my best wishes to you!
Hollye
Thanks so much for the great info! I've just been hearing about this and it was good to see such detail. Really appreciate it!!!
Absolutely, Carolyn. My pleasure…always!
This info on ph balance is definitely food for thought. Everything we put in our mouths affects how our body reacts. The effect is the result of our intake. The question is whether or not the effort pays off and makes us feel better physically; however the mental pay-off alone might be worth it. Gluten-free, high protein, vegan, all-organic, no white flour or dairy, wheat flour?? The list is endless and new diets are introduced one after another. It is difficult to know what to follow, but we are pretty safe eating some foods from the 4 basic food groups, and eating an amount that would fit in your palm or fist. I guess I just like to stick to the simple basics of nutrition.
Thank you for your note, Carolee. I couldn't agree more about sticking to basic healthy foods! Very well said.
Lucky us! You've made this so concise and easy, Hollye. I watch pH as well.
Jeri, I've heard such wonderful things about The Block Center! I wish you the very best.
Kim
Thanks, Kim! Great to hear from you!
Kim, Thank you for confirming! It was weighing heavy that I was getting conflicting messages. I appreciate your response!
Hey Jeri,
I'm a member of Inspirehealth. It's the foremost integrative cancer care center in Vancouver, Canada. They share their research findings with the Block Center. If you are interested, go to their website http://www.inspirehealth.ca. and you will find information on their approach. You can sign up for monthly research updates if you wish. They will send you information specific to Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma as well. You can also become an emember and take part in their webinars, programs and classes…. or just look over the website for more information. I'm in remission from stage 3 colon cancer and they changed my whole outlook and I'm now doing eveything I can to live fully with a cancer diagnosis! I wholeheartedly send my very best wishes to you, Jeri, for a happy and healthy 2013! Isn't Hollye's blog great…. and how it connects us all!
Kim
Love that you all are connected! :–) Thank you for your valuable input, Kim!
No posts after 2012 shows people are too stressed (3 pH), they r not interested in this subject
I don’t understand?
I find this very interesting and have saved this article for years now. I just came across it and am glad I saved it. Over time we forget and fall into old habits. Thank you!