For both immediate and long-term survival, the body must maintain balance between acidity and alkalinity. In fact, the link between dietary pH balance and various health issues has been recognized by physicians since the early 20th century, although it is only recently started creating buzz.
This is because the modern diet is vastly different than it was 100 years ago due to the wide availability of protein. Since protein is now a significant component of most meals, the bulk of the current diet consists primarily of foods that leave an acidic residue within the body. This occurs when food is metabolized and broken down, leaving certain chemical and metallic residues which yield either acid or alkaline potentials of pH for the body.
Fact: acidic waste is the single largest cause of heartburn, acid reflux and all major digestive disorders.
The human body genuinely wants to seek balance, in all forms – GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease) is simply a result of a long-standing pH imbalance. When too much acidic food is consumed, the stomach can’t digest it completely. The excess undigested food then turns into acid waste, which causes stomach spasms or twitching leading to an increase in stomach gas. This gas increase forces open the valve between the esophagus and stomach allowing stomach acid to retreat into the esophagus.
The acid reflux diet – acid alkaline diet, relies on lists of foods that are acidic (to be avoided) and alkalizing (to be emphasized). The alkalizing foods are better for your health and help to balance the pH of your body. While acid, alkaline and pH are common terms, many people do not understand exactly what they mean and what they have to do with nutrition and health.
