Did you know, there is a delicate pH balance (or acid/alkaline level) in our bodies, which we need to maintain to stay happy, healthy, and energetic?
But our diet, often high in protein, dairy and sugar, can increase acidity in our bodies. In fact, it is estimated that what we eat consists primarily of acidic foods (around 80%), while only 20% of our diet consists of alkaline foods, like whole fruits and vegetables. This should be the opposite way around.
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Our bodies do have sophisticated buffering systems, including the kidneys, which counteract excess acid. But by continuing to raise our acid levels through what we eat and drink, these systems have to work much harder to keep the correct pH balance.
The result is that we may feel tired and irritable, as well as suffer from headaches, heartburn, a burning bladder, gout, sore aching joints and muscles, unpleasant sour-smelling breath, and bad body odour.
In the long-run, the effects can be much worse. When our bodies are exposed to acidic substances, the kidneys use alkaline minerals, including calcium, to combat this acidity. But sustained high levels of acidity force our kidneys to leach calcium from our bones and cartilage contributing to lifestyle diseases such as osteoporosis and arthritis.
Doing your level best
As the saying goes, we are what we eat (and drink).
- Eat more fruit and veg – they are plentiful in alkaline minerals – calcium, magnesium, and potassium
- Eat fewer acid-forming foods, like meat, wheat, sugar, oil, and all processed items
- Filter your drinking water through a reverse osmosis filter, and be sure to drink enough each day (30ml x your body weight in kilograms)
- Take a supplement that contains alkaline minerals
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Add a super supplement
Vogel Multiforce Alkaline Powder (from R89,95 for 105g, Dis-Chem) gives you an essential dose of the alkaline minerals you need. The calcium, magnesium, and potassium are easily absorbed and assist the body in neutralising the acidity our modern lives create.
Just 7.5g of the plain, lemon or mango-flavoured powder mixed into a big glass of water is all you need to help your body correct and maintain its optimal pH levels. And it also acts as a digestive antacid and has bowel-cleansing effects, helping to keep you ‘regular’ too.
You’ll feel the difference with more energy, increased mental alertness, better sleep, good digestion, fewer colds, and fewer trips to the dentist!
Who should take an alkaline supplement?
- Anyone who wants to improve their health and maintain general wellbeing
- Those with inflammatory conditions, like osteoarthritis
- Gout sufferers
- Athletes, to combat lactic acid build-up
- People with impaired kidney function
Consult your doctor
Always check with your doctor before taking a new supplement. Those who are thinking of taking an alkaline supplement, but who have a heart disorder, renal failure, or who are on calcium- and potassium-free diets should take special precaution.
DISCLAIMER: Before starting any diet, you should speak to your doctor. You must not rely on the information on this website/newsletter as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.
