Sugar is everywhere! It’s in plain sight – soda, cookies and candy and hidden in salad dressing, ketchup and peanut butter. So what role does all this sugar play with excess acid in the body? Furthermore, how does both sugar and acidic foods have an effect on chronic diseases?
Sugar
For starters, too much sugar consumption causes obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. A not so common side effect of too much sugar is the effect on body pH which leads to chronic and life-threatening diseases. Bringing awareness and knowledge to the American population is the key to reducing our nation’s health issues.
Did you know your favorite condiments and sauces surprisingly contain sugar AND gluten!
- Barbecue sauce
- Ketchup
- Salad dressing
- Spaghetti sauce
- Relish
Watch out for “healthy” sugars like honey and maple syrup. Even too much of these sugars are not healthy for the body. Especially for someone like me who is hypoglycemic (low-blood sugar) and has inflammation from a blood disorder.
Sound like avoiding sugar is impossible? Try the following natural sugar substitutes. Just check the Nutrition Facts label and limit amount per serving to 10g or less.
- Stevia – is extracted from the leaves of the Stevia plant
- Erythritol – is a sugar alcohol that has almost no calories and has no effect on blood sugar levels
Acidic Foods
Limit acid forming foods like; red meat, hot dogs, deli meat, dairy, sugar, soda, coffee, alcohol, processed foods, white bread and pasta to only 20% of daily consumption.
For optimal health and longevity, consume 80% alkaline foods and only 20% acidic foods.
Chronic Disease
It seems most Americans consume an acidic diet which is a direct correlation to our population’s chronic health issues. When the body consumes too much acid, it enters a state of acidosis where illness and disease can occur. Even mild acidosis leads to premature aging, joint pain, kidney stones and diabetes. The following chronic diseases can be caused by too much acid in the body:
- Cancer
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Osteoporosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Auto-immune disorders
- Alzheimer’s
- Parkinson’s
The pH number can be used as an important measurement of what’s going on inside your body. As the pH number fluctuates it can affect your cells, blood flow, digestion and even the glow of your skin. To maintain a healthy balance, strive for a pH number around seven or higher.
“The pH scale is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration. It spans from 0 to 14 with the middle point (pH 7) being neutral (neither acidic or basic). Any pH number greater than 7 is considered a base and any pH number less than 7 is considered an acid.”
How can you create a more alkaline body pH and reduce the excess acid?
- Drink more water daily to help flush out the excess acid
- Consume more vegetables and fruits; kale, spinach, cauliflower, peppers, broccoli, apples, lemons, and limes
- Include whole grains, raw nuts and seeds and healthy fats of cold-pressed oils and avocados
- Drink herbal teas, protein smoothies and green juices
Heal your body naturally from the inside out with nutrition and live young every day!
Photo credit: Photodune
Cheers to a Healthy Life!
Click on my name above to visit my Meet Lou Ann page and learn more about me and my passion for healthy living, community and social media!
I’m a Midwest gal who began on a journey to live a healthier life way back when I was in college. Now just like all of you, the twists and turns of my life have led me to where I am today. Passionate about healthy living, community and social media, I invite you to Live Young with me!
