You know the old saying, “You are what you eat.” Well, it appears that it’s a semi-true statement. It’s also true that food has been used for ages to heal patients of ailments and diseases that modern science can not seem to concur.
Hippocrates, found that all foods leave an ash residue after metabolism which is either alkaline or acidic, depending on the mineral composition of the food and the way in which individuals digest them. If your diet is largely composed of meats, fish, cheeses, breads, white flour, white sugar, greasy take-away, chocolate, coffee, wine, beer and cigarettes (all acid-forming), you may suffer from acidic complaints. Things like Acne, cold hands and feet, Constipation, Diarrhea, dizziness, excess head mucus (stuffiness), Heartburn, joint pains that travel, Hyperactivity, irregular heartbeat, lack of sex drive, low energy, metallic taste in mouth, muscular pain, and panic attacks are some of the signs of over-acidity. More bothersome things like Asthma, Bacterial and Fungal infections, Bronchitis, Cold sores, Depression, Ear aches, Flu and Colds, Gastritis, Hay Fever, Insomnia, Migraine headaches, Psoriasis and Sinusitis are also symptoms of over-acidity. And, most seriously, Cancer (all forms), Crohn’s disease, Erythematosis, Hodgkin’s disease, Leukaemia, Multiple Sclerosis, Schizophrenia, Systemic Lupus, and Rheumatoid Arthritis are all linked to an over-acidic diet. So, the more acidic your foods digest the more infections, cancer and other diseases can take up residency in your body and in the end, the food you eat will be your demise.
Researchers and authors alike, find that the ratio of 80% Alkaline-forming and 20% Acid-forming foods is the key to food therapy. The basic premise that Cancer can not grow in an Alkaline environment was convincing enough for me to take a look further. I think the evidence that wheat, sugar/high-fructose corn syrup and industrial seed oils are toxic to the body and contribute to virtually all modern, degenerative diseases – from diabetes and obesity to heart and autoimmune disease is solid. And, yet I am a skeptic. I am not interested in promoting some new fad or diet that is the same old, same old crap. I want to be healed. I want healing! I can’t explain how it feels to know that something is growing in my body that doesn’t have permission. It is infuriating and confusing. However, knowledge is power and as I learn more and more about food science, there are little battles being won. My hope is by seeking education and understanding in this matter and by being diligent and disciplined that what I put into my body will help to fight the terrorists who are trying to take my body captive. My hope is that by relaying this information, you will also be inspired to look deeper into the God-given resources that are available, that you will feel empowered to fight the good fight.
But, what does that mean? How does it work?
Here is what I’m learning at the moment.
Balance is important. My daily food intake consists of 80% alkaline forming (mostly fruit and vegetables), while 20% can be acid-forming (protein and starch). They can be eaten at different meals, so if I eat meats (acid-forming) as a meal, I must have alkaline-forming foods for the rest of the day. If I have a day of too much acid-forming food, I can balance up by eating 90-100% alkaline-forming foods for a few days to restore alkalinity.
I started by eliminating 20% unhealthiest foods in my diet including processed foods, white sugar, flour, dairy and meat. I kept a food journal for 1-2 weeks as well as making a mental note of how foods make me feel. Then, using a 80/20 food chart, I began to craft a menu that would incorporate the foods my body needed to create a non-inviting environment for the cancer. I’m still working on that, and have learnt to be patient. Changes can only happen at my body’s organic pace. I’ve also learned to be patient with others. This is new to me and my ability to communicate effectively what I can and can’t eat has been cumbersome and awkward. But, folks are generally accommodating and the more I understand the smoother the communication is becoming.
I’ve also learned that rest and sleep are alkalizers. Emotions also play into our bodies PH levels. So, my focus is on taking pleasure in the little things, laughter, good conversations, love while eliminating fear, worry, anger, gossip, and envy.
So what foods do I eat?
In the morning I make a smoothy packed with some or all of these alkalizing foods, Mango, watermelon, lemon, kiwi, pineapple, cayenne pepper, ginger, cinnamon, raw spinach, raw kale, 1 tbs coconut oil, avocado, and almond milk.
For lunch I usually eat a salad with lots of greens, asparagus, red onion, bell pepper, beets, radish, cucumbers, etc…
This is a concoction that I made up. It’s light and refreshing and 90/10, so gives me reserve for the evening meal.
Sweet Potato, Fennel Wraps
Serves 4
If I have been mostly alkaline all day, I might include a piece of fish or glass of red wine in my evening meal.
I use a number of resources online to look up food items to see where they sit on the Ph scale. I have found that in my baking I can compromise with coconut sugar or maple syrup, and coconut oil has become my go to in all cooking or baking. Besides the benefit of being on the alkalinizing side of the Ph scale, it is also the only oil that actually helps to lose belly fat. I am experimenting with different gluten-free flours, and really like Pamela’s artisan flour which includes a mixture of Brown Rice Flour, Tapioca Starch, White Rice Flour, Potato Starch, Sorghum Flour, Arrowroot Starch, Sweet Rice Flour, Guar Gum.
One of my favorite blogs on the subject is by The Alkaline Sisters, they have recipes and more ideas. Check them out at: http://www.alkalinesisters.com/sisters-blog/
When the motivation is to “stay alive” it changes your perspective on diet. I’m not interested in promoting some fad diet or having political debates about food, I just want to live, and live well!
So, if I’m coming to your house for dinner, don’t fret. I’m not a food fascist and won’t be judging what you put on the table. I’ll eat what I can with a grateful heart, and trust that if you are ever in a situation where something foreign tries to take your joy, you’ll already have a life line and a friend in me.
Tillers & Travelers 