Unfortunately, the privileges of a modern lifestyle also come with certain drawbacks in the form of increased stress, lack of exercise and sleep but, most importantly, an increase in bodily toxin load and reduced nutrient intake due to poor eating habits – this is the basis of poor health.

The average person is exposed to a great number of toxic substances every day, from both internal and external sources (such as air and water pollution, as well as through metabolism and the inadequate digestion of food).

The symptoms of toxicity can (and are likely to) affect all of the different body systems, given that they are all integrated. These include:

So, how does this affect the pH balance of our blood? Well, our neutralising organs (the kidneys, intestines and lungs) cannot eliminate an endless amount of acids and toxins. Each has a capacity that can’t be exceeded without deterioration and contamination.

Soil quality and processed foods
Soil fertility has decreased dramatically over the last 80 years, while the use of toxic man-made chemicals in the form of artificial fertilisers, fungicides, food additives, food preservatives, flavour enhancers and other artificial chemicals has exploded. All of this has had a significant impact on the nutritional value of our food.

green-investor

Similarly, nutrients which are required for the body to function normally and maintain health, energy and vitality are virtually non-existent in processed foods. Instead, they have been replaced by “tasty chemicals” and empty calories, formulated to please your taste buds and increase sales.

This is problematic because your body has specific requirements in the form of calories, protein, carbohydrates, fats, fibre, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, pure water and other nutrients, in order to maintain immunity levels and stay healthy. Nutrients from real, unadulterated foods are required for energy levels, tissue repair, to maintain the correct pH balance and to cleanse and detox the body of toxins and waste matter.

If the body is not supplied with nutrient-rich alkalising foods to maintain ideal pH levels, over time reserves of various vitamins, minerals and enzymes become depleted. This is when we start to consume mineral reserves from our bones, teeth, hair, skin and joints in order to neutralise acids and toxins within. Not the ideal scenario, as this impacts negatively on health and appearance!

Enzymes from raw food
In stark contrast to years gone by, most food that is consumed is now cooked (or, even worse, microwaved)! The heating and cooking process tends to destroy beneficial enzymes, and processed foods tend to be enzyme-less.

istock_000009999916small-1

Enzymes are important, not only in terms of efficient digestion, but also in terms of general health and well-being, as they reduce the potential for fermentation in the gut and help to create conditions in which nutrients can be assimilated as they pass through the small intestine. Undigested food in the small intestine encourages growth of the wrong kind of bacteria.

Without enzymes, life could not be sustained. A good way to boost your enzyme potential is to eat fruit and vegetables raw.

Prevention is better than cure. The best advice to support a healthy acid / alkaline balance in the body is to cut down on your intake of toxic substances, eat an optimal diet of fresh fruit, vegetables and whole foods, and take a balanced nutritional supplements programme.

Via: specialistsupplements.com