Chapter 15 - The Miracle of pH

The good earth

Gardeners quickly learn that the pH of the soil determines the health of their plants.   Some love acid soil.  Others thrive on alkaline soil.   And then there are plants that are flexible - they'll do great in any kind of soil.


Our huge impatients
thrive in their proper pH



The pH scale is the way we measure the acidity or alkalinity of garden soil.  There's no right or wrong pH.  It's just a measurement.

But here's the secret - once you match the pH of the plant to the pH of your soil, you miraculously have the garden of your dreams.  It works like a charm every time.  Sick, spindly, out of their element plants will suddenly bloom with good health.   All it takes is the proper pH for that particular plant.


It's the same for people only we don't pay attention to our own pH.

Most of this salad  is
alkaline - raw veggies
and strawberries.
Cheese, an acid, is sprinkled
on in moderation.

Acid foods make up the bulk of the typical American diet.   A lot of people feel (myself included) that if you're not enjoying optimal health with what you're currently eating,  shifting your focus to alkaline foods is going to help a lot.   It's easy and quite yummy!


Simply strive for 80% alkaline foods in your diet each day and 20% acid instead of the almost 100% acid foods that most Americans eat.  That's it!

Ham (acid) in moderation.
Veggies (alkaline) in abundance.

Don't worry about getting enough acid foods.  You will.  They're the ones we eat out of habit.



The Alkaline Food Chart
Like amending your garden soil to grow the healthier plants, amending your body's soil (the blood) will work miracles.

This food chart is presented as educational and food for thought.  It is not a substitute for competent medical care.  Always get your doctor's OK before modifying your diet.  Dietary changes may effect medications you are taking.


Most Alkaline
Stevia (herbal sweetner)
Lemons, Watermelons, Limes, Grapefruit, Mangos, Papayas
Asparagus, Onions, Fresh Vegetable Juices, Parsley, Spinach, Broccoli, Garlic
Olive Oil
Herb Teas, Mint Teas, Lemon Water

Medium Alkaline
Maple Syrup
Rice Syrup
Dates, Figs, Melons, Grapes, Kiwi, Berries, Apples, Pears, Raisins
Okra, Squash (any), Beets, Celery, Lettuce, Zucchini, Sweet Potatoes, Carob
Almonds
Flax Seed Oil
Green Tea

Light Alkaline 
Raw Honey
Raw Sugar
Oranges, Bananas, Cherries, Peaches, Avocados
Carrots, Tomatoes, Corn, Mushrooms, Cabbage, Peas, Potato Skins, Olives, Soybeans, Tofu
Chestnuts
Canola Oil
Amaranth, Millet, Wild Rice, Quinoa
Soy Cheese, Soy Milk, Goat Cheese, Goat Milk, Whey


Light Acid
Processed Honey
Molasses
Plums, Processed Fruits and Fruit Juices
Cooked Spinach, Kidney Beans, String Beans
Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds
Corn Oil
Sprouted Wheat Bread, Spelt, Brown Rice
Eggs, Butter, Yogurt, Buttermilk, Cottage Cheese
Venison, Fish
Tea

Medium Acid
White Sugar
Brown Sugar
Sour Cherries, Rhubarb
Potatoes (without skin), Beans
Pecans, Cashews
White Rice, Corn Meal, Buckwheat, Oats, Rye
Turkey, Chicken, Lamb
Coffee

Most Acid
Artificial Sweeteners
Blueberries, Cranberries, Prunes
Chocolate
Peanuts, Walnuts
Wheat, White Flour, Pastries
Cheese, Homogenized Milk, Ice Cream, Sour Cream
Beef, Pork, Shell Fish, Sausage
Beer, Soft Drinks, Alcohol, Wine