Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Stomach This Truth

Contrary to what most people think, the healthy stomach should have a pH of at least 7.2, a slightly alkaline state rather than in an acidic state. As the primary contribution of the stomach is the release of sodium bicarbonate to alkalize the foods and drinks we ingest, it can have a pH of as high as 8.4.

Many people who suffered from stomach cancer have probably been associated with high consumption of processed meat like bacon, ham, sausage, hot dog and smoked or cured meat of various kind. Basically, consumming too much of acidic foods and drinks could lead to stomach cancer. Let's take a look at some of these.

* All animal products, including cheese and eggs produce nutric, uric, sulphur and phosphorous
acid

* All dairy products yield lactic acid

* All carbonated drinks contain carbonic acid

* Coffee contains the acid caffeine

* Chocolate contains bromic acid

* Black tea contains tanic acid

* All alcoholic beverages contain the acid alcohol

* All sugars, including simple carbohydrates like white bread and rice, contain the acid alcohol

* Cigarettes contain the acids of sugar and nicotine

* Emotional and physical stress produce excess hydrochloric acid in the stomach

The hydrochloric acid in the stomach is an acidic waste and NOT a digestive enzyme as was commonly thought. It is the sodium bicarbonate that is the useful enzyme made by the cover cells of the stomach to alkalize the foods and liquids we ingested. The hydrochloric acid is an acidic waste product of sodium bicarbonate. It is a toxic waste and has to be eliminated from the body.

In times of emotional and or physical stress, the person affected can feel nauseous with bouts of fainting spell. This is a sign that the body is in need of alkaline buffer sodium bicarbonate to counteract the adverse effect. Hence, to prevent nausea, ulcers, acid reflux and cancer, consume food and liquid supplements that are alkalizing and not acidic.

For those having acid reflux, please check out the link below:

Stop Acid Reflux Now.

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Avocado - Source of Amino and Essential Fatty Acids

Avocado is a rich whole food in that it contains rich nutrients like vitamin A, B-complex,C,E and folic acid, among others. It also contains rich minerals like magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, copper and other trace elements. All these are essential in the fight against excess acidity in our body. In addition, avocado contains 18 types of amino acids, 7 types of fatty acids (including omega 3 & 6), plus it has higher protein content than cow's milk.

As the water content in avocado is high (some 70-80 percent), it easily burns off as fuel for our body's energy needs and leaves little if any, acidic waste as compared to sugar-based food which leaves behind acidic ash waste in our blood.

Though high in fat content, these are mainly monounsaturated fats like essential fatty acids (EFAs- like omega 3 and omega 6), a balance of these fatty acids are essential to keep our heart healthy and prevent heart diseases. These monosaturated fats also help to lower our cholesterol levels.

Nutrient-dense avocado is touted to help inhibit the growth of tumor, particularly prostrate tumor due to the presence of beta-sitosterol and phytosterol. Certain sterols can reduce the absorption of cholesterol in our intestines and hence, reduce our blood cholesterol.

Studies have shown that avocado contains a biochemical called lutein, which helps to protect our body against different forms of cancer, particularly prostrate cancer. Research shows that lutein when combined with lycopene - found in tomatoes - could drastically reduce the growth of prostrate cancer cells! So help yourself with avocados and tomatoes for breakfast.

An antioxidant called glutathione is found in avocado that helps our body fights the damage caused by free radicals. It is also high in vitamin E which is known to slow the aging process of our body. All these and more will give you enough reasons to lap up your diet with avocados.