Let Food be Thy Medicine
"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food" said Hippocrates, the father of western medicine, back in 5th century B.C. He recognized that eating well had value, that the food we eat is the single most important factor impacting our health, and that certain foods could maintain good health. What has happened since?
People undervalue the impact that healthy food has in our lives. We believe that it is easier to take medication and to find treatments for conditions rather than act preventatively, by engaging in healthy eating and exercise. There is a rise in obesity, which is a major contributor to chronic disease. These diseases include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, autoimmune diseases, allergies and asthma.
A healthy person has an internal chemistry that is in balance, with a strong immune system that protects against inflammation. Eating well neutralizes the inflammation in your body that causes disease.
The most important indicator of body chemistry is pH. All fluids have a pH measure which you can assess using pH test strips. In essence, optimal health is achieved with alkaline-forming foods, while acid-forming foods create inflammation as they do not support the body's natural pH balance. Not surprisingly, alkaline-forming foods include most fruit and vegetables, peas, beans, lentils spices, herbs and seasonings, nuts and seeds. Acid-forming foods include high-protein foods, such as meat, poultry, fish and eggs, refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, and most processed foods. Interestingly, acidic-tasting foods such as lemons and limes, contain organic acids that are not acid forming when metabolized and, in fact, leave an alkaline residue.
