One of the highest priorities of our bodies is to maintain our cellular health, and to do that we need to make sure that the alkalinity throughout our body remains at a level that supports the health and vitality of our cells. 

Our bodies used to be able to maintain a healthy ratio between acid and alkaline, but due to the overwhelming amount of environmental toxins we encounter daily, our bodies now need some additional support. 

What does pH balance mean? 

The initials pH stand for potential of hydrogen. A neutral pH is 7; acids have a pH value below 7 and alkalis have a pH above 7. We want to maintain a healthy balance somewhere around a level of 7—not too acidic, not too alkaline. 

If our pH is not balanced and, for instance, is too acidic, our cells could become toxic and sluggish and will no longer operate at an optimal level to detox our body from harmful waste. As such, our cells could die or allow disease to grow and fester. 

The American diet is based on convenience, so food comes to us already preserved and prepared typically in a box, package or can. We under-consume water and over-consume caffeine and sugar. Prepackaged foods are high in saturated fats and sugar and these foods, including coffee, are acid-forming foods and cause our bodies to fall out of balance.    

The top ways to maintain a healthy pH balance is with our food and drink choices.

The number one way to maintain a healthy pH balance (after making sure we are properly hydrated with fresh water) is to eat more living foods. Living foods are mostly organic, mostly green and have a high water content. Some examples are sprouts, wheatgrass, broccoli, celery and green leafy vegetables like lettuce and spinach.  

Diets must be sustainable, and one way to effect long-term healthy eating is to implement an 80/20 “non-diet” lifestyle: 80 percent of the time choosing to consume food that is alive, full of minerals, nutrients and water, and 20 percent of the time consuming food that is feeding our soul. The 20 percent is food that is comforting. We want to maintain alkalinity, and we also want to maintain the joy and passion in our lives. So, that 20 percent is equally important to our optimum health.  

Sometimes supplementation is necessary when just starting out with these new, healthy lifestyle changes. Top options include apple cider vinegar, essential minerals like humic and fulvic or a superfood green supplement, and pH strips can be used to help show when supplementation is needed. Balancing pH takes time, but it’s well worth the effort for a life filled with energy and longevity. 

Dr. Peter Amato, founder of Inner Harmony Wellness Center, is a board-certified doctor of Natural Medicine, holds a Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine, an MA in Transpersonal Psychology and a BA in Nutrition. His approach to healing interweaves functional medicine, energy medicine, psychology and neurology. Location: 131 Reynolds Rd., Dalton. For more information, call 570-319-6073 or visit InnerHarmonyWellness.com. See ad, page 11.

Inner Harmony Wellness Center - 131 REYNOLDS RD , Dalton, PA

Dr. Peter Amato Ph.D, DNM After operating an Inner Harmony Wellness Center in the Caribbean, on St. Maarten Island, Amato now brings his mission of fostering holistic transformation among... Read More »