By Dave Crocker       

So many folks, theses days are trying to get fit, and stay healthy, but there is one aspect many overlook. Body P.H. The P.H. scale measures the amount of acid in our bodies. Technically speaking, P.H. stands for “potential hydrogen,” and the P.H. scale ranges from 1 to 14. Anything below 7 is considered an acid, and anything above 7 is alkaline.

An acid is a substance that releases hydrogen “ions,” and an alkaline substance removes hydrogen “ions.” Our stomachs need to be more on the acidic side but, otherwise, the more acidic our bodies are, the more diseased they become. When our cells undergo respiration, “i.e.,” everyday living, they give off acids. Our bodies do use some of these acids as fuel, but the rest of these acids are actually bad for us. Too much acid in our bodies is called “acidosis.”

An acid-alkaline balance is important, because all bodily functions, including digestion, respiration and metabolism work best at particular P.H. levels. The body does have ways of trying to deal with acidosis. One way is to store the acid in fat cells.

The problem with this is that the body will tend to increase its fat stores. Another way the body tries to handle too much acid, is to use calcium as a buffer. The problem with this, is that the body will actually sometimes pull calcium from its bones, thereby making them weaker. One of the best ways to alkalize your body is through proper use of your diet.

Some examples of alkalizing foods include, peppers, carrots, pineapple, eggs, squash, most spices, cherries, cucumber, apples, cantaloupe, asparagus and almonds. Some examples of acidifying foods include, corn, beef, tuna, most oils, lamb, alcohol and turkey.

Now don’t get me wrong…I’m not saying you should never eat foods that are acidifying, as many of these foods have nutrients we need.  I’m saying to eat more alkalizing ones. In my opinion, the ideal diet would consist of 75 percent alkalizing foods and 25 percent acidifying foods. Be careful though. Some foods that are acidic when you eat them are actually alkalizing once they are digested. For example, lemons and oranges are “alkaline” foods.

Also, apple cider vinegar turns alkaline once it’s digested. Conversely, distilled vinegar stays acidic in our bodies. In fact, consuming lemons and apple cider vinegar are two of the best ways to alkalize your body. This might seem confusing since we all know both lemons and cider vinegar are acidic, but once digested turn totally alkaline. Garlic’s great too.

On my website, I have a list of acidifying and alkalizing foods. Fitness or nutrition question? Email me at dwcrocker77@gmail.com or visit fitness4yourlife.org.

David Crocker of Landrum has been a nutritionist and personal trainer for 29 years. He served as strength director of the Spartanburg Y.M.C.A., head strength coach for the USC-Spartanburg baseball team,  the S.C. state champion girls gymnastic team, and the Converse college equestrian team. He served as a water safety instructor to the United States Marine Corp., lead trainer to L.H. Fields modeling agency and taught for four semesters at USC-Union. David was also a regular guest of the Pam Stone radio show.