Home / Nutrition Program / Basics / The Importance of pH balance
The standard Western diet, high in grains, processed foods, heated fats, sugars, chemical additives, artificial flavouring, red meat, dairy and saturated fat all of which are highly acid forming in the body. When we consume a diet high in these foods it is thought that we shift our pH balance toward a more acidic environment which slows the detoxification processes in the body, making it more difficult to release toxins.
A highly acidic diet also delays the removal of toxins from the extra cellular matrix, a complex systemic web of connective tissue that runs between each cell in the body. This acts as a net, trapping toxins before they reach the cell. When we have an alkaline diet the extra cellular matrix is able to more effectively remove toxins.
The Detox diet is predominantly a plant food diet, rich in minerals and phytonutrients that help to alkalise the body. Many people think that acidic fruits and vegetables such as tomato and pineapple are acid forming in the body, nothing cold be fu
rther from the truth. Although acidic in nature they are quickly neutralised upon digestion and become alkaline in the system.
In order to ensure you have an alkaline system during your detox it is important that you consume between 6-9 serves of vegetables per day. Just to be clear, one serve equals one baking sized cup of chopped raw vegetables which can then be cooked if needed. This is usually a much higher vegetables intake than your average Australian would usually eat, however the health benefits will make it worth your while.
If you are not able to get organic produce (which is preferable) it is essential to thoroughly wash your vegetables before eating them.
