March 15, 2009

Hello,

This issue's main article discusses the theory of why you want your body to be alkaline and how to encourage alkalinity.

My continuing financial wellness series is about using aromatherapy to create abundance. As an aside, I also want to mention that if you are involved in network marketing, I highly recommending downloading the (free) Attraction Marketer's Manifesto by Ann Sieg.

Happy reading!

Carol

Is Your Body Acid or Alkaline?

This article discusses the theory that we want to create an alkaline environment in our body for several reasons. Of course, not everyone agrees with this theory. Do your research and make your own decision. Or just try it and see what happens.

Being alkaline may prevent or help improve many degenerative conditions such as cancer, heart disease, arthritis, etc. The theory is that disease and many pathogenic organisms cannot survive in an alkaline environment.

On the other hand, acid conditions lead to degenerative diseases. What creates an acidic environment? Coffee, tea, sodas, meats, desserts, sugars, chemicals, medications, negative thoughts, and stress. 

These acid levels aren't just about the acid in the stomach. The entire body has varying levels of pH. The body works hard at maintaining a blood pH of 7.4. So much so that it will pull from other areas of the body to keep that blood pH fairly constant. The body will deposit and withdraw acidic and alkaline minerals from other locations including the bones, soft tissues, body fluids, and saliva. So the pH of these other tissues fluctuate. 

Some people believe that all forms of arthritis are associated with excess acidity and that too much acid in the body dissolves both teeth and bones, making it a factor in osteoporosis.

How do you remove excess acidity?

Eating alkalinizing foods (also call acid-binding foods) is the best way. Here are high-level acid-binding foods:

• oysters
• pumpernickel bread (no wheat)
• coconut
• black radish
• spinach
• endive
• tomato
• dandelion
• figs
• citrus fruits
• root vegetables
• sweet potato
• olives
• greens

Eat raw foods - fresh fruit, nuts, sprouts, vegetable juices. Cooked whole foods work too. Especially vegetables and certain grains.

You can also move acid out of the body through exercise, massage, and yoga, or by mobilizing your lymphatic system using a mini-trampoline (rebounder).

How can you easily alkalinize?

Drink alkalizing beverages first thing in the morning. Some good beverages to alkalinize your body are

• Orange juice (squeeze lemon into it for more alkalinity).
• Water with lemon. If you want a hot beverage, drink hot water with lemon.
• Certain teas such as Kukicha (Twig) tea and green teas.
• Vegetable broth.  Boil cabbage, carrots, onions together and drink the broth.
• Vegetable juices, preferably fresh and organic - green is great!

Here's a complete list of acid and alkaline forming foods.

How do you know if you are acid or alkaline?

You can measure the pH of the saliva with pH test strips. Here's how to test your saliva pH:

• Wait two hours after eating or drinking juices.
• Fill your mouth with saliva and swallow it a few times to make sure it is clean.
• Put clean saliva onto pH paper.
• Compare the color of the paper to the pH chart that came with the strips to determine your approximate pH. 7.4 is ideal.

Adapted from Home Spa Lady's Tips of the Week, a free ezine on how to Make Every Day A Spa Day. 

Books about acid/alkaline balance.

Abundance and Aromatherapy

Have you considered using essential oils and aromatherapy to create abundance in your life? Here are some essential oil blends along with accompanying affirmations from aromatherapist Francoise Rapp to help you create abundance in various areas of life.

Abundance of Love

2 drops Rose 2 drops Jasmine 5 drops Sandalwood

Affirmation: The divine presence within fulfills me with love. Love is present in all the steps of my life.

Financial Abundance

4 drops Basil 3 drops Peppermint 3 drops Patchouli

Affirmation: As a divine being, I welcome the gifts of money and financial prosperity that come naturally to me. I live in a constant flow of financial abundance.

Joy and Happiness

5 drops Orange 3 drops Lemon 4 drops Grapefruit

Affirmation: I am joy and all areas of my life are a reflection of pure happiness and growth.

Abundance of Health

3 drops Lavender 4 drops Sage 3 drops Ravensara

Affirmation: My spirit enjoys all its gifts and I embody them. Health is a reflection of my inner emotions. I decide now to live joyfully and gracefully.

Also, Young Living Essential Oils offers a blend called Abundance, containing orange, frankincense, patchouli, clove, ginger, myrrh, cinnamon, and spruce, designed to enhance the frequency of the harmonic magnetic energy field that surrounds us, opening us to a wealth of possibilities.