Which is“ better,” acid or alkaline? William Howard Hay, originator of the Hay Diet, which became popular in the 1930s, suggested a ratio of 20 percent acid-forming to 80 percent alkalizing foods by volume. Arnold Ehret, more radical and an ardent proponent of raw foods, would have us eliminate all acid-forming foods from our diet, on the grounds that“ the blood is alkaline,” 7 yet acids are as much part of our metabolism as are alkaline substances; naturopath Paavo Airola states emphatically that our bodies need both kinds of foods. If we remember that opposites are complementary and necessary to each other, Dr. Airola’ s statement makes perfect sense. 8
In what proportion, then, should acid-forming and alkalizing foods be consumed? As in all dietary matters, the correct proportions in each meal will vary with each individual metabolism, the amount of physical activity, other foods eaten earlier, and possibly with the depth and speed of breathing( deep breathing alkalizes the system). Hay’ s recommendation, for example— one part acid-forming to four parts alkalizing— is appropriate for people who are physically very active( creating a lot of acid) and need to alkalize themselves. Less active people can handle more acid-forming food, perhaps one to two, or even one to one, at times. How do we know when our acid-alkaline balance is off? Fortunately, we don’ t need a degree in chemistry, or even a lab test( by the time an acid or alkaline imbalance shows up in a lab test, we’ re in serious trouble). What we need to do is heed the small signs that our body gives us as it makes adjustments to keep itself balanced, and rectify an imbalanced condition in time to avoid aggravating it. It’ s easier to become overacidic than it is to become over-alkaline. The foods we tend to gorge on are sweets, flour products, fats, and meats, all of which are acid-forming. When we become overacidic, we awaken with a sticky-sour taste in the mouth. To get rid of it, we almost automatically run for the coffee or the orange juice, both of which do indeed have an alkalizing effect. The sour taste in the mouth should be heeded as an alarm signal indicating that the body has an acid overload. If this condition is not corrected by diet or deep breathing( preferably with exercise, because too much deep breathing alone could cause hyperventilation and overalkalinity), the acids will draw minerals out of the body’ s own tissues, thereby creating a state of demineralization. Lack of sufficient minerals will first manifest itself in nervous or emotional imbalances, then perhaps in dental problems, broken nails, and eventually in a more serious weakening of the entire system. ‡ A serious overalkaline condition can only result from hyperventilating or extended vomiting. Eating large amounts of fruits