How Acidic is your body - A talk by Jacelyn Tay

Went for this lunch time talk by Jacelyn Tay organised by my company. Hehe, I signed up not entirely because I want to see her in person... but also because I'm also interested in the topic - "Eat Well, Live Well".

She proved to be different from the aloof tv celebrity that she appeared on screen. Instead, the impression she left on me was someone who was very warm, real and sincere (not acting). She was quite a witty presenter and very very skinny! Although the presentation was a little too technical, it was overall a beneficial one (and lunch was free! :P).



Some pointers from this talk:
- All the foods we eat have either an alkalizing or acidifying effect on our body. Excess acidity builds up in our body when we eat too much protein, sugar, fat, processed, cooked food and not enough fresh fruits and vegetables. Our modern way of life, lack of exercise and oxygenation, pollution, stress, negative mental or emotional patterns also contribute to build up acidity in our body. Most of us suffer from acid-alkaline imbalance without even knowing it.
- Our body will go to great lengths to maintain its delicate pH balance. In case of overacidity, our body reacts to come back to balance in two ways. Some acids are eliminated through the bowels, the kidneys, the lungs and the skin. Whatever excess acids are left, they must be buffered or neutralized by borrowing alkaline substances like calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron from our vital organs, bones and teeth.
- Our body is slightly alkaline (pH 7.2-7.4) and if it becomes acidic, the body cannot function and we'll die.
- The stomach and reproductive organs are the only acidic parts in the body, the rest are all alkaline.
- Chew the food slowly and well before swallowing for better nutrients absorption and health
- Teas are alkaline, cocoa and coffee are acidic but please note that black teas are acidifying
- Breast milk is the most alkaline milk around! Soy milk and formula comes after. The rest of the milk are acidic.
- Peanuts and Walnuts are extremely acidifying food. Almonds on the other hand are alkalizing food

More examples of Acidifying Foods:
Acidifying foods are rich in proteins, carbohydrates and fat. They usually do not have a sour taste but they produce acidifying substances during the digestion and assimilation process.
▪ meat, poultry, fish, seafood
▪ egg’s white
▪ cheese
▪ pasteurized, sterilized or cooked milk
▪ animal fat (except butter)
▪ vegetal fat, margarine and refined oils
▪ grains: wheat, oat, barley, rice...
▪ bread, pasta, pizza...
▪ legumes: lentils, beans, chickpeas
▪ white sugar
▪ syrups, cakes, chocolate, jam
▪ nuts: walnuts, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, cashews
(except almonds and Brazil nuts)
▪ soft drinks: coca cola, fanta, sprite…
▪ coffee, tea, cacao, wine

Note: Acid fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruits or sour apples are acidifying when they are eaten together with grains and carbohydrates. Fruits should be eaten before or long after a meal. No orange juice with bread or oats for breakfast!

Alkalizing Foods:
Alkaline foods are alkalizing for our body, they do not produce acidifying substances during the digestion and assimilation process.
▪ vegetables: lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, green beans,
red beets, peas, zucchini… (except tomatoes, spinach, sorrel)
▪ sprouts
▪ potatoes
▪ egg yolk
▪ unprocessed fresh milk, cream, butter
▪ banana
▪ raw almonds and brazil nuts
▪ chestnuts
▪ dried fruits: date, raisin, fig and brown apricot
▪ black olives in oil
▪ avocado
▪ unrefined cold-pressed oils
▪ wholesome sugar

After the talk, I did become more conscious of what I eat. I hope I can stay firm on eating the right choices of food and reduce the chances of acidifying my body! :P


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