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Risks and Benefits of the pH Diet

 

The pH diet (aka “the alkaline diet”) involves eating alkaline-forming foods. This does not mean you can’t eat any acid-forming foods at all, such as coffee, dairy, or beef. Rather, the goal is to create a greater balance between acidic and alkaline foods. The idea behind the diet is that eating a pH-balanced diet will help you control the pH level of your blood and stomach so your body can function optimally.

Read the comments:  The pH Miracle: Balance Your Diet, Reclaim Your Health

Or visit Dr Young’s website: Ph Miracle Living

Benefits of the pH Diet

Our bodies naturally balance pH on their own, but eating a balanced diet makes it much easier for our bodies to do so. Since the body doesn’t have to put as much effort into balancing its pH levels, it has more energy for other functions, like metabolism, hence the long-term weight loss that many experience on the pH diet.

The pH diet consists mostly of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, seeds, and certain whole grains.  These foods are conducive to weight loss because they are low calorie and are either low-fat or contain healthy fats like Omega 3s.  Alkaline foods do not contain refined or “simple” sugars that cause your blood sugar to spike. This means the calories go more towards energy instead of getting stored as fat, and you won’t feel the energy crash that is typical after consuming junk foods. Because alkaline-forming foods are rich in fiber, they also help you feel full longer.

Along with weight loss, there are numerous other health benefits that come with the pH diet such as reduced risk of kidney stones, less erosion of tooth enamel, reduced acid reflux, and less stress on organs and the bladder.

 

Risks of the pH Diet

With any diet there are always some risks. In the case of the pH diet, some people end up eating more fruit than vegetables. The excess sugar can cause problems like acne breakouts or blood sugar problems. If people on the pH diet don’t eat enough of the diet’s more protein-rich foods, such as from legumes or seeds, they can end up with a deficiency. Protein deficiency can seriously impact weight loss because muscle deterioration can occur. That means the body will have less mass and metabolism will significantly slow down.

 

To avoid the risks of the pH diet, practitioners need to make sure that they are eating a well-balanced diet. They should be sure to get at least three servings of vegetables daily, some of which should be leafy greens to ensure adequate iron intake, and also to eat protein with every meal, which can be as simple as sprinkling some nuts onto your fruit bowl or salad.

What Do Diet Cleanses Do for Your Health?

 

When discussing diet cleanses, often the first benefit that comes to mind for many people is weight loss. Indeed, you will likely lose weight if you go on cleanse (such as a juice cleanse or a fast) because they are low-calorie and involve consuming healthy, natural foods. However, the real benefit of going on a cleanse is that it removes toxins from your body. It is this detoxification which is actually behind the long-term weight loss that a cleanse can help achieve.

 

Toxin Detoxification

 

In our daily lives, we encounter numerous harmful toxins through pollutants and chemical additives in the foods we eat. Our bodies have mechanisms to deal with these toxins, but chronic exposure to toxins can cause our bodies to become overworked. Our immune systems weaken, we feel sluggish, and our metabolisms can slow.

 

Diet cleanses can help flush out these toxins in numerous ways. Some cleanses involve eating or drinking cleansing foods, such as berry or herbal tonics. Other cleanses involve eating only “clean” foods  order ito stem the flow of toxins coming in, thus allowing the body to focus on getting rid of the toxins that are already there.

 

Without all of these toxins in your body, your metabolism rate can increase, which means that you will find it easier to lose weight and keep it off, including the weight you lost during the fast. You can also experience benefits like improved mood, clearer skin, and better focus.

 

Dangers of Cleansing

 

When considering a diet cleanse, it is important to remember that there are many different types of cleanses.

• Juice fasts
• Water-only fasts
• Master Cleanse
• Liver detox cleanses
• Colon cleanses

 

These cleanses can have benefits, but only if they are performed properly. Doing a cleanse for too long can cause a slew of problems, the main one being nutrient deficiencies. Also, depriving your body of energy (i.e. calories) for a prolonged period can lead to a slowed metabolism. Both of these problems can harm your health, not to mention your weight-loss goals.

 

Before starting any cleanse, it is important to look at the cleanse as it relates to your lifestyle and overall health goals. If you lead a very active lifestyle, for example, then doing the Master Cleanse could devastate your health.

 

Post-Cleansing Practices

 

In order to maintain the detoxification benefits you received during your cleanse, you will need to have a post-cleanse plan. This should involve a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables and low in processed, refined foods. The good news is that cleanses will typically purge all the refined sugars and chemicals in your body, so you stop feeling cravings for junk food. Since your stomach may have shrunk in size during the cleanse as well, it also probably won’t take as much food to make you feel full.

What Is the Best Type of Yoga for Me?

 

Yoga is a popular philosophy that cultivates unity between the body, mind, and spirit. Originally from India, Yoga has made its way all over the world. Traditionally a student would have studied with just one master teacher. This teacher would understand his or her students’ needs and prescribe appropriate practices. In the modern world, however, studying individually with a master teacher is not always possible – or practical. Thankfully, contemporary Yogis are blessed with a variety of styles and teachers from which to choose.

 

Hatha Yoga

 

Hatha means “Sun – Moon.” It is intended to help practitioners balance action with stillness, effort with ease, and the masculine and feminine polarities within the human body. Nearly all physical Yoga is actually Hatha Yoga that has been interpreted and codified by different teachers. Typically, Hatha Yoga classes focus on safe alignment, Asanas (postures or “seats”) to increase strength and mobility, deep breathing, and subtle energetic practices such as Pranayama (breath control) and Bandha (energetic seals). Because of the focus on correct alignment and working at one’s level, these classes tend to be accessible for all levels of students who want a precise, safe, and holistic approach to the practice. Beginner’s especially benefit from taking a few Hatha class before the flowing classes.

 

Iyengar Yoga

 

B. K. S. Iyengar established this form of Hatha Yoga in the 1970s. It focuses on precise alignment and specificity. Iyengar teachers often use a variety of props such as straps and blocks, and detailed instruction to ensure each pose is practiced correctly and efficiently. These classes tend to move slowly, with a great deal of verbal, demonstrative, and hands-on instruction for each pose. They are great for beginners and advanced students looking to deeply understand proper alignment. They are also helpful for elderly or injured students, as well as students with a therapeutic needs or specific ailments. They are not for people just seeking a workout or a flow. As Iyengar teachers must study for a minimum of two years, and many study for a decade or more, they usually work from a depth of knowledge that exceeds some other styles.

 

Astanga Yoga

 

Codified by Sri Pattabhi Jois, Astanga Yoga is a style exemplified by a systemic, regimented approach to the practice. There are three main sequences that are rigorously followed by practitioners. Students traditionally learn the sequences by attending early-morning “Mysore” classes, where a group of students are each practicing at their individual pace. The teacher will instruct new students as needed, and give guidance and subsequent poses to continuing students as their practices develop. Astanga Yoga is best for healthy, fit individuals who already understand how to practice many Yoga poses safely, and want a vigorous and repetitive practice.

 

Vinyasa Yoga

 

Vinyasa simply means movement that is coordinated with breath. These classes are based on Hatha Yoga, but move faster with connected sequences that are designed to build internal heat. They are also sometimes called Power Yoga. There may be some alignment instruction within the flow, depending on the instructor. Vinyasa classes are usually best for reasonably fit people with no injuries who want a mindful workout.

 

Restorative Yoga

 

Restorative Yoga balances the internal environment by pacifying the SNS (Sympathetic Nervous System – the “flight or fight” response) and awakening the PSNS (Para-Sympathetic Nervous System, the “rest and relax” response). Restorative Yoga classes consist of passive, fully supported, comfortable poses that are held from 2 to 20 minutes. These poses reduce stress levels, can help one recover from illness or injury, and reduce the likelihood of developing stress-related diseases and obesity. They are a relaxing complement to active practices that is suitable for any person of any skill level or body type.

 

Yin Yoga

 

Based on the Chinese Meridian system, Yin Yoga consists of passive poses that are held for 3 to 5 minutes. The poses are designed to activate certain lines of energy within the body that correspond to various organs and systems. Unlike Restorative Yoga, Yin poses are often mildly uncomfortable, as they are sometimes stretching connective tissue or using passive-resistance to open an area of the body. They are usually safe for most people, though sometimes modifications are needed if one has back or neck injuries. Yin Yoga is helpful for anyone who wants a more subtle class and/or needs to find stillness and inner quiet.

 

Bikram Yoga

 

Bikram Choudry established this sequence of Vinyasa Yoga. It is usually practiced in extremely heated, carpeted rooms. The same 26 poses are practiced in every class, and every Bikram teacher is required to use the same verbal script for each class. These classes are best for fit beginners who want a repetitive workout. They are often helpful for recovering addicts and other people that need simple structure.

 

Yogi’s Choice

 

There are nearly as many types of Yoga as there are Yoga teachers. There is Yoga for Bikers, Yoga for Runners, Curvy Yoga, Hip-Hop Yoga, and Yogalates, just to name a few. Most studios have class descriptions on their websites, and teachers should be able to explain their classes if asked. The best style for you will be the one taught by a teacher that inspires you. Feeling safe, seen, encouraged, and motivated by a particular teacher is far more important than the name of the class.