Alkaline vs. Acidic

August 4, 2017

I'm rereading Kris Carr's fabulous book, Crazy Sexy Diet.  Kris was diagnosed with a rare and incurable form of cancer in February 2003 (Stage IV), and she took this as an opportunity to change her life.  She studied nutrition and health with vigor, and she's shared what she learned about cancer in this book and in her video Crazy Sexy Cancer.  Today, Kris survives and thrives.

It's been my policy to learn from others and to be as preventive in my actions as possible.  This was why I read her book a number of years ago, why I've reread parts of it a number of times, and why I return to it now, having already been living much of it. 

One thing Kris shares is that our bodies need both alkaline and acidic foods.  But in our current American diet of lots of red meat, refined carbs, processed products, and sugar, we are heavy on the acidic side--and that's helping us become and stay heavy in our bodies.  She suggests an 80-20 diet where 80% of our foods are alkaline (lots of greens and raw veggies) and 20% acidic (we do need some) or, if not possible, then a 60-40. 

My diet hasn't been too far off from this with the major exception of sugar.  It's in so many foods, and I also have a sweet tooth.  I'm trying to reset that with a fast from desserts this month and I might continue it beyond.  A craving for sugar is insidious but breakable.  We can retrain our taste buds from sugary, salty, greasy to healthier tastes.  I already know this, but I also know that the beginning can be difficult.  And it'll lead to more energy, better health, and clearer skin.  Pass the greens.

Here's a bonus article.