The pH miracle diet is a program for restoring balance in the body by eating alkaline foods. The body’s cells are slightly alkaline and by eating alkalizing foods you can support your body’s natural function.
In addition to eating alkalizing foods, Dr. Robert Young, the creator of the diet, also recommends avoiding acidifying foods like meat, wheat and dairy. Those that want better health, according to Dr. Young, should become vegetarians.
The
standard American diet certainly isn’t alkalizing and definitely isn’t
vegetarian. Animal protein is a mainstay of most people’s diets. However, the
necessity for animal protein is a not.
There
is a prevailing belief in out society that consuming a lot of protein
encourages health and especially physical fitness. Men especially are expected
to eat massive quantities of meat in order to have strength and vitality. This
myth has prevailed as far back in history as many can remember.
In the
beginning of the twentieth century, scientists began to believe that consuming
meat equaled physical strength, especially in the world of sports. This
specific belief, the link between sports and protein, has been one of the
driving forces behind meat consumption in the last 100 years.
In
actuality, the body’s need for protein is actually a lot less than many people
think. There are plenty of sources for vegetarian protein that are alkalizing,
and acceptable on the ph Miracle diet.
But
why does the program specifically forbid animal protein? Animal protein, like
meats, eggs and dairy products all have acidifying effects on the body. These
effects become even more prevalent when you consume non-organic meats.
Consuming conventionally processed meats can expose you to hormones, drugs and
other chemicals that have been given to the animals before they were killed.
There are no conclusive studies about the safety of hormones, but there are
perceived risks.
Animals are routinely given antibiotics as well, which will
increase your consumption of antibiotics and will reduce helpful bacteria in
your body. The reduction of these helpful bacteria will allow more metabolic
acid to accumulate in your system, and create disastrous health effects.
The
elements in meat that are good for you (protein, vitamins and minerals) can be
obtained from vegetarian sources without all of the dangers. Just one cup of
tofu, an alkalizing protein source, has 20 grams of protein. The average man or
women needs less than 40 grams per day. Protein needs can easily be met without
eating acidifying meat.
Making
the switch to vegetarianism is more of mental struggle than a physical one. The
body runs much more efficiently without the acidifying presence of animal
protein. Eating meat is a habit and the benefits of eating it are a culturally
propagated myth. There is no physical need for meat. The most difficult part of
eliminating it from your diet will be opening your eyes to the wide variety of
new foods that can replace meat.
When
you follow the pH miracle diet, you’ll notice that Dr. Young recommends a
balance of 70% alkaline foods and 30% acid foods. This means that there is some
leeway for eating foods on the acidic list. Although it may be tempting to eat
animal protein as part of this 30%, your body will be in better balance if you
choose something that is just slightly acidic, like eggs, oats or pasta,
instead of highly acidic meats.
Becominga vegetarian on the pH miracle diet is certainly your choice. But you owe it to
your health to start reducing the amount of
animal protein in your diet.
