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optimal health, our body’s pH should be neutral Blueprint, suggests the reason for this six-hour Though it
to slightly alkaline; when it is too acidic the despondency is that the neutrophils are too busy
body buffers this acidity by releasing calcium dealing with the inflammatory mess created by has been
and magnesium from bones and breaking down the influx of sugar. Whatever the mechanics, referred to
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muscle to produce ammonia (strongly alkaline). removing excess sugar is a must if you want to as the “white
Saliva (upon rising) and urine (second void- reduce the number of illnesses your family suf-
ing of the morning) are best for testing pH levels, fers. plague” and
although some believe urine to be more accurate. rivals cocaine
Compare the color of the urine or saliva-covered THE ADDICTIVE POWER OF SUGAR in addictive
strip to the pH color chart accompanying the Although socially acceptable, sugar addic-
package. Collect numbers over several days for tion is real. As with any addictive substance, strength, sugar
an average, which will give you an idea how more and more sugar is consumed over time, remains a
well your body is dealing with your sugar and withdrawal symptoms are experienced when it is socially
carbohydrate load as well as managing your min- removed (headaches, low energy, mood swings),
eral coffers. If your pH tests show high acidity and finally strong cravings often lead to relapse. sanctioned
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(below 6.8), cut down on your sugars and grains Regardless of the fact that it has been referred commodity to
(especially all processed products), increase your to as the “white plague” and rivals cocaine in sell, eat, or
consumption of good fats and recheck in a couple its addictive strength, sugar remains a socially
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of weeks. sanctioned commodity to sell, eat, or use to cel- use to
ebrate and lavish on children. celebrate and
MORE SICK DAYS Sugar’s addictive power is three-fold. First, lavish on
White blood cells, called neutrophils, are a we have a natural affinity to sugar. It tastes yum-
primary player in the immune system, fending my and gives our body fuel. While stumbling children.
off infection from foreign bacteria and viruses, upon a beehive or bush of ripe wild berries was
anything from colds and strep throat to ear and quite useful to our foraging ancestors in their en-
sinus infections. Research shows these “germ- deavors to obtain enough calories, our situation
destroyers” become much less effective at their is quite different today. In our developed world
job when sugar is consumed (table sugar, fruc- of easy access, this added fuel has become over-
tose and even orange juice), and this immune available, over-processed and over-consumed, all
malfunction can last up to six hours after con- of which lead to trouble with a capital T.
sumption. Mark Sisson, author of The Primal Second, sugar has the ability to increase
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THE SIX TASTES

In the Ayurvedic philosophy, foods are categorized by six major tastes, or rasas. Foods usually contain many tastes,
but they are identified by their main flavor.

SWEET: honey, rice, milk, butter/ghee, coconut, dates, fig, grapes, squash, carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, fruit, walnut,
chicken, eggs, and most grains.

SOUR: citrus fruits (lemons, limes, grapefruit), cheese, yogurt, tomatoes, apple, olive, peach, pineapple, plum, raspberry,
adzuki beans, strawberry, vinegar and fermented foods (sauerkraut, pickles, miso).

SALTy: salt, sea vegetables (kelp, dulse).

BITTER: leafy greens (spinach, kale, chard, green cabbage, Romaine), zucchini, eggplant, olives, turmeric, vinegar.

PUNGENT: ginger, onions, radish, black and white pepper, mustard, chives, cinnamon, clove, dill, garlic, ginger, green
onion, red pepper, rosemary, basil, salsa.

ASTRINGENT: legumes (beans and lentils), apples, cranberries, pomegranates, pears, dried fruit, potatoes, walnuts, broccoli,
cauliflower, artichoke, asparagus, turnip, rye, buckwheat, and quinoa, turmeric, and marjoram.

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