Understanding Blood pH

Patients often ask us to recommend tests to check their blood pH. Why? Because "someone" (Dr Google?) said that they should adhere to an alkaline diet/ drink alkaline water to sat fit. They then google the said diet, strictly follow it, drink the said water and now want to check if the new protocol has made a difference to their blood pH levels.  

❗ALKALINE DIET / ALKALINE WATER CANNOT CHANGE YOUR BLOOD pH LEVELS❗ 

If a diabetic patient cut down on their carb/sugar intake, they would expect an improvement in their fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels. Similarly, a patient with dyslipidemia would expect improved blood cholesterol levels after 3 months of a revised dietary regimen and exercise schedule. 

Unfortunately, this is not the case for blood pH. You CANNOT alter it. No matter what you eat or drink, your body will maintain the normal range of blood pH  between 7.35 and 7.45 

Our body has the ability of maintaining the balance of acid and alkali in the blood (homeostasis) using two organs - the kidneys and the lungs. This acid-base balance is precisely controlled because even a minor deviation from the normal range can severely affect many organs. 

When there is too much acid or base in the blood because of infection/sepsis, severe heart or lung disease, it could lead to hypoxia or oxygen deprivation. In order to maintain blood pH, our lungs breathe out more carbon dioxide and our kidneys release more acid or base in the urine. 

Acidosis (low pH) and Alkalosis (high pH) are two abnormalities of acid-base balance. They are not diseases but are the result of a wide variety of diseases. Their presence indicates a serious health issue. ICU patients who are critically ill may have a low blood pH which can be life threatening. 

So the next time "someone" tells you to go on an alkaline diet, or drink alkaline water or...bathe in "electrolyte-enriched" water tell them you now know better !!! 

Stay blessed with good health...always !!!

Mushrooms - Nature's powerhouse of vital antioxidants

 

Mushrooms have been used as a culinary wonder and folk medicine for thousands of years. As immunity warriors they are powerhouses of vital antioxidants. They also contain beta-glucans, a type of complex carbohydrate which benefits people with autoimmune conditions, any type of physical or emotional stress and those undergoing cancer treatment. 

Dried mushrooms are sold in powder form in health food stores. Add a spoonful to your cup of coffee, or dip or raita or dal, or even to your favourite dessert to reap a multitude of health benefits. 

Read about the different varieties of mushroom and their distinct health advantages below. 

Shiitake: a heart-warming friend 

Boasting all eight essential amino acids in outstanding proportions, this mushroom is particularly friendly with the heart, as it has been shown to lower LDL (i.e., the “bad”) cholesterol and contains compounds that stop the liver from absorbing and producing more cholesterol. Shiitake’s vast array of phytonutrients also aids in preventing plaque buildup, whilst maintaining healthy blood pressure and circulation. 

Enoki: Food for body, mind and soul 

Also known as “golden needles”, enoki's crisp texture and mild flavour makes this culinary delight one of the most delicious types of mushroom to add raw to salads, boiled in soups and stews or sauteed in stir fries. With very similar properties to other varieties of fungi, the main thing that sets these earthy little beauties apart is their versatility in the kitchen. 

Reishi: Nature’s Valium 

Also known as lingzhi, this mushroom has some calming properties, due to an abundant mood-boosting compound called triterpene, which elicits a positive effect on the nervous system, helping to alleviate anxiety, depression and insomnia, promote healing and sharpen focus. Additionally, reishi may assist with weight loss by altering the microbiome and exerting a prebiotic effect. It may even shrink tumours in breast cancer, thanks to the sugar lentinan, which helps fight off disease and infection. 

Chaga: The glowing young maiden 

This little Siberian wild mushroom, otherwise known as “the gift from heaven”, is best recognised for its immune-boosting properties. Its high melanin and betulinic acid content helps eliminate oxidative stress in the skin, preventing the onset of wrinkles, pigmentation and acne. This translates to a glowing complexion, as well as luxurious hair and sparkling eyes. 

Maitake: The hormonal stabiliser 

Otherwise known as hen-of-the-woods and literally translated to “dancing mushroom” in Japanese. Commonly used for type 2 diabetes and hypertension, maitake also has therapeutic effects in PCOS, bringing on ovulation in young women by improving insulin resistance and balancing the expression and ratio of sex hormones. 

Lion’s mane: The brain’s assistant 

Used to treat brain fog and gain mental clarity, lion’s mane is the feathery, pom-pom-like relative in the family of medicinal mushrooms. It fosters the production of the bioprotein nerve growth factor and myelin, both of which are crucial to neurological health, helping to improve cognition and concentration and alleviate anxiety and irritability. 

Turkey tail: King cancer fighter 

This striking little beast boasting vibrant colours is jam-packed with antioxidants, including the anti-inflammatory bioflavonoid, quercetin. Most impressively, it contains a compound called polysaccharide-K (PSK), approved in Japan as an anti-cancer prescription drug. It has also been shown to improve the survival rate of patients with leukaemia and may assist immune function when taken alongside chemotherapy. 

☆☆NOTE☆☆ 

Always  check with your dietitian before adding mushrooms to your diet, especially if you have thyroid issues or if you are using specific medications or are pregnant, as certain mushrooms can cause side-effects. 

Stay blessed with good health...always!!!