The critical balance of our cellular structure is constantly under surveillance by every aspect of our being. We are mineral, chemical, electrical, and enzymatic in response to our environment. What we manifest in these areas can be very closely impacted by our environment and our response to that environment.
Many are aware we need to maintain an alkaline pH in our system. Variations outside of 7.3 to 7.5 can create serious problems. A change of only 0.1 outside this range can create a 10 fold reduction in the enzymatic function within your body.
Any excess in acidity contributes to disease, diarrhea, constipation, kidney and liver problems, as well as the fatigue which accompanies many health issues. With an excess in acidity, our body will actually “borrow” minerals from our bones to help stabilize cellular and blood pH. When these kinds of excess occur and we fail to replenish these minerals, the long term effects can result in osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and a compromised immune system.
Minerals which buffer acidity are potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium. Calcium and sodium are the chief mineral buffers. Most of us, unknowingly have a slightly acidic body environment. Excess carbon dioxide and carbonic acid is created and accumulates in the blood through eating acid forming diets, stress, toxins, immune challenges, and the metabolic regulatory mechanisms which create acid by-products.
To offset pH imbalances, it’s critical that our diet include foods which contain these buffering minerals to offset the internal acidic state caused simply by metabolism. Fruits and veggies are where we should put our focus to obtain these critical elements.
The standard American diet contributes heavily to systemic acidity. One 12 ounce can of cola contains enough phosphoric acid to dramatically change your pH. With the cola pH being between 2.8 and 3.2, your kidneys can’t excrete enough acidic urine to protect the healthy systemic pH. Since urine cannot go more acidic than about 5.0, in order to dilute the acid load from that cola, you would have to produce around 33 liters of urine. Since this can’t be done, your skeleton comes under attack, having to give up minerals to neutralize this acid.
Stress is an element which increases acidity in the body. The more stress you endure, the higher the acid levels, resulting in greater mineral loss. When you consider all of this, it’s no wonder drug companies are scrambling to find drugs that protect the skeleton. Unfortunately, these drugs don’t protect the skeleton, they just shift the load of mineral balance to other areas.
If you were to evaluate the function of many of these minerals, you would find many body functions involved. Nerve transmission is subject to the electrolytes that are required to transmit the information from one area of the body to another. Brain function is highly dependent on minerals for memory and recall. Magnesium enters into a massive number of enzymatic functions of the liver. Remember what I said about enzyme activity being decreased ten fold when your pH is only 0.1 off from the 7.3 - 7.5 range?
Muscle function, cramps, and strength, are all mineral dependent. Just the tone of the muscles of your throat can be influenced by variances outside of normal. This can result in something as simple as snoring or even as big as sleep apnea.
Guarding against systemic acidity is something that should be addressed through a good and healthy diet, rich in fresh vegetable and fruits. Grains generally add to acidity as do most proteins. I do believe in healthy proteins in the diet, but the veggies must be there to offset the acids from the protein.
Since stress is a major contributor to systemic acidity, maintaining a low stress diet is something I encourage to everyone. Fear, worry, and anger are all killers. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8 Let us help you change your lifestyle to prevent the results of the American diet.
Dr John A. Briggs ND
20 N.E. Lillich St. Clatskanie,
Oregon 97016
503-728-4732
While recruiting visits are currently on hold due to the coronavirus, that doesn't mean coaches are taking a break from the trail.The biggest news of the week was 2021 four-star in-state linebacker Collin Oliver naming Oklahoma State Cowboys in his top-8. Oliver is easily one of the Cowboys' top targets in the class.The less positive news was in regards to three-star wide receiver Brady Boyd who, just a few days after naming OSU in his "top two", chose to commit to his other favorite, Minnesota.OSU has stayed busy, handing out a handful of new offers this past week.2021 4-star guard Josh SimmonsLe Mesa, CaliforniaOffers: 18Includes Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Oregon, Penn State and USC. The OSU offer camealong with othersjust a few days after his de-commitment from the Ducks.247 National Recruiting Analyst Greg Biggins compares Simmons to Philadelphia Eagle Brandon Brooks and has some nice things to say about him.Massive two-way lineman who could end up as a nose guard or offensive guard in college. Shows quickness of the ball, strength at the point of attack and the ability to cave in the interior of an offensive line by himself.2021 4-star wide receiver Keon ColemanOpelousas William Mohan Jersey, LouisianaOffers: 29Includes Arizona, Florida State, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Oklahoma, Texas AM and others.247 Recruiting Analyst Gabe Brooks says Coleman has some big-time potential.Owns terrific frame for elite wideout prospect. Tall and long with a ton of frame space to add bulk. Dynamic, explosive athlete who competes in football, basketball, and track and field. Division I-caliber prospect in football and basketball. Electric leaper. Produces highlight reel dunks on the hardwood and impressive ball-winning plays on the gridiron https://www.tvfanprostore.com/Malachi_Wideman_Jersey-80.A three-sport athlete, Coleman also has D1 offers in basketball and competes in long jump. Last season, Coleman nabbed 35 receptions for 1,143 yards and 22 touchdowns.2021 3-star wide receiver Michael Jackson IIILas Vegas, NevadaOffers: 23Includes Arizona, Arizona State, Cal, Kentucky, Penn State, Oregon, Tennessee, USC, Utah, Wisconsin and others.Currently ranked as the No. 60 wide receiver in the 2021 class and No. 3 overall recruit in Nevada for 2021. 247 Sports Recruiting Analyst Blair Angulo compares Jackson to Tennessee Titan Deontay Burton https://www.tvfanprostore.com/Grant_Frerking_Jersey-113. Thickly built and solid frame, with decent length and physical upside. Strong lower half. Dynamic pass-catcher who thrives on underneath routes. Elusive in open field and dangerous after gaining possession. Constant threat to gain large chunks of yards. Shows good instincts as route runner, particularly by gaining separation early in plays.2021 3-star safety Ty WilliamsMuskogee, OklahomaOffers: 12Includes Cal, Colorado, Georgia Tech, Iowa State, Kansas State, Missouri and others.But expect that list to grow with interest from Oklahoma and Texas AM.Williams, who also plays quarterback for Muskogee, had nine interceptions last season.2021 running back Jaden NixonFrisco, TexasOffers: 10Includes schools like Air Force, Army, Navy, North Texas, and Tulsa, among others. OSU is the first Power-5 offer.While Nixon is unranked, he comes from an OSU family. His father, Jeroid Johnson, played defensive back during the mid-90s at OSU. Nixon's mother, Tina, was also an OSU athlete, competing as a was a jumper on the Cowgirl track and field team in the late 90s.As a junior, Nixon had 821 yards and 14 touchdowns on 90 carries. He also caught 18 receptions for 262 yards and two scores.2022 defensive lineman Jalen MarshallOverland Park, KansasOffers: 2Other offer is from Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska and Tulsa have also shown interest.During his sophomore season, Marshall racked up 36 total tackles, including 2.5 TFLs and 2.5 sacks in 10 games.He made an unofficial visit to OSU for Bedlam this past November.