You're welcome! And I might add that in spite of all the data and research available, don't discount the personal testimonies that exist everywhere on the internet. As I said all the information anyone needs is just a few clicks away. I can personally attest to the fact that changing my diet and lifestyle increased my pH and as a result the acidity in my body has left and so did the shortness of breath, stiffness, body odor, PMS, heavy periods, insomnia and other things. I feel so much better. And to clarify, the diet is not designed to change the pH of your blood which must remain at a constant of 7.35 or 7.45. If the range of blood deviates you will experience a medical crisis possibly even death ( In previous posts I recommended looking up alkalosis/ acidosis--these are medical terms). Instead, the diet (for lack of a better word) is designed to provide sufficient minerals that help the body buffer acids so that the blood can stay in that tightly regulated range. If the blood moves toward a lower pH (acidity) it will rob minerals from bones and teeth to buffer the acids which creates osteoporosis and tooth decay. Even receding gums that comes with age is a sign of jaw bone loss, ie lack of calcium. If anyone has been diagnosed with those conditions you might be helped by changing your diet. It's a sign that you do not have sufficient mineral reserves and things could quite possibly get worse from there.

I'd move away from term "Alkaline diet" etc because the word diet seems off putting to people. It simply means you eat way more fruits and vegetables than you eat meat, coffee, sugar or alcohol. You don't stop eating meat if your body requires it and you don't have to give up alcohol. We're talking about an overall commitment to eating healthy food. I'd also add that this approach is new and MD's that have spent their entire lives focusing on protocols, pharmaceuticals etc (and we need those for sure) are not yet believers that diet affects health in a way that others have learned through personal experience. Be your own advocate. This is not a suggestion that anyone forgo medical care but for anyone dealing with any type of health issue a good, healthy diet is your ally. We learned that in grade school with the food pyramid but somehow seem to have forgotten it. As we fill our bodies with fast food and soda and then scan the drugstore aisles at night looking for an antacid...which by the way is calcium, we've lost sight of the fact that if we put the minerals in our bodies in sufficient quantities beforehand, we won't need an emergency fix. When we are balanced, a little late night chili on occasion, won't do anything because the body already has what it needs to buffer acids.

If any of the information intrigues anyone in this forum simply go to the health food store and purchase pH strips and test if you are seeing signs of acidity...heartburn, skin conditions, stiffness, cavities etc. Spend a few days (might take longer) feeding your body the minerals it needs and then test again to see if your pH raises and see if your condition improves. If so, you have your answer despite what research might say.

I knew this issue would turn into a hot topic. There are people on both sides of the coin and as I said previously, there's no right or wrong. I just hate to see people suffering with minor health problems when they might simply be resolved by looking in the refrigerator. And again, I'm not speaking to anyone who has a chronic or serious ongoing illness who needs medical supervision and maintenance. Talk to your doctor about changing your diet. As I said previously, my posts were for those who have had no diagnosis provided for shortness of breath. It's a sign that your body needs something and I'd start with the right food.

But...before you do anything. I'd suggest doing the research first. Know what to do and why you are doing it. Be your own advocate for yourself and for your family. Your health should be the highest priority for you and for them. Be willing to do whatever it takes to ensure you live a long healthy life. Spend time on the internet reading research, data, personal testimonies and find what works for YOU. And partner with your doctor for your WELLNESS.

Here is a site with lots of personal experiences with alternative treatments...what worked, what didn't as well as precautions:

http://www.Earthclinic.com

Here are a few highly credentialed MD's (ie Harvard and Cornell) that advocate diet for maintenance of health (I'm not a proponent of being vegan--find what works for you):

Dr Hyman on Magnesium:

Good luck Everyone!