We live in a time where so many things compete for our attention that often our health ends up last on the priority list. Yet we forget that nothing else matters without our health. We forget that if we don't make time for our health now, we will have to make time for illness in the future. Numerous studies show that an over-acidic body leads to weight gain, fatigue, accelerated ageing, poor digestion, aches and pains, foggy thinking. Every day acids like caffeine, sugar, whites, vinegar, nicotine, meat, dairy, alcohol and prescription drugs not only are all highly addictive but also rob us of our nutrients and leave us feeling lethargic and lacking in energy.



Alkalising and living an alkaline lifestyle will make you feel more alive, more vibrant and full of energy (and you'll lose weight along the way). You will have the ability to feel totally renewed and full of energy, you will radiate good health and you can get rid of most of your nagging health problems.

When you wake up tired wishing you could have another couple of hours in bed and think you won't come to life until your first or second cup of coffee or tea, you are probably acidic. If you wind down at the end of a stressful day with a couple of glasses of wine or you suffer from the afternoon slump where you think only a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit will bring you back to life, you are probably over acidic.

It's a safe bet that you are overly acidic - the simple fact is, most people are.

When we reach for the quick fix of caffeine, sugar, nicotine or any of the highly addictive acids, the glucose levels in our body rise, and the pancreas reacts by releasing an excessive amount of insulin into the body. The sugar is rapidly burned, producing a surge of energy. The blood sugar then falls below the normal level producing some unpleasant symptoms such as headaches, unnecessary hunger, fatigue and like any other drug, the craving for more. Hence the highs and lows throughout the day.

High insulin levels inhibit the release of growth hormones which in turn depresses the immune system. High insulin levels also make our bodies feel hungry and result in increased fat cell storage. Caffeine stimulates the adrenal glands to produce adrenaline and cortisone ? hormones your body depends on to elevate the heart rate, increase respiration and blood pressure. Eventually the adrenal glands become exhausted and stop responding, leaving you more vulnerable to health hazards.

A highly acidic diet promotes over-acidification of the blood and tissues which is conducive to the growth of virus, bacteria, yeast and fungus ? the great decomposer of cells and tissues in the human body.

If you are overweight, you most likely do not have a fat problem, it is probable you have an acid problem. When the body produces more insulin, it stores more fat. If medication or a magic pill was the real answer to health problems, then we'd all feel as good as we wanted to feel. By alkalising your body, you'll begin to eliminate the acids and recreate the optimum ph level which will affect every cell in your body.

So what do you have to do to feel incredible? How do you transform your life and take things to the next level?

Some very small changes in your daily habits could bring about huge changes in your health, your energy levels and ultimately the quality of your life. Give yourself the opportunity to live the life you deserve. Be blessed with the health and energy that is rightfully yours.

Here are our Top 7 Ways to Alkalise and Energise for Life

Hydrate your body - Drink at least 2 litres of water per day (more if you're exercising) We lose on average 2 litres a day while we're talking, sleeping, eating, breathing and sweating. The effects of mild dehydration include decreased coordination and fatigue. A carefully hydrated body produces colourless urine. Some side effects of dehydration include stress, headaches, weight gain, allergies, high blood pressure and Alzheimers. Keep it simple: add fresh lemon, lime or cucumber to your water daily. Most of the time when we think we are hungry, we are thirsty. A dry mouth is the last outward sign of dehydration.

Eliminate or reduce caffeine - this is found in coffee, tea, cocoa (that includes chocolate!) and soft drinks. Try dandelion coffee as a substitute which supports and detoxes your liver or chamomile tea which is caffeine free.

Eliminate or reduce sugar: processed or refined sugar is very acidic and increases glucose levels in the body causing them to rise rapidly. Try alternative snacks such as a handful of nuts which are full of protein and essential oils (almonds, hazelnuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds), avocado, celery and cucumber crudit's or oatcakes.

Eliminate or reduce white refined carbohydrates: that includes bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, cakes (white flour). This is because these foods are all very high carbohydrate, high glycemic and spike our blood sugar. Try sweet potatoes, rice noodles, vegetable pastas, wheat free pastas, granary or seeded bread, brown basmati rice.

Eliminate or reduce acid addictions: 1. Vinegar, the product of decay, contains acetic acid which affects the liver in much the same way as alcohol does. Vinegar thickens the blood putting a strain on the functioning of the arteries and the heart and also interferes with the digestion of starch. 2. Alcohol - ok it doesn't have to be forever but you do more good hitting 80% consistently than 100% and only lasting for three days. 3. Nicotine - the negative effects of nicotine abuse are well known: increased risk of heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, emphysema, hypertension, infertility to name but a few. 4. Drugs - the dangers of illegal drugs are obvious, but the potential dangers of prescription drugs are not so well publicized. 5. Avoid acid-forming foods that are devoid of life - meats, dairy products.

Supplement - chose natural supplements as the body absorbs these more easily; not synthetic and man-made (which tend to be cheaper) as these end up as expensive urine. Cooking and processing often reduces the nutrients we get from our food.

Aerobic Exercise - the more you exercise the more energy you'll have. 30 minutes a day 3 to 5 times a week should be your base. Take the stairs, leave your car, park on the other side of the car park and walk to the door of the supermarket or cinema - don't be lazy and fight to get parked at the door. Remember you'll burn the same amount of calories if you walk a mile as if you run a mile. Walking, swimming, cycling, running are all great ways to get started. Once you have your base established, get a plan to take your fitness to the next level.

Give yourself the opportunity to live the life you deserve. Be blessed with the health and energy that is rightfully yours.