Article by Gareth Edwards (BSc. DipION. mBANT)

Kepow! Take that….. Historically we’ve had to rely on fictional characters such as Popeye, Doc Broc and (maybe) the Jolly Green Giant to help us believe that the path to increased physical endurance might have more to do with the vegetable patch than a steak. Increasingly though, real life athletes are starting to wake up to the fact endless bowels of pasta, protein powders or chicken may not be helping them get the results that they are after.

“Well that’s all very well Gareth,” I hear some of the keen sportspeople amongst you saying, “but what about the reported diet of Michael Phelps. A herd of cows for breakfast, washed down with coffee and some nice pancakes and syrup. That didn’t seem to slow him down too much ……”

The case of Michael Phelps can actually illustrate some crucial and important factors about human health that all of us might wish to consider. One of the more interesting facts about him was the recent revelation that he had been caught smoking the wicked weed. In my opinion, this suggests either the need to calm down or to escape the pressures of his success. You need to remember that some of the “side effects” of increased acidity are likely to include increased anxiety and insomnia.

Two other important factors that you need to remember about Phelps are that he is (relatively) young and (surprisingly) that he does a lot of exercise! Generally speaking our alkaline reserves (mineral buffers) etc. are high at birth. The combination of alkaline parents and regular alkalising exercise can allow us to “get away with” some heavily acidic eating habits …. when we are young.

Two, more mature, highly successful athletes further elucidate the importance of alkaline dietary and hydration programmes in the sporting arena. Sir Steven Redgrave demonstrated phenomenal resilience to win his fifth gold medal as a diagnosed diabetic. His primary dietary consideration, in an interview that I read, was to ingest sufficient calories. During his stellar and inspiring Olympic career he was sponsored by a chain of burger shops and afterwards ran commercials for a crisp company. I do wonder if an alkaline dietary regime might have allowed him to compete for the sixth gold medal he seemed to strongly desire.

The case of Lance Armstrong seems to demonstrate clearly how a more alkaline eating pattern can not only positively affect the outcome of more serious pathologies (diseases), but also support phenomenal physical endurance. From all reports and Armstrong’s own writing, his diet prior to his cancer diagnosis was largely based on packets and bottles. His post cancer and tour winning diet has been much more about broccoli and fresh vegetables.

Little and large:

Part of Armstrong’s Tour de France success has been attributed to his, post cancer, slimmer build. This, it is argued, makes him the formidable hill climber that has sealed his success.

Because of light winds at the Beijing Olympics, being light was also a priority for the sailors. Women’s gold medallists Sarahs Ayton and Webb and Pippa Wilson told me that they bought all the green leafed vegetables in an entire supermarket as part of their weight losing, greening regime.

So greens can make you strong and light, but what about if you want to bulk up?

The most compelling recent story seems to be that of Dusan Dudas who won the over 50 category in a body building championship as an alkalising vegan. Not only was he big, but also healthy. Before the competition he says he felt calm and was not exhausted afterwards from the intense workload required to build the required muscle.

Protein powders and sports drinks:

With many athletes firmly hooked on gels, caffeine, whey or synthetic protein powder and fizzy, glucose based “recovery” drinks, it can be a bit tough to believe that you can really build muscle and endurance on a plant based diet with added salt.

One of the most powerful indictments of the benefits of alkalinity over sugar based approaches comes from world long distance running record holder Stu Mittleman. I’d highly recommend his book “Slow Burn”.

In my own practice I have seen several cases where people have experienced relatively serious health challenges having followed high protein dietary regimes aimed at building muscle. This type of dietary approach can lead to bowel toxicity. That will either show up as …. you guessed it (open the window someone) or as clear patterns of polymerised protein pools (acid!) in the centre of dried blood samples in the M/OS test.

Ensuring healthy bowel function is one of the most important aspects of building muscle and increasing physical endurance. It is at this delicate and sensitive interface that food becomes blood. Clean healthy blood is essential for building muscle, promoting healthy respiratory function and increased physical and mental agility.

Exercise can be one of the most rewarding, refreshing, health giving and alkalising ways to spend your waking hours.
Alkalising performance enhancing supplements would include:

1. Green drinks and alkalising pH drops
2. pHour salts
3. Udo’s Choice or Hemp oil

And if you feel you are in need of more protein, using a raw, vegan protein powder can be a solution for you.

Juicing and eating greens should also help to build healthy blood and muscles. Cabbage juice (mixed with less strong tasting low sugar juices such as cucumber and celery) can help with intestinal healing.

Gareth has won three sporting national Championships and advised the coach of the women’s sailing gold medallists at the Beijing Olympics on nutrition.

I work out, I work hard and I need to be filled! I am a hungry young man! This salad doesn’t disappoint. It is tasty, filling, delicious and highly alkaline!

I use a mix of different leaves, but you can just use whatever you’ve got handy (apart from iceberg, which I thoroughly dislike!). So here it is:

The Fill-You-Up Alkaline Salad

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 Handfuls of baby spinach leaves
1 Handful of rocket leaves
1 Handful of cos lettuce
1 Handful of lamb’s lettuce (note: use whatever leaves you have)
100g tofu
1 serve of quinoa
½ can of chickpeas
1 avocado
1 handful of seeds & nuts (I used sesame, sunflower and pumpkin)
6 cherry tomatoes
½ cucumber
½ green or red pepper
Olive oil (& coconut oil if you have it)
Lemon
Himalayan/Sea salt & black pepper

Instructions

Lightly fry off the tofu in coconut oil (coconut is the only safe oil to cook with) and make the quinoa to the packet’s instructions (usually 1 part quinoa, 2 parts water, boiled and then simmered until the water evaporates, about 10 minutes).

Now prepare the salad by washing everything thoroughly and chopping to how you like it. I prefer to rip my salad leaves – makes it more rustic. Mix everything together with the juice of half a lemon and a drizzle of olive, hemp, avocado or Udo’s Choice oil and serve.

Feel full and happy.

This morning they published one of their most startling research findings to date: that more than 80,000 cancer cases per year in the UK could be prevented.

They rightly point out that most people truly believe that cancer just happens to them and it is fate as to whether they get it or not. What a shocking thing to think. I personally believe that almost all cancers are preventable. Otto Warburg won the Nobel Prize for discovering that cancer cells cannot live in an alkaline environment and Dr Young proves this theory over and over again.

It was great to see that the WCRF’s suggestions basically suggest following an alkaline lifestyle:

• Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight.
• Be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day.
• Avoid sugary drinks.
• Limit consumption of energy-dense foods (particularly processed foods high in added sugar, or low in fibre, or high in salt).
• Eat more of a variety of vegetables, fruits, wholegrains and pulses such as beans.
• Limit consumption of red meats and avoid processed meats If consumed at all, limit alcoholic drinks to two for men and one for women a day.
• Limit consumption of salty foods and food processed with salt.

Professor Martin Wiseman, Medical and Scientific Adviser for WCRF, said:

“These estimates set out in stark terms just how high the stakes are and show what could be achieved through making relatively simple lifestyle changes.

“Many people still think of cancer as a question of fate but this emphasises that people can significantly reduce their risk by eating healthily, being physically active and maintaining a healthy weight.

“When you consider that these estimates do not include the cancers that would be prevented through not smoking, it is clear that cancer is actually a largely preventable disease.

“Having a healthy lifestyle is by no means a guarantee against cancer. But if everyone followed our recommendations, it would mean that tens of thousands of cases in the UK would be prevented every year.

“But despite the strong scientific evidence on this, many people are still not aware of how they can reduce their risk. This is why more needs to be done to get the message across because it is only when people are aware of what the science is saying that they are in a position to make their own informed lifestyle choices.”

I couldn’t agree more. These are exactly the suggestions outlined and followed in our Alkaline Diet Course.

It was also great to see that they have summarised their research into a nice and easy to understand chart showing different foods and activities and their outcome on different cancers:

- click the image for the full sized version.

So go on - live alkaline, live healthy!

Ross

- click here for the official press release from the WCRF

Each fortnight we’re putting the best alkaline diet questions we receive from you to our Alkaline Diet Expert, Dr Young trained blood analyst and highly qualified nutritionist - Gareth Edwards.

Gareth is right at the very top of his field, so these answers are absolutely the best you’ll find from arguably Britain’s most qualified expert in this area!

Q&A With Gareth Edwards

Question One: Green Drink vs Chlorophyll

I have some questions for Gareth about the difference between liquid chlorophyll and green drinks:

a. 1 Ltr of powdered Greens 3g v Liquid chlorophyll drops under tongue (10), do they both build equal amounts of blood cells, ( reduce / increase Liquid drops, much greener than powder).

Both of these supplements should help build healthy red blood cells, but the chlorophyll is more likely to have a direct impact on red blood cell counts and shape. The powder is a food supplement and contains other nutrients which could help promote intestinal health. This ultimately will also help build blood.

b. Knowing that powdered Greens boost the energy of an alkaline water drink / PH drops, do the liquid chlorophyll drops also boost the energy, or just build blood.

The reason why the greens boost the energy of the water is because they have a micro-electronic charge attached to them. Chlorophyll does not. It may still contain some of the energetic qualities of the plant from which it was extracted. Remember to keep it in the fridge once opened.

c. How much do you recommend I take of the liquid chlorophyll daily to build my blood cells, 10 drops 3 times a day enough, or more?

That should be enough. Remember that what else you eat and drink and your exercise plan are also going to affect the situation. Your Doctor or a qualified nutrition consultant can order a test to assess the number and size of your red blood cells, so use that to see if you are making progress. Having live blood analysis will show you whether there any improvements in the quality (shape, form, interaction) of your red blood cells.

Remember to keep eating and drinking fresh green leafy vegetables too. This is the best way to get fresh living chlorophyll bound up in a super healthy nutrient package. (If you’re stuck for recipes, you might be interested in the Energise Alkaline Diet Recipe Book)

Question Two: Protein & Carbs on the Alkaline Diet

Firstly, I am a gardener and for one reason or another work seven days a week. My job is physical all day long plus I go to the gym four or five times a week so I would say I’m physically fit. Will alkaline diet have enough protein and carbs to keep me going throughout the day?

Finally, how soon will the sugar cravings reduce?

I wouldn’t get too hung up about needing protein and carbohydrate for energy. The percentage of protein in muscles is actually quite small and trying to build it by consuming animal protein is likely to put a strain on your body systems. Carbohydrates generally provide a “dirty” fuel for your body to run on. What that means is that they can give you energy but, usually at a cost to your overall health and wellbeing.

Drinking greens either as powder or juice is the best way I’ve found to curb sugar cravings. Using the spray salt pHlavor and adding salt o your food can also help.

Question Three: Which Oil is Best?

I am 41y / 5ft 9 / 138 lbs / fit and living an Alkaline Lifestyle for 5 years (Dr Young). My last cleanse included supplements (Dr Young’s COWS), inf sauna, exercise etc. We had juiced greens and 2 soups with Organic CP Hemp oil (30g) in each. After the 10 day cleanse I went for my first ever colonic (bowel movements 2-3 times) and the therapist showed me the outlet tube which was all oily, she said I wasn’t absorbing oils. So:

A couple of thoughts come in to my head here. You seem quite light for your height, so that does make me wonder if you do have an absorption challenge. If that is the case then increasing your intake of pHour salts may help with the breakdown and digestion of the fat.

The amount is quite high, but that shouldn’t be a problem. You might want to use more olive oil and less hemp oil. That would be cheaper! It shouldn’t really matter whether you take the oil with food in juices or alone.

Question Four: Alkalising & Tooth Health

I would like to ask a question to Gareth about tooth decay and how an alkaline diet can positively increase the health of teeth as we age and also prevent fillings etc? Any advice would be welcome.

The primary link between dietary pH and dental health is associated with the mineral Calcium. If we become acidic through dietary or lifestyle choices or involuntary poisoning, then our body will use calcium, in order to buffer (neutralise) these potentially life threatening liquids. Teeth and bones are the store houses of this essential mineral that will be called on.

The acidic sugars in sweets, fruit and fruit juice may erode the protective enamel from teeth directly in the mouth.

This juice combines the alkalising, detoxifying, antioxidant rich goodness of the sharp grapefruit and the delicious, sweeter carrot, the subtle refreshing celery and the zing of the ginger. It is one of my best combinations yet!

The Delicious Refresher Juice

Serves 2

Ingredients

2 Grapefruits
2 Celery Stalks
1 Carrot
1 Inch of Ginger
250ml Alkaline Water (or dilute to taste)

Instructions

Thoroughly wash all of the ingredients and peel the grapefruit and ginger. Put the lot through a blender and serve (on ice?!)

Delicious!

Update: I just got asked on another post ‘I thought you weren’t supposed to mix fruits with other foods’. A very valid question. Here is my answer:

This recipe is fine for a couple of reasons, but that’s a very good question.

The reason not to eat fruit right after other food is because it sits on top of the other food in the digestive system and the sugar starts instantly fermenting as it can’t be digested and go anywhere (your other food is blocking it). With this juice:

1) there is almost no sugar in grapefruit
2) all of the difficult to digest fibre has been taken out by juicing
3) juices are digested extremely quickly

As long as you don’t have this juice on a full stomach you’ll be fine!

Good luck with the alkalising! Here is a quick plug for you - check out our Alkaline Diet Course - it is perfect for people just starting out!

Ross

Well, while I must admit I have had steamed broccoli for breakfast on more than a few occasions, you don’t have to. In fact, breakfast has become my favourite meal of the day because the more I’ve learned to alkalise and compromise (both in terms of living a perfect alkaline life and living a debauched, unhealthy life) the more I have learned to find ways to make breakfast so much more exciting than just cereal and toast.

And this is one of my favourites. I first had scrambled tofu at The Galleon in St Kilda, Melbourne and loved it (as well as their sweet potato & basil cakes but that’s another story) and since then I’ve been making it at home for me and the missus and anyone who stops over.

So here it is, the next beautiful alkaline meal from me:

Scrambled Tofu & Tomato

Serves 2

Ingredients

285g Regular firm tofu
1 Tablespoon coconut oil (or a drizzle of olive oil - coconut is better)
2 Tomatoes (or a handful of cherry tomatoes)
1/2 Brown onion (or red if you fancy)
½ Small red pepper
Pinch of turmeric
Freshly ground black pepper
Himalayan/Sea salt
A little basil

Instructions

This is really easy, and really quick. Simply crumble the tofu in your hands into a bowl. Now chop and quickly fry off the onion and dice the pepper and do the same.

Now dice the tomatoes and throw these in with the tofu and a pinch of tumeric. Grind in your pepper and salt and cook until the tofu is warm and ready. Right at the last throw in some torn basil leaves and serve!

I like to serve it on some toasted, sprouted bread and with some baby spinach leaves drizzled with olive oil.