Ask any gardener

(Previously distributed as Metabolic Update #5. To receive all the issues of Metabolic Update, you can sign up at Manhattan Metabolic)

During these past 7 years, I have been learning more and more about my garden. I live on a lovely acre of land and tend to it year round. Since I am your typical garden geek, I especially enjoy studying the huge chart in my basic horticulture book that gives the pH range—or measure of acidity—found in the soil in which a number of flowers, vegetables and small fruit thrive.

Why mention this here in an post about Metabolic Typing? I am struck by the fact that scientists know more about the pH of the soil that different plants need to grow and prosper in than we know about the pH of the nutrient environment our bodies need in order to flourish! Based on the way we process our food, our pH factors momentarily register as differently in each one of us as does the blueberry (pH 4.0 – 5.5) from the sugar beet (6.5 – 8.0).

It has been written in the scientific literature since the 1920’s that each individual has a tendency to respond to their food intake by temporarily becoming more acidic or more alkaline. But, once we have completely digested our meal, our body will always return us to the ideal pH of 7.47 that most humans need. The question is "What did our body have to do to recover to this important balance point?"
If we eat mainly the foods that oppose our natural digestive tendencies to swing drastically to the left or right of the ideal, we’ll gently land right back in the optimal range, and quickly regain balance. I, for example skew towards the alkaline side as I digest. The foods that were recommended to me, acidify me just enough to reach the midline.

During the Metabolic Testing protocol we watch your responses to see which tendency you have. We then recommend the best foods and supplements to promote that quick return to the ever-important 7.47 pH.

So, if gardeners alter the soil pH range for their plants by adding nutrients and fertilizers, then we can do the same for our bodies by adding nutrients and “fertilizers” to our diet. By finding out your Metabolic Type and following the recommended food program and supplements, you will remain very close to your pH balance point throughout the day, and your body will no longer have to struggle to get back to the optimal pH after each meal. You’ll have more energy, clearer focus, stronger bones and a more efficient digestive system. You’ll be able to deeply nourish your body, giving it the same care, attention and love that gardeners tend their “leafy babies” with. And you won’t have to worry about the worms!