Got stress? If you don’t, you’re either living on an imaginary spa retreat, or you’ve captured life’s biggest secret. But, if you do – you’ll probably want to read on.

Whether you’re in the middle of a move, writing your thesis, dealing with sickness, or simply overwhelmed with your daily activities — stress causes your blood to become acidic.

Remember back in seventh grade chemistry when we used litmus paper to test the acidity of household chemicals, water and rain? Consider that the same measurements can be taken of our blood. And, when our blood reaches pH levels of lower than 6 – we have acidic blood. Just as acid rain destroys natural resources, acidic blood wreaks havoc on our systems.

Disease can only live in an acidic environment – so you can bet that if you aren’t feeling well – you’re blood’s shifted to the acidic side of the pH scale.

An alkaline based diet can help balance internal stress, allow your body to easily absorb the nutrients it needs for healing, and give you energy to properly maintain your outer-world stress.

Most vegetables and fruits except peppers, beets, berries, rhubarb, and juices are alkaline forming. Holistic practitioners often recommend transitioning into a completely alkaline diet when the body is in great distress. However, simply eliminating acid forming foods and eating more alkaline will benefit you some

Shifting your diet to 80% alkaline is desired for getting rid of toxins and balancing stress. Use this chart to identify foods that can balance your blood. You can purchase litmus paper at drug stores or online, that will verify how much your stress is impacting your blood and body.

The answers to your stress may be as simple as what you buy on your next trip to the grocery store!