The balance between acidity and alkalinity is essential to good health.

The Basics

Every solution is either acidic or alkaline. Acidity and alkalinity are measured in pH (potential of hydrogen). The pH scale goes from 0 to 14, with 0 the most acidic, and 14 the most alkaline. Ideally, our pH should stay on the alkaline side: between 7.35 and 7.45.

Keeping our acidity and alkalinity balanced means regulating the hydrogen ion concentration in our body fluids.

The Misconceptions

Foods are classified as acid-forming or alkalizing depending on the effect they have on the body. An acid-forming food contributes hydrogen ions to the body, making it more acidic. An alkalizing food removes hydrogen ions from the body, making it more alkaline.  This is based on the effect foods have on the body after digestion, not on their own intrinsic acidity or alkalinity (or how they taste to us). A common misconception is that if a food tastes acidic, it has an acid-forming effect on the body. This is not necessarily true. Very often, an acidic-tasting food is alkalizing. Citric fruits are a good example. People say that lemons, for example, are "too acidic"; however, they are actually alkalizing because the minerals they leave behind after digestion help remove hydrogen ions, decreasing the acidity of the body. (Many people use the term "residue" or "ash" to explain the effect of a food on the body. A food with an acid ash after digestion contributes hydrogen ions, making the body more acidic; a food with an alkaline ash after digestion removes hydrogen ions, making the body more alkaline.)

Another misconception is that acid-forming foods are "bad." This is not correct; acidity and alkalinity are opposites and one is not intrinsically better than the other. This misconception has developed because the Western diet is excessively acidic, which does result in health problems. Acidosis, or over-acidity in the body tissues, is one of the basic causes of diseases, especially the arthritic and rheumatic diseases

Common acid-forming foods include processed junk foods and those that are high in animal protein. Also if you eat a high fat and high sugar diet your body will be over acidic.  Some common alkalizing foods are spinach, soybeans, raisins, carrots, and most citrus fruits.

The Problem

The reason acidosis is more common in our society is mostly due to the typical Western diet, which is far too high in acid producing animal products like meat, eggs and dairy, and far too low in alkaline producing foods like fresh vegetables.  Additionally, we eat acid producing processed foods like white flour and sugar and drink acid producing beverages like coffee and soft drinks.  We use too many drugs, which are acid forming; and we use artificial chemical sweeteners which are extremely acid forming.  One of the best things we can do to correct an overly acid body is to clean up the diet and lifestyle.

Michael Colgan, in The New Nutrition, says, "Acidosis destroys bones, because the body has to steal alkalizing minerals from them, to keep the blood pH from dropping into the acid range _ " Dr. Mary Ruth Swope, in Green Leaves of Barley, comments, "We have become too full of acid and, as a result, are experiencing a wide range of diseases that flourish in the acid medium." Dr. Yoshihide Hagiwara, in Green Barley Essence, mentions that, "Should this balance [acid and alkaline] be upset, the cell metabolism suffers, leading to conditions such as fatigue."

Common symptoms of an unbalanced pH include heartburn (a burning sensation in the stomach and acid-tasting burps), bloating, belching, and feeling full after eating small amounts of food. Other symptoms could include insomnia, water retention, migraines, constipation with diarrhea, fatigue, a burning sensation on the tongue and in the mouth, and halitosis.

I was on holiday recently and one member of the group suffered with very bad heartburn to the extent that the heartburn medicine from the chemist was not working.  It is suggested that these treatments be avoided as they contain aluminium which has been linked to alzheimers.  I recommended that he chomp his was through lots of lettuce leaves, particularly romaine lettuce.  He looked at me as if I had two heads but when I explained the acid/alkaline balance to him, he went with it and a few hours later all was well again.

The Solution

Eat a diet that helps your body maintain the correct acidity-alkalinity balance. According to well known Naturopath Airola, the ideal diet should have a natural ratio of four parts alkaline to one part acid. Others contend that while this a good ratio for active people (exercise creates a lot of acid), less active people can handle a diet with a ratio of two parts alkaline to one part acid.

1. Smooth SKIN and support elasticity, reduce inflammation and keep it glowing.

Blueberries for anti-oxidants, salmon and hempseeds for omega-3's, raw cacoa for resveratrol (one of the anti-oxidants found in red wine) , coconut water which contains potassium for hydration inside the cells which keeps skin supple and fresh. (Avoid too much alcohol which dehydrates).

2. Strengthen BONES by delivering rich minerals to avoid breakage. ( a diet too high in salt causes excretion of calcium by the body)

Vitamin K found in Green vegetables and avocado helps makes sure calcium gets into the bones. Cashew nuts, sesame and sunflower seeds contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium and zinc which are vital for bone health. As is vitamin D

3. Protect your HEART to prevent inflammation and gain anti-oxidant benefits (avoid too much coffee which increases blood pressure).

Soluble Fibre found in beans and oats can help reduce "bad" cholesterol, a little red wine, contains anti-oxidants. Walnuts and hempseeds are good source of omega-3's also.

4. BREAST AND PROSTATE HEALTH.: Powerful antioxidants such as those contained in cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli and kale help regulate hormones like oestrogen in the body. Sweet potato also helps. (Avoid too much sugar which can suppress the immune system.

Try Cauliflower, broccoli, tomato sauce, kale, sweet potato.

Introducing these foods to your diet you will see a difference in your energy levels, the appearance of your skin, no more dry patches and your hair will get softer and smoother.  It is  guaranteed by Mother Nature : )

  Wow, what a whirlwind the last month has been.   We always knew that people really do care about the food they eat and some of you have gone to great lengths to seek out Dee's healthy burgers.  ( I can say "we" now because Dee's now employs 2 people!)   More and more shops are coming on stream and the listing has been extended nationwide with Dunnes Stores.  This means if your  local Dunnes has not got them, you can ask the manager to order them in via Horgans.  All Superquinn stores should have them in stock (except the express stores) and they are to be found in the fridge.   Please email me if you cannot find them and I will do my best to help.

Everybody wants to know what the Den was like.  Truth is I was actually in the Den for 90 minutes.  The questions were coming hard and fast.  The most nerve-wracking part was when the dragons tasted the burgers - what if they didn't like them or thought it was a stupid idea.  I remember a few years ago presenting my business to a business mentor, who thought it was the most ridiculous thing he had ever heard, I mean who in their right mind is going to buy burgers without any meat in them?!  I left his office not defeated but even more determined, and went to Plan B.  "Stick to your gut instinct and bring them to the people." I thought.   Your future customers.  If they like them and want more, keep going.  Bring them to more customers.  Keep going again.

Those first few minutes in the Den bring back all those little insecurities you had at the start when your ideas are muddling around your head.  Your mouth dries up and your legs start to shake.  Can I really do this you ask yourself?   Suddenly you notice that they like them and want to hear more.  So you begin to breathe again and start to talk.   I had not seen the edit of the programme, so I had no idea what was going to be shown.  I was as nervous watching it as my first time in the Den when I turned to face the Dragons.   I am astounded by the all the good wishes and messages of support that have come since the show aired.  This makes all the hard work worthwhile.  Thanks everyone and Happy Easter.  Dee xxx

J.C. Savage Supermarket, Swords

Cavistons Food Emporium, Dublin

Ardkeen Superstores, Waterford

Nolans Supermarket, Clontarf

Ivans of Caherdavin, Limerick

Damien Kiernan & Co, Mount Merrion

The Hopsack Ltd.,

Nourish,

Horan's Health Store, Tralee, Co Kerry

The Organic Supermarket, Blackrock

Evergreen Health Food, Mainguard St, Galway

Evergreen Health Food, Headford Rd

Evergreen Health Food, Barna

Ger Farrelly, Spar Leeson St

Michael Keating, Fresh, Smithfield Dublin

Dunnes: Ashleaf Crumlin

D/S Blanchardstown

D/S Maynooth

D/s Kilnamanagh

D/s Tallaght

D/s Clondalkin

D/S CITYSWEST

D/S THE MARSHES

D/S MULLINGAR

D/S NEWBRIDGE

D/S REDMOND SQUARE

D/S DUNGARVAN

D/S CHILDERS ROAD

D/S DOUGLAS

D/S ENNIS

D/S JETLAND

D/S PARKWAY

D/S NCR TRALEE

D/S BISHOPSTOWN COUR

D/S SLIGO

D/S Knocknacarra

John Prendergast, Main St, Carrigaline

SuperValu Glanmire, Grange, Clonakilty, Midleton

MacCambridges Galway

The Quay Co-Op Cork City

 Superquinn:-

Finglas

Sutton

Northside

Walkinstown

Ballinteer

Bray

Blanchardstown

Knocklyon

Sundrive

Naas

Blackrock

Swords

Lucan

Kilkenny

Carlow

Clonmel

Waterford

Limerick

Portlaoise

Ranelagh

GLUTEN FREE PIZZA RECIPE

 Ingredients:
1 cup brown rice flour
1/2 cup tapioca starch
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons xanthan gum
1 Tablespoon instant yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup. water
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
2 tbls Olive Oil
2 eggs
3 tbls white rice flour (for dusting pan/hands)

Directions:-
Mix together all dry ingredients except rice flour (brown rice flour, tapioca starch, sugar, xanthan gum, yeast and salt).
In a food processor, combine wet ingredients (water, vinegar, oil, and eggs).
Slowly add dry ingredients to well blended wet ingredients.
Beat on medium/medium high speed for 4 minutes.
 Oil the bottom of a baking tray and lightly dust baking tray with the white rice flour Scrap dough onto baking tray and press as thinly as possible .
Using a fork, tap indentations across the entire dough.
Place dough in a warm spot, allow to rest/rise for 35-40 minutes.
Preheat oven to 218c or gas mark 7.
Bake for 7 minutes.
Place your favourite toppings on the crust i.e tomato paste, cheese etc.
Place back in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted.
Serve with a green salad.

  January is a month when lots of people go on crazy, unsustainable diets.  If you don't eat properly you become tired and irritable and are definitely no fun to live with!  So instead of trying to survive on a banana and a matchbox size portion of cheese, let 2010 be the start of a normal healthy eating plan.  If you get 20 minutes physical exercise 3 times a week, that means you can indulge at the weekends and work it off during the week.  I am a big believer of being "good" during the week and enjoying a nice meal with a glass of wine at the weekend.  Life is stressful enough without having to worry about the consequences of eating a slice of chocolate cake on a Saturday afternoon.

The old school food pyramid we remember from Home Economics is still relevant today.  Eating healthily is all about balance, making sure you have enough protein, carbohydrate and fat to keep your body strong, to make sure you have enough energy and of course to keep yourself warm!  There's no point in starving youself all day and then sitting down to eat an evening meal consisting solely of vegetables, sure you will get loads of lovely vitamins, minerals and fibre but you are lacking a protein source so it is likely come around 8 or 9pm you will be absolutely starving and reaching for the biscuit tin, again.

Start the day well.  It is sensible to eat wholegrains,  maybe a bowl of porridge or Dee's burger with a poached egg or even a slice of homemade brown bread with some cheese on top.   People who say they don't have time for breakfast - Come on! It takes 2 mins to microwave a bowl of porridge.   If you skip breakfast, even if you have a lunch it means come dinner time you will be really really hungry, it's around 4pm you really feel having skipped breakfast.  If you have the time why not try and have a serving of fruit, topped with yoghurt and a seed mix.

At around 11.00am don't just eat an apple or a banana, the natural sugars in the fruit will send your sugar levels sky high, include a small amount of protein or fat in your snack to help keep blood sugar stable.  Have a few almonds, also said to help lower cholesterol, great for your skin and are a source of folic acid. Buy them raw and keep them in the fridge.

At lunchtime it is important to have a balanced meal, after all, this is the reason Dee's burgers were invented!  If you just have a bowl of soup, again you will be hungry beyond reason come 3pm and that afternoon cup of coffee just won't cut it.  Have some wholegrains to give you carbohydrates and fibre, a protein source be it chicken, nuts and seeds or tofu.

If you choose beans as a protein source make sure you eat them with wholegrains (i.e. The Spicy Bean Burger contains both Aduki Beans and Millet, a wholegrain). Some people might say sure just have a steak, loads of protein there!  An average steak also contains 44 g of fat, 16 of them saturated.  A cup of cooked lentils has 18g of protein but under 1g of fat.  A complete protein or whole protein is a protein that contains all the essential amino acids, essential because the body cannot make them.  Beans can be combined with wholegrains to give a complete protein.

Protein complementation is combining plant protein sources to achieve a better amino acid balance than either would have alone. Because of differences in amino acid make-up, when plant sources are combined, the strengths of one make up for the deficiencies in another. For example, many grains are notoriously low in lysine, but beans are high in lysine. On the other hand, beans are low in the sulfur-containing amino acids, while grains like wheat contain much of these. Thus, by eating beans and grains "together," the strengths of one make up for the deficiencies of the other, making a source of complete protein.

Around 4pm keep some dried apricots by your desk, again eat these with a small handful of mixed nuts and seeds.

By the time work is over and dinner comes you will enjoy eating crunchy green vegetables.  Try some pak choi, beansprouts and tender-stem broccoli , these can be cooked in a wok in less than 5 mins, splash with a little soy sauce or oyster sauce and some chilli flakes.   Eat this with an Omega Burger (for your protein and wholegrains) or serve with some grilled fish or chicken and a handful of brown rice.

Healthy Eating done for Monday to Thursday now bring on the weekend so I can have some cake!

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/1208/1224260292271.html

Dee's phone has not stopped going all day as a result of the fabulous article in today's Irish Times, a big thank you to Michelle McDonagh, the journalist that interviewed me.  Luckily, we have pretty much nationwide coverage at this stage so happy, healthful burgers should be within most people's reach.  If anyone is having difficulty locating the burgers in store; they are in the fridges, mostly in the ready-meal section or beside fresh pasta, or if anyone would like some festive recipe suggestions, please drop me an email!  Happy Christmas ( I can officially say that now as I heard "Fairytale of New York" on the radio just now!) Dee xxx

The Gourmet Retailer Morton's in Ranelagh will be stocking Dee's range of Organic Wholefood Burgers from next Tuesday.

Delighted to find out today that Dee's "Eat Well, Be Happy" was shortlisted for the "Thinking Big- The Small Business Award" at the Bord Bia Food Awards.  Congrats to ABC Nutrition in the Banner County and the other shortlistee Killowen Yoghurts, whose creamy yoghurts are simply yum! http://www.bordbia.ie/eventsnews/events/FIday2009/Pages/2009AwardWinners.aspx

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8341002.stm