By this point, I’m sure everyone is largely familiar with my stance on the importance of controlling your body’s pH levels. For those of you who aren’t, let’s discuss some brief (yet vital) basics –
The term ‘pH’ refers to the activity and concentration levels of hydrogen ions within the body. The pH scale ranges from 0-14 with 7 being considered a ‘neutral’ pH, as we see in water. As the numbers increase, so does the alkalinity of the substance. This means that the substance is less acidic and more basic as we approach 14. Ideally, your body’s pH should be controlled by simple variables in your diet by allowing an increase in pH. Why, you ask? The benefits are seemingly endless!
Acidosis refers to a state in which the body’s average pH of ~7.3 drops to 7.0 and below. With this increase in acidity comes a slew of deteriorating body processes likely a result of an overabundance of processed food consumption, mild to several mineral deficiencies, and even intense levels of stress. When we look at a body with an optimal pH, we find staggering results including increase in fat mobilization, decrease in inflammation, increase in nutrient absorption, less fatigue, increase in detoxification, improved digestion, and the like. All of these, of course, are conducive to our top priority: BUILDING MUSCLE!
No big deal, correct? It should be wicked easy avoiding an overabundance of process foods and stress thus staying around an optimal pH. Guess again. A SINGLE can of coke/soda can take up to 72 hours to neutralize within the body. That’s over three days of pH-dropping, acidic-increasing nonsense. Nobody wants to spend three straight days trying to overcome what a carbonated beverage destroyed in mere minutes.
So what’s the fix? We’ve identified the culprit and why we need a change, but how do we lower the pH? The number one variable within our control is diet manipulation. There are seemingly countless foods (most notably organic greens) that will help us reach our goal. As simple as it may be though, there is one necessity that we need in our diets to increase pH levels –
Lemon water.
Sounds easy enough, right? That’s because it is! In order to support nutrient absorption throughout the course of the day, I consume 2L of alkaline water immediately upon waking. All it takes in one, freshly squeeze (preferably organic) lemon to do the trick. The water I drink during the day also has freshly squeezed lemons to ensure optimal pH balancing. Now, I know what you’re thinking; a lemon is acid, correct? True, but the physiology is much deeper than that.
When lemons are consumed in the body, the minerals disassociate (mainly the sodium and potassium) and work to override the citric acid of the lemon, hence rendering your body into a preferred alkaline state and welcoming tons of health benefits in the process.
So there you have it, boys and girls. A mere few cents a day and 3 minutes of your time is what’s separating you from experiencing unparalleled muscle gains. What’re you waiting for? Get squeezin’!
Not a fan of lemons? There are endless options for pH regulation including alkaline water, balanced electrolyte supplements, greens, or simply tossing a couple handfuls of fresh spinach into your blended shakes (Don’t worry, folks, you can’t even taste it!)
BOOM
BPak, out!
So 1 lemon in 2 liter of water immediately upon awaking?
That would be ideal, yes.
Legit article BPak.
People really have no idea how big a role acidity plays in their results.
Again really interesting article..thanks
But here is something i must comment:
About water intake! You say start the day with 2liters of water…and generally drinking really massive amounts of water throughout the day….
whats you reason for this? Water is numero uno 🙂 But big intake is really bad for the system i think…It will flush all the good vitamins and minerals we intake, plus it will stress the body, cause it doesn’t know how to handle so much water, and the inner system pumps is overworking and drain your energy..
science says the body can only absorb max 2,5dl pr hour.
everything over this, will just flush the system for all the good stuff, and make you very bloated!
But Ben please tell us why we need all this water 🙂 Cause im not saying you wrong, maybe you know more than me….let us know
Bloat is most often from subcutaneous water storage. This is an issue of not enough water, thus your body will try to maintain as much as possible.
Okay cool, didn’t know that..
But what about the whole flush of vitamins and minerals?
Whats you opinion on this?
I just find its a great way to initiate the detoxing process, flush my body, as well as hydrate after a long period of dehydration.
It may be a lot at one time, yes. But it will initiate a flushing of the system
Great post Ben 🙂
Dear Ben,
The title says: “ONE can of diet coke”
In the article is mentioned: “SINGLE can of coke/soda”
is this is typo?
Second question: What if I add lemon to a diet coke. Will it be alkaline again?
With kind regards,
Evert “Big E” de Bevert
lol. No, that wont work.
I have been lifting weights for years now and I have been following the sport for a long time over at bodybuilding.com. I would like to say that I dont not agree with some of your information in here. I am also wondering where the sources are to your claims. I consider myself in very good shape and I have mentored many people in this sport as well. I drink sodas frequently every day and I only weigh 211 lbs. and I am 5’6″ with 24% bf. I dont really see a correlation between soda and muscle depletion.
Try stopping sodas for awhile and see if you dont lose bodyfat. 24% is not very good shape, its obese. One simple change
should drop your fat a reasonable amount.
Ben
I have been following your MI40 program with limited success. I train 5 day a week working each body part once a week with 3-4 exercises per body part with 8 reps and NOS. I do 30 min of cardio on my rest days.
I am 70 years old and I wonder if I should adjust my training because of my age. Would you make any modifications?
Ideally, you’d need to have your supplementation and diet DIALED IN to ensure you’re body has the nutrients to fuel recovery mechanisms. As you know, the body slowly diminished in its ability to recover as we get older. If you feel as though your recovery has been slowed, try taking down the volume a bit. Doing less may be ‘doing more’ for someone like yourself.
BPak
Ive been doing this for a while, but Im not sure im doing it in the proper way. as soon as I wake up, I have 2 lemons squeezed in a glass of 300 ml. Is it too much lemon or too little water, or both?
thanks for such a great article
apple cider vinegar has the same effects and may be more convenient for you ben
HI THERE GOOD MAN!!! I READ THAT EATING LOTS OF PROTEIN FROM ANY MEAT, MILKS ETC ETC, GETS UR PH VERY ACIDIC TOO NOT TO MENTION THE CAFFEINE I NEED FOR MY TRAINING! SO WHAT CAN WE DO IN ORDER TO KEEP THE PH OVER 7 AND STILL CONSUME PROTEIN AND CAFFEINE???
TKS A LOT
Though I am late to the party I will add this:
When I am working out regularly and intensely, as a lifestyle, stuff like diet coke is the last thing I want. Just give me water. Lots of water.
And, conversely, when such is not my lifestyle, then I can consume coke and diet coke every day.
So perhaps it begins with the mindset.
Good article.