On the other hand, animal products, such as meat or dairy products, can leave behind acidic compounds such as phosphates, sulfates and nitrates. See pages 217–218 for a chart listing the relative acidity or alkalinity of different foods. Fresh juices and wheatgrass shots are great, quick ways to help alkalize the body. I’ve built green juices into the cleanses, but I encourage you to run in and grab a wheatgrass shot if you pass a juice bar. An Acid State of Mind There’s more affecting our pH levels than the food we eat and stimulants or drugs we take.

4. Breathe The last person who told you to “relax and take a deep breath” was onto something. We tend to take shallow breaths when we’re stressed, angry or sad—limiting the amount of life-giving oxygen coming into our bodies and the amount of acidic carbon dioxide leaving our bodies. When we consciously shift out of that state of mind and breathe deeply, the increased oxygen level boosts our metabolism, strengthens our immune system and bolsters cellular functions. When you start breathing deeply, you can feel your body relaxing, your blood pressure drop and your heart rate slow.

THE DIRTY BAKER’S DOZEN Eliminating the following things from our diets–even reducing our intake–can have a dramatic and positive impact on our health: Bleached, refined flours Refined sugars, high-fructose corn syrup Table salt Trans fats and refined oils (including processed corn, canola, sunflower, safflower and vegetable oils) Meats treated with hormones or antibiotics; farmed fish Foods sprayed with pesticides and herbicides Genetically modified foods Pasteurized dairy and GMO soy Additives such as preservatives, nitrates, and artificial flavorings and colorings Fast foods and fried foods Sodas and juices with added sugars Tap water Alcohol Drop Acid The Dirty Baker’s Dozen (see the list at left)—especially in combination with stimulants such as caffeine, tobacco and drugs—elevate acid levels in our bodies.