In short, learn which foods and drinks are responsible for acid build-up in your blood and tissues. These dietary preferences are “ingredients” which, over time, are responsible for the vast majority of all the inflammatory conditions that you may experience. If you can master this simple task, then you can begin to notice which combinations of foods and drink adversely affect your body’s overall health.

In a culture where we have turned heartburn into acid reflux disease and anti-acids and over-the-counter pain relievers have become industries unto themselves, it is important that you become savvy about what you are literally feeding yourself and realize that there are consequences to dietary missteps. It is easy to learn which are alkaline-forming foods, as well as which foods (not food groups) are appropriate for your blood type.

Read labels. Get an idea of ingredient content and “real” food values. Avoid packaged snack foods and “quick” meals. These are packed with empty calories synthetic ingredients and have no real nutritional value.

Dispel the myth of calories in versus calories out. Different foods have different nutritional value because of their pH content and the types of calories they contain. Generally, “low anything” foods have fillers added.

Avoid microwave ovens whenever possible. Microwave radiation destroys all enzymes in a food while drastically altering protein structures. Do not microwave baby’s bottle formula as well because of the alteration in mineral content and enzymatic depletion. Take time to broil, steam, grill, skillet, fry, bake, or roast your food when cooking. When under time constraints use a crock-pot, or a quick steamer. Time is not just money—it is relevant to your health as well.