You may be surprised to know that your body's pH balance is your first defense against aging and disease. The balance of acid and alkaline in your body directly affects your health. Osteoporosis, for example, is the result of a pH balance problem. As the body becomes more acidic, it takes calcium from the bones, teeth and tissue as it tries to remain healthy. The bone mass becomes depleted, causing osteoporosis. We need calcium to bring the alkaline pH up and the acid levels down.

Although we need an alkaline-based diet for proper health, the typical American diet is full of acid-forming foods: manufactured, processed foods; high fat foods; mucus forming foods; and foods with toxic residues. In addition, stress and lack of exercise create acid-forming conditions. This is a recipe for disaster, and the reason that so many people feel unwell and lethargic.

The good news is that you can improve your health and well-being by choosing a healthy lifestyle. In the process, you'll slow down the aging process and increase your energy levels. The six keys to vibrant health are:

1. pH Body Balance - Work on a daily basis to maintain your body's pH balance. There are products available that are tasteless and colorless and can be added to water in order to restore your body's pH balance by neutralizing acids and allowing your body to detoxify.

2. Water - On a daily basis, ingest at least eight 8-ounce glasses of spring water or water pH balanced at 7 or higher.

3. Release Toxins - Every six months to a year, have a liver/gallbladder flush; have a monthly colon cleansing; and have regular, daily bowel movements through eating a diet high in fiber.

4. Digestion - Eat five to seven small meals a day. Chew slowly and completely, and stop before you are full. Take digestive enzymes and probiotics as needed.

5. Nutrition - Follow a pH balanced diet of 80 percent alkaline and no more than 20% acidic-forming foods at each meal. Eat organic foods in their natural state. Supplement your diet with a natural health supplement containing calcium, vitamins and minerals.

6. Skin Care - Your skin is the body's natural barrier to infection and it needs to be pH balanced. Clogged pores can cause toxic conditions inside the body. Choose a skin care product that cleans the skin and maintains the body's natural pH level, and that contains no animal fats, harmful chemicals, or preservatives.

Achieving natural health doesn't require a miracle; you simply must adjust your body to its proper pH balance, and provide it with the correct amounts of calcium and minerals.