Alkaline Foods for the Body
The food we eat is broken down into two chemical elements in our bodies: acid and alkaline. Natural fruits, vegetables and raw nuts are alkaline based. Acidic foods are animal byproducts such as some dairy and animal meat. Our digestive health is dependent upon striking a balance while ingesting acidic and alkaline foods. The human body tries to balance out the pH levels to a 70:30 alkaline-to-acid ratio. Too much acid can lead to a severe imbalance with a host of health problems attached.
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Benefits of an Alkaline Diet
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Eating a more natural diet loaded with fruits and vegetables leads to a healthier body. Consuming foods that naturally contain water is beneficial because water accounts for 70 percent of the human body. Our bodies do need acid, but not in the quantities that this processed and fast food nation forces on us. Acid forms sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium that are used by the body in fortification and repair. An acid-based diet can lead to serious health problems. Alkaline-based foods are recommended for the treatment of stomach ulcers, acid reflux disease and acidosis.
The goal is to avoid too much acid buildup in the kidneys. Waste products and extra water are transported in the blood to the kidneys, where there are funneled through the kidneys and released as urination. If the acid levels are high, the waste builds up in the kidneys and damages the body.
Signs of Too Much Acid
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When the body produces too much acid this condition is known as acidosis. The symptoms are:
• Weakening of nails, hair and teeth
• Digestive tract deterioration
• Constipation
• Bone mass deterioration
• Poor immune system
• Body unable to access necessary minerals
• Fatigue
• Depression -
Foods High in Alkaline
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Without a doubt, having a plant diet is beneficial. However there are certain foods that have higher alkaline levels than others.
• Bananas
• Chocolate
• Figs
• Potato
• Spinach
• Watermelon
• Dandelion greens
There are also alkaline-based mineral supplements such as calcium, potassium, iron and magnesium. Hard water is also alkaline-based because it is a good source of minerals.
A Matter of Taste
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Despite the seemingly acidic tastes of these foods, their pH level is alkaline when converted in the body:
• Corn
• Fish
• Plums
• Most grains
• Coffee
• Beans
• Cranberries
• Yogurt
• Milk*
• Eggs
• Liver
• Aged cheeses
• Some soft cheeses
• Buttermilk
• Prunes
• Distilled water
*Milk is a tricky exception because it is used to combat rising acidity levels in the stomach.
Diet Modification
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Portion control is the key. Make sure you are ingesting more alkaline-based foods than acidic foods. With just a few diet changes, a 70:30 alkaline-to-acid ratio is possible. Avoid acid culprits such as pastries, sodas, red meat and highly processed foods. Simple substitutions, such as brown rice instead of white rice, multigrain bread instead of white bread, natural fruit juices instead of sodas, brown sugar or honey instead of granulated white sugar yield to positive changes in the body. Alkaline benefits the body with increased energy, weight loss, reduced food allergies, less bloating, gas, burping and mood swings.
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