How to Make Foods With More Alkaline
Balancing the human blood pH is a key element to maintaining a healthy body. Eating junk food will usually create an unhealthy acidic environment. An acid-producing body is a factory for all kinds of illnesses and diseases. Below are some food choices and preparation techniques that will help bring your blood pH into a more alkalized and balanced condition.
Instructions
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Prepare balanced meals and limit acid-producing foods, such as animal protein, processed foods, caffeine and sugar. A good rule of thumb for balancing your pH is an 80:20 ratio, with 80 percent of your diet consisting of foods that are more alkaline than acidic. However, it is fine to have some 60:40 days if you are in pretty good health. The majority of calories from your meals should come from vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, beans and lentils. Leafy green vegetables will be better choices since not all vegetables are alkaline rich. See Resources for a link to an acid/alkaline food list.
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Eat more foods in their raw state. Cooking destroys enzymes--depleting the nutritional value of your meal. Raw foods should be eaten regularly, but it is also acceptable to steam foods lightly. Some people enjoy a 100 percent raw diet, but many find that to be a little too restrictive for their lifestyles.
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Juice vegetables and fruits as a delicious way to prepare a quick and healthy snack. Juicing is the fastest way to bring your blood pH into balance. You must concentrate more on leafy greens than fruits, however. Juicing fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts when they are in season is a macrobiotic way to maximize nutritional benefits.
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Add fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to a portion of your normal drinking water. Surprisingly, some acidic foods, such as apple cider vinegar and fresh-squeezed lemons, will create an alkaline rather than acidic environment in the blood. One recommendation is to take the juice from one fresh-squeezed lemon or 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar with 8 oz. water at least three times a day.
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Eat clean and real foods. Pesticides and chemicals create a toxic environment in the blood and organs. Avoid using artificial sweeteners, which are very acidic to the body. Carrots and beets are naturally sweet and delicious. Learn to enjoy the flavors of foods in their natural states. Eating locally grown organic foods will help your neighborhood economy and farming community, while saving you money. Shopping your hometown farmer's market is a delicious, economical and fun way to plan your alkaline-rich meals.
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Purchase saliva or urine pH test strips and a notebook to record your progress. These litmus test strips will provide instructions on when and how to test pH levels using your saliva or urine. Human blood pH is graded on a scale of 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral and anything under 7 being acidic. Your pH level should be slightly alkaline--between 7.35 and 7.45. You will need to keep your pH level within this range for optimal balance.
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Tips & Warnings
This article is not intended as a diagnosis, prescription or cure for any medical or health condition. Each individual should pursue a program of prevention, treatment or general health only in consultation with a licensed, qualified physician, therapist or likewise competent professional.
Resources
- Photo Credit www.bigfoto.com
