You've probably heard the terms "alkaline", "acid" and "pH" tossed around in regards to a healthier body, but how are they all related? Basically, we need to consume both acid and alkaline foods to maintain an equilibrium in the body, but the typical American diet is WAY more acidic than alkaline. Research has shown that that can be, well, bad. (1) When there's a lack of alkaline minerals coming in through whole foods, the acidic conditions in the body can cause inflammation of the organs. A lot of digestive issues like heartburn, bloating, indigestion, and nausea have been linked to excess acid in the GI area. An acid environment is also the perfect breeding ground for yeast, parasites, and viruses to flourish. When we eat too many acidic foods, we also deplete our bodies’ alkaline minerals like sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which can cause a mineral deficiency. All in all, not good! (1)
While there are many factors that impact the pH levels in the body, the easiest way to influence the acid-alkaline balance is by adding alkalizing foods to your diet. By minimizing the consumption of acid-forming foods and loading up on alkaline-forming ones, your body can more easily maintain its happy alkaline state. Alkaline-forming foods are plant-based, and are also high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. (2)
Here are 10 of the best alkalizing foods to help balance your pH:
Most Alkalizing:
(3)- Pink SeaSalt
- Raw Almonds
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Broccoli
- Cucumber
Very Alkalizing:
(3)- Basil
- Bee Pollen
- Lemon
- Radish
- Avocado
SOURCES
- "Chemical Paradigms." Chemical Paradigms. Chemical Paradigms, 1 Mar. 2015. http://chemicalparadigms.curiouscurie.com/?cat=31
- Kresser, Chris. "The Acid-Alkaline Myth: Part 1." Chris Kresser. Chris Kresser INC, 21 June 2013. http://chriskresser.com/the-ph-myth-part-1/
- "10 Lesser-Known Alkaline Foods to Help With Inflammation." One Green Planet. One Green Planet INC, 2015. http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/lesser-known-alkaline-foods-to-help-with-inflammation/