An alkaline diet is a way to a healthy body. Science and doctors alike stress the importance of keeping your body as alkaline as can be. Maintaining the body’s pH value between 7.35–7.45 is the right balance. But why does an alkaline diet play such a huge role in good health and how can you eat your way to positive outcomes when it comes to fitness and health? Read on to know more about why, how and what the precise mechanisms are, by which an alkaline diet changes your health for the better.
How Does Alkaline Diet Help?
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The pH value of the body depends mostly on what is eaten. It also depends on the quality of life such as the amount of stress, exercise and more. Diet is an important factor, with even the smallest changes in eating habits changing the pH levels. Possessing an alkaline body keeps diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s at bat. Maintaining the appropriate levels of pH in the body provide the level of nutrition for the best health outcomes. More acidity is linked to greater bacteria and disease. Fast foods, drugs, GMOs, and stimulants are the reason the body becomes over acidic. Eating an alkaline diet involves eating raw food, avoiding processed foods and reducing stress levels.
What is an Alkaline Diet?
There are so many different kinds of diets out there, from Paleo to Atkins. No diet is better for staving off disease and initiating longevity than an alkaline diet. A research study has found balancing the pH levels of the diet improves outcomes with respect to morbidity and mortality from various ailments and chronic diseases. This includes diabetes, vitamin D deficiency, arthritis and low bone density.
Science proves alkaline diets containing fresh veggies, fruits and unprocessed phytonutrients like plant linked proteins helps to prevent plaque formation in blood vessels, stands in the way of calcium being accumulated, preventing kidney stones and building strong bones reducing muscle wastage and so much more.
An alkaline diet balances the pH fluids in the body. The pH is partly linked to the mineral density of food that is consumed. Living organisms and life forms on earth are based on maintenance of appropriate pH levels. Disease and disorder cannot take place where there’s a balanced pH. Human beings need pH levels of a certain value to prevent acidosis and electrolyte imbalance.
What Does pH level Mean?
pH stands for potential of hydrogen. It is the measure of alkalinity or acidity in the fluids and tissues of the body. Measured on a scale from zero to 14, the more acidic a solution is, the lower is its pH value. Greater alkalinity means the pH value is higher. A pH value of 7 being neutral, an optimal human body tends to be around 7.4 and the healthiest levels are those which indicate greater alkalinity. The Stomach is the most acidic region.
Small alterations in pH levels of numerous organisms can lead to a lot of problems. Environmental concerns like rising CO2 levels have caused pH levels to fall. The pH level is critical for the well being of flora as well as fauna.
How Are Alkaline Diets Beneficial
When it comes to the total acid load of the human diet, there has been a shift from hunter-gatherers to present times. Following the rapid industrial development, processed foods have emerged containing less potassium, chloride, and magnesium. On the other hand, processed foods are rich in sodium. The electrolyte levels in the kidney should be balanced to combat acidity and are influenced by calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium. Ratio of potassium to sodium has changed dramatically, putting forth acidic diets.
Children as well as adults consume a sodium diet that is low in magnesium, potassium and antioxidants as well as fiber and essential vitamins. Western food is high in sugar, sodium chloride and refined fats. Metabolic acidosis may result causing an imbalance in the pH levels of the body. Many with low nutrient intake and issues such as nutritional deficiency can benefit from an alkaline diet.
Acidity leads to acceleration of the aging process, leading to gradual organ function loss and degeneration of bone and tissue mass. A lot of acid also depletes minerals from organs, tissues and bone cells.
#1 Guarding Against Loss of Muscle Mass and Bone Density
Intake of minerals influences bone structure and muscle mass. Scientific studies show the more alkalizing fruits and veggies are eaten, the better protection there is from bone strength and muscle wastage as aging occurs. An alkaline diet also restores the balance of minerals needed for maintenance of muscle mass and building bones. Alkaline diets help in production of growth hormones as well as vitamin D. This protects and bones and prevents many diseases.
#2 Lower Risk for Stroke and Hypertension
Photo By: Mike Mozart/CC BYAn anti-aging impact of alkaline diets is a decrease in inflammation and rising growth hormone production levels. This improves heart health and offers safeguards against heart health and protection against high cholesterol, kidney stones, high blood pressure, stroke and loss of memory.
#3 Lowers Inflammation and Chronic Pain
Research has found a connection between lowered levels of chronic pain and alkaline diet. Chronic acidosis contributes to long term back pain, headaches, menstrual symptoms, joint pain, inflammation and muscle spasms.
#4 Prevents Magnesium Deficiency and Boosts Vitamin Absorption
Increase in magnesium is required for bodily processes and enzyme systems to work well. Most are deficient in magnesium and increased cardiovascular complications, sleep problems, anxiety, muscle pains and headaches. High levels of magnesium also prevent vitamin D deficits. This improves overall immune and endocrine functioning.
#5 Fight Against Immune Function and Cancer Protection
Cells may lack minerals to dispose of waste or oxygenate the body whereby the entire system suffers. An alkaline diet helps to ensure vitamin absorption and mineral gain. It also eliminates disease causing agents in the body that may weaken the immune system. Alkalinity can help in decreasing inflammation of inner organs and even have the same medical benefits as chemotherapy.
#6 Maintain a Healthy Weight
Lack of acid forming foods and more alkaline foods ca prevent obesity. How does an alkaline diet combat weight gain? Quite simply by lowering leptin levels and inflammation which then impacts the body’s ability to burn calories as well as hunger and satiation levels. The amount of calories needed also diminish if you are on a pure alkaline diet.
How to Reclaim Your Health Using Alkaline Foods
#1 Go Organic
When possible, purchase only organic alkaline foods. The most important concern in becoming aware about the pure organic foods is the type of soil the produce was created in. Fruits and veggies in organic soil high on mineral density tend to increase in alkalinity, influencing vitamin and mineral content in a positive fashion. Ideal pH level should be between 6 and 7. Organically grown food is therefore the healthiest in this regard.
#2 Opt for Alkaline Foods
Photo By: Karen and Brad Emerson/ CC BYFresh fruits and veggies promote the highest amount of alkalinity. Top picks include citrus, dates, mushrooms, grapefruit, spinach, tomatoes, avocado, summer black radish, barley grass, alfalfa grass, cucumber, jicama, kale, wheat grass, oregano, ginger, garlic, broccoli, green beans, endive, celery, cabbage, red beet, watermelon, bananas and figs.
#3 Try Raw Foods
Try to consume a high percentage of produce in raw firm. This is because the biogenic value of raw fruits and veggies cannot be denied. Cooking the food causes it to lose its alkalizing nutrients. Increase raw food intake and either lightly steam or juice veggies or fruits. Also consider almonds, lima beans, navy beans and other important choices.
#4 Water is Alkaline
Water has an alkalinity value of 9 to 11. Distilled water can be the perfect addition to your diet. RO water is slightly acidic but better than bottled water. Adding pH drops, lime or lemon or baking soda can boost alkalinity too. Drinks created from green vegetables and grasses in powdered forms are loaded with alkaline forming nutrients and phytonutrients such as chlorophyll for alkalizing the blood.
#5 Cut Down on Anti-Alkaline Food Eating Habits
The aim should be to increase the foods that are alkaline and cut down on foods that are acidic. High sodium foods include processed foods with tons of table salt or sodium chloride that contribute to acidity and cause blood vessel constriction. So, avoid everything from conventional meats to cold cuts, processed cereals, lentils, eggs and caffeine rich drinks and stimulants such as alcohol. Oats and whole wheat products cause acidity in the body as to pasta, bread, rice and packaged grain products.
Acidic foods also include alcohol and drugs, high amount of caffeine, overuse of antibiotics, artificial sweetening agents, chronic stressors, falling food levels due to industrial farming, low fiber levels in the diet and lack of exercise. Excess hormones in food or animal meats in diet can also have a negative impact on the acidic content of food. Using processed foods, food coloring agents and preservatives and microwaves can also have a negative impact on health by increasing the acidic content of food.
#6 Increase the Amount of Alkaline Foods
If you have been engaging in eating excessive meat, processed and junk foods, it is essential to include alkaline food in the diet. Here are some of the top alkaline foods that can help:
Greens
Photo by: Clyde Robinson/ CC BYGreen, leafy veggies such as spinach, celery, parsley, kale, and collard exert an alkaline impact on the system. Elders and health experts advise the need for greens in daily food. These are rich in minerals and essential for the body to carry out a wide number of functions.
Cauliflower or Broccoli
If you love the cauliflower as a dish on its own or in addition to other veggies, it can be a great addition to your food. Rich in phytochemical essential for the body, it can be the perfect source of alkalinity in your diet. Other veggies like broccoli are equally beneficial.
Citrus
Fruits such as those high on citric acid can actually be the best source of alkalinity! How is this so? Lemon, lime, and oranges are brimming with Vitamin C and help to detox the system. This provides relief from heartburn and acidity.
Seaweed or Salt
Sea salt and sea veggies are rich in minerals to the tune of ten to twelve times as compared to land based ones. Considered high on alkalinity, sea food sources create a lot of benefits for the human body. Tip in nori or keep as an addition to soups or stir fries. Sprinkling some sea goodies in your food can go a long way in boosting its alkalinity.
Root Veggies
Root veggies such as sweet potato, beet roots, carrots, taro roots, lotus roots are a wonderful source of alkalinity. They taste wonderful when roasted with spices and other seasonings. Overcooking these can make them lose their nutrients. So, steam them lightly or stir fry them for best results.
Seasonal Fruits
Nutritional and health experts hold that adding seasonal veggies or even fruits in your daily intake can have a lot of benefits. Brimming with nutrients, such as vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, they fulfill various functions of the human body. They are excellent as a alkaline food source, especially apples, watermelon, and grapefruits.
Nuts
Here’s why you should be nuts about these. Besides containing rich nutrients, the various types of nuts like cashews, almonds and chestnuts also boost good cholesterol in the human body.
Onion, Ginger and Garlic
The most critical ingredients in cooking are these seasonings and there’s a reason for that. Apart from enhancing flavor, these are rich in nutrients and alkalinize the diet further.
Conclusion
Make an alkaline diet your base for healthy eating and wholesome nutrition that benefits your body and mind. Making alkaline diets part of your daily intake is so easy. Go light on sodium, artificial sugars and dairy products, Instead, stock up on raw fruits and veggies and at most steam, or stir fry them for the benefits. This can make a massive difference to your health and your lifestyle. So, tap the benefits of an alkaline diet today and say goodbye to acidity, acidosis and ill-health forever.