Alkaline Foods for Vibrant Health

Our typical American diet is full of acid producing foods.  Maybe you don't suffer the consequences with heart burn, indigestion or anything, but it takes its toll on your overall health.  Our bodies were made to be balanced and ever so slightly on the alkaline side.  The pH levels should be 7.365 to be exact for the body to survive.  Yes.  Survive. 

When a person ingests food to "burn" for fuel, the digestive and metabolic process transforms it into a kind of ash which is either acidic or alkaline.  The laws of biochemistry explain that it is NOT the organic matter of foods (whether the food itself is acidic or alkaline) but their INorganic matter (such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, sulfur, or phosphorous - which is how food is broken down chemically) that determines either the acidity of alkalinity of this ashy residue.

Now when the body is not given alkaline foods to keep the pH "right", the body (in its amazing quest for survival) will manage to draw what it needs from wherever it can get it --- like your bones or other vital tissues.  You may think it's cool you don't have acidosis or other symptoms (yet!) but do you know how your bones are doing?  (think osteoporosis - which can be totally avoided with a good diet.)  If you suffer from fatigue this may be one reason why.  I've had clients do a total about face with fatigue as soon as they got that pH up to the low 7's.  It really makes a difference!

So here are some foods to include on a daily basis to make sure you are getting a balance that will work well to combat an acidic pH.

Root Vegetables - You can't eat enough of them.  Beets, carrots, turnips, rutabaga, horseradish.  They will keep you feeling satiated and better grounded.

Cruciferous vegetables - You know these: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, etc.

Leafy greens - Kale, swiss chard, spinach.

Garlic - this miracle food encourages overall health and is beneficial for promoting cardiovascular and immune health by lowering blood pressure, cleansing the liver and fighting off disease.

Cayenne peppers - (capsicum) is one of the most alkalizing foods.  It's also packed with antibacterial properties and is a rich supply of Vitamin A. 

Lemons - most alkalizing of all!  Most people are shocked at this but this is how it breaks down chemically in your body.  It is often recommended as immediate relief for hyperacidity and heartburn.  Of course you probably know it for being great for coughs, colds, and flu.  It will energize the liver and promote detoxification.  (I have lemon in my water all day long, and in my tea.)

Do you hear your mother saying "Eat your vegetables!"?  Mom was right.  She may not have been a biochemist, but then moms seem to have an uncanny knack for knowing just the right stuff to keep you  healthy.  If you want a real suggestion (of course you do!) eat two veggies per serving of meat.  That just isn't hard at all. 

Speaking of mom, the only thing she probably said that I would say shhhh, don't listen to her, is drinking milk.  It breaks down chemically into acid - I forgive her, she didn't know biochemistry after all.  All dairy breaks down into acid. Use sparingly. ( I can't resist a good cheese but I save that as a treat on weekends.) 

If you, or someone you know, is going thru any kind of digestive distress or constant acidosis, get some pH papers (Amazon has them) and check your urine for a pH reading.  It could be easier than you'd think to turn things around. It usually is!