Alkaline Diets - Is Your Body Too Acidic?

Alkaline Diets - Is Your Body Too Acidic?

Anyone who has taken basic biology knows that cells require very narrow parameters to function optimally. Temperature and pH must be precisely engineered in order to support simple life. The human body, though seemingly sturdy and above this natural law, is no different! Humans can function in a wide variety of environments, but we do require basic conditions in order to have optimal performance.

In its purest form, human body fluids and tissue exist in a slightly alkaline state (not acidic). Since the human body uses the foods we eat as raw material to rebuild its tissues, our pH balance can quickly become unbalanced if our diet consists of "acidifying" foods. These acidifying foods quickly cause our blood and body tissues to become bathed in an acidic solution. This won't kill you right away, but if left untreated, this acidic condition leads to diseases such as heart disease, high cholesterol and even obesity.

Why does an acidic environment in your body lead to disease? It all goes back to how your body detoxifies itself. In an acidic environment the body cannot detoxify efficiently. The buildup of toxins prevents the body from effectively replenishing its essential nutrients and antioxidants. The body becomes starved, stressed, and slows down its metabolism to counteract the nutrient-deficiency within itself. The stress leads to disease, and the slower metabolism leads to weight, diet, and detoxification problems.

The most commonly consumed acidifying foods are butter, cheeses, animal protein (except salmon), oils, corn syrup, alcohol, corn, berries, and flours. Most of these foods should be consumed in moderation and in very low amounts. The best diet one can gradually adopt is one rich in alkalizing foods, which balance the body tissues and blood back to an alkaline state. A good rule of thumb is that anything that is dark green tends to be alkalizing. This includes broccoli, dark lettuce, cabbage, cucumbers, onions, avocadoes, mustard and beet greens. More alkalizing foods are many of the fruits, such as apples, oranges, cantaloupe, lemon, lime, strawberries, and watermelons.

Right now you may be thinking that the alkalizing foods are impossible to eat without being miserable. There are many easy ways to incorporate alkalizing foods into your diet without sacrificing great taste! For example, instead of using animal protein (such as ground beef), try using a firm tofu in your meals that call for meat. Instead of using harmful oils, you can use vegetable juice to sauté your foods. Instead of drinking processed dairy milk, drink organic soy milk. Certain spices are very alkalizing as well: chili pepper, cinnamon, ginger, sea salt, curry and tamari.

Another way to help your body resume its most natural state of alkalinity is to drink at least 2 liters of alkaline water everyday. This will flush out the acidic toxins already accumulated in your bloodstream and further promote detoxification in your body's lipid storage. Supplements are available to alkalize water, usually in the form of drops and powders. Other recommended supplements that help your body alkalize are potassium, calcium, cesium and magnesium.