Alkaline Foods List – All That You Need To Know
The pH level indicates how acidic or alkaline something is.
- O is very acidic
- 7 is neutral
- 14 is extremely alkaline
Different organs of our body possess different pH levels based on their functioning. However, it is important to maintain a more alkaline pH in our bodies to stay healthy. Therefore, when there is more acidic pH, it has to be controlled to improve the body’s wellness which is often done through the detoxification process. In this process, you need to change your diet and go for healthy options, which are mainly plant-based foods.
An acidic pH is often seen in individuals who prefer fatty and sugary foods, along with those who are into substance abuse. These groups of people are found to suffer from extreme vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition. Therefore, including alkaline foods listed in your diet plan will reintroduce essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other vital compounds in your body. The alkaline diet also promotes brain as well as body recovery. Following the alkaline foods, the list promotes our body’s immunity by avoiding health risks like obesity, diabetes, respiratory diseases, infectious diseases, and cardiovascular complications.
ACIDIC pH
People with a pH less than 7 often eat all the restricted foods that make their blood and urine acidic. This high acidic effect restricts their body from maintaining proper pH balance, and consequently, the minerals from their bones and muscles are extracted. This leads to problems like kidney stones, chronic pains, anxiety, depression, decreased bone density and increased muscle wasting. Hence, you need to learn about the foods that drop your pH level and cause health issues. Some such foods are:
- Fatty meats
- Dairy products like cottage cheese, milk, yogurt
- Refined grains like white rice and bread
- Processed foods like salami, bacon, cold cuts
- Alcohol and drug abuse
- Artificial sweeteners and excessive caffeine
- Soda
- Walnuts and peanuts
All these foods are not that bad if taken occasionally or in combination with the alkaline foods list. For instance, adding peanuts to your green salad will not harm you in any way.
ALKALINE DIET
An alkaline diet is a healthy option when it comes to detoxifying our bodies. It encourages the intake of fruits, vegetables, and plant foods and restricts the consumption of processed junk foods. Thus, an alkaline food helps counter the risk of acidity and acid refluxes and proves cooling for the tummy. We can follow these healthy tips to effectively enjoy the benefits of the alkaline diet.
- Plan your meals and snacks so that you do not consume the forbidden items out of hunger.
- Keep your meals regularly and on time.
- Improve intake of vitamins and minerals.
- Reduce consumption of excessive sugar and caffeine.
- Stay hydrated.
There is no specific meal plan to follow an alkaline diet, but we can use the foods from the alkaline foods list when preparing any meal or snack. The following are alkaline foods that are good for the human body.
- Green leafy vegetables
Green leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, celery, cabbage, and mustard greens should be a part of our regular diet regimen. These veggies are rich in vitamins A, B, and E, folic acid, and minerals like iron, calcium, and phosphorus. Thus, this helps improve the normal functioning of our body, along with boosting immunity.
- Cauliflower/broccoli
Vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli are very essential in maintaining the equilibrium between the acidic and alkaline pH of our body. They are the best sources of vitamins A, C, K, folate, and phytochemicals. Therefore, these veggies are very beneficial in reducing inflammation and even preventing the risk of cancer.
- Root vegetables
Some root vegetables that help maintain the pH balance are sweet potatoes, beets, radish, turnips, and carrots. These are the source of soluble and insoluble fiber, which promotes the growth of good gut bacteria and lowers high levels of cholesterol. Hence, they help reduce the risk of heart disease and bowel cancer.
- Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits have always been believed to have an acid effect on our system. But surprisingly, they are known to be the best foods on the alkaline foods list. Fruits such as lemon, sweet lime, and oranges are great sources of vitamin C and help relieve problems like heartburn and acidity.
- Nuts
Eating a handful of nuts daily helps regulate blood sugar, improve heart health and manage weight. They are healthy sources of fats and exhibit an alkaline effect on our bodies. Almonds are considered to be the most alkaline of all nuts when consumed raw and unsalted.
- Tofu
Milk and milk products are acidic in nature and so can be replaced with soya milk and tofu, which is a substitute for paneer. Tofu is made of soya milk and has an alkaline effect on our system, thus preventing acid reflux.
- Mushroom
This fungi veggie is again alkaline in nature and is recommended by health professionals for people suffering from acid bouts and acid refluxes. Out of all the mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms are considered to be the most alkaline, with a pH level of 8.0.
- Brown rice
Brown rice is whole grain rice as it retains the bran and germ layer. Therefore, it is more nutritious than white rice as it is higher in fiber, magnesium, and other nutrients. Other than its high nutrient value, brown rice also offers an alkaline effect to our system.
- Coconut oil
Coconut oil is one of the alkaline foods which help the body maintain its normal and healthy pH balance. Coconut oil has a pH of 7-8, which is one of the reasons why it benefits our oral health and helps heal cavities also.
- Sea salt
Sea salt has a pH level of 7.5 once digested. Therefore, sea salt has alkalising property that helps in keeping bacterial and viral infections away. Moreover, this salt is also rich in essential minerals like zinc, iron, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, potassium, and iodine.
- Unsweetened fruit juices
Drinking juices on a diet are considered to be part of a well-balanced diet. But when we are focussing on alkaline drinks, apple, grape, and orange juices are considered.
- Raw garlic and onions
Raw garlic has anti-inflammatory properties that are high on the alkaline scale. Both white and red onions also have an alkaline effect which further increases when they are slightly cooked.
CONCLUSION
Drastic changes in the body’s pH level may be life-threatening. Hence, our lungs and kidneys have to work hard to maintain the equilibrium between acidic and alkaline. Eating more foods on the alkaline foods list will therefore assist our organs in raising the body’s pH levels.
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