The blood pH is slightly alkaline by design, being roughly 7.36. Anything above pH 7 is alkaline, and anything below pH 7 is acidic. Certain foods and fluids can either leave an alkaline or an acidic residue in the body. Stress causes an acidic pH balance.
On top of stress, the average American diet is highly acidic which includes foods such as white sugar, white flour, soda pop, chips, candy, ice cream, processed foods, GMOs, artificial sweeteners, meat, alcohol, coffee and some medication.
Because of modern day stress and diet, the body has to work very hard to maintain homeostasis. If the blood pH falls slightly above or below 7.36, this can result in major illness. If you are not getting alkaline minerals from food or water, your body will start to leach minerals from different tissues to maintain your proper pH level.
The goal is to eat around 70% alkaline foods and 30% acidic foods. I would avoid the highly acidic foods listed towards the end of the article. If you follow this alkaline/acid ratio, your body can naturally detoxify and cleanse itself. You also will not feel as stressed!
5 quick and easy ways to alkalize:
- Green leafy vegetables: Eat big salads with lunch and/or dinner. Snack on snow peas, baby bell peppers, jicama, etc. Drink green smoothies daily or most days of the week.
- Fresh Fruit: Snack on fresh fruit and soaked almonds and/or plain
yogurt. Use natural wholesome low glycemic sugars such as agave syrup or stevia. - Sprouted whole grains, nuts, seeds and beans: Most grains, beans,
nuts and seeds are acidic, but when you germinate or sprout them, the pH level increases. Feel free to look up different sprouting and germinating instructions online. Avoid white flour and processed grains. Eat sprouted whole grain bread and tortillas. - Oxygen: Oxygen is alkalizing. Deep breathing, exercise, and yoga can bring you more oxygen. It is best to do these activities outside. Try to do them daily!
- Coconut Water/lemon water and herbal tea: Having a coconut water or lemon water first thing in the morning can alkalize your body and help set the pace for the day. Some herbal teas, such as red rooibos, are alkalizing.
A mini Acid/Alkaline chart to help guide your alkaline/acidic diet!
Remember your diet should consist of 70% alkaline and 30% acidic foods!
Alkaline-Forming Foods
Almonds
Avocado
Coconut
Beet
Broccoli
Parsley
Carrot
Celery
Cucumber
Spinach
Dandelion Greens
Mustard Greens
Lettuce
Swiss Chard
Kale
Endive
Watercress
Wheat Grass
Lemon
Lime
Sweet Potato
Seaweed
Low sugar fruits (sugar is acidic)
Cayenne pepper
Fermented tofu
Stevia
Acidic-forming foods
Most dairy products (some charts say that plain yogurt is neutral … aged cheeses are much more acidic)
Most grains
Most nuts and seeds (unless soaked)
Most legumes
Highly acidic-forming foods (try toavoid)
Coffee
Caffeinated Tea
Alcohol
Artificial sweeteners
Sugar
Vinegar
Processed cheese
Ice cream
Meat (beef and chicken)
Fried foods
Margarine
Hydrogenated oil
Most medication such as aspirin
Condiments
Fizzy drinks
Beer
Beef and pork
Fast food
Sweets
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for informational purposes only and is in no way intended for medical advice or as treatment or cure for any disease or health condition and should not be construed as such. Always contact a medical or health care professional before making any changes to your diet, lifestyle, exercise, supplement use, or anything related to your health and well-being. You assume all risks for the use, nonuse, or misuse of the information found in this article and release Carly Foley and all affiliates from any and all claims, liability, cause of action, damages or costs for personal injury, wrongful death or property damage.
