The words “Acidic” and “Alkaline” look like they belong in a chemistry laboratory – certainly not on a plate. But these terms make up the core of our alkaline diet, which puts the focus on maintaining a healthy PH level to promote overall health.
The substances that the body uses for building and functioning can be classified as Alkaline or Acid substances, and are measured by determining its PH. Values range from 0-14 where 0-7 is Acidic, 7 is Neutral and 7-14 is Alkaline. The body functions best when the PH of its internal environment is slightly alkaline i.e between 7.36 to 7.45.
The foods we eat contribute to having an Alkaline or Acidic effect on the Blood PH.
Having too much acid in the blood leads to a condition called “Acidosis”, which can wreak havoc on the body, and can even be fatal in severe cases. Symptoms include Low Energy, Sensitive Gums, Weight gain, Osteoporosis, Confusion, Jaundice and Increase in Heart rate. Important to note that Cancer cells and Disease thrive in acidic, low oxygen environments.
If we have an alkaline, high oxygen environment our body reaps the benefits. As we begin to cleanse ourselves of the toxic acid waste in our bodies it becomes easier to lose weight.
Non – dietary remedies :
a) Exercise – for at least 30 minutes daily to clear your mind, leading to fresh positive feelings and thus, clear the acidic residue.
b) Deep Breathing and Pranayama – creates more oxygen in the system.
c) Eat mindfully – that means eat slowly and chew well. Gobbling your food, produces acid in the body.
d) Never lie down immediately after eating – this is a common cause of reflux.
e) Avoid Negative thoughts, Attitudes and Emotions : as they are Acidic and affect our internal PH Levels.
f) Hydrate – and flush your body of toxins.
g) Sleep – adequate sleep is necessary for repairing and rejuvenating the body. The body only repairs at rest.
Dietary remedies :
a) Acid forming foods should be balanced with alkaline foods. The ideal daily diet should consist of 80% Alkaline foods and 20% Acidic foods.
b) The bulk of your diet should come from whole plant – based foods which include all Leafy greens, Vegetables, Nuts, Seeds, Sprouts, Fruits and limited Whole grains such as Brown rice, Buck wheat, Millet and Amaranth.
c) Limit your intake of protein from 0.8 grams to 1.0 gram per kilo of bodyweight. Consuming too much protein causes acidity and produces ammonia in the body.
d) Avoid addition of too many spices in the Indian diet as they make the food too acidic. This forces the stomach to make stronger acids to break down the acidic food, which leads to stomach and duodenal ulcers amongst Indians.
e) Omit condiments like Ketchup, Mayonnaise and Mustard as these are highly acidic.
f) Reduce intake of Alcohol , Coffee, Tea and Dairy.
g) Avoid Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners and incorporate more Natural Sugars like Fruits and Dry Fruits (Dates, Figs, Raisins, Apricots and Prunes)
h) Although acidic by nature, Lemons and Limes leave an alkaline residue when they have been metabolised in the body, hence lemons are highly recommended.
i) Other High Alkaline foods include Watermelons, Cantaloupe, Capsicum, Papaya, Asparagus, Parsley, Kiwi fruit and Pears.
j) Avoid Top Acidic foods such as Lamb, Pork and Shell Fish, Soda and Aerated Drinks, Artificial Sweeteners, Alcohol, Processed Meats, Processed Cheese, White Bread and Wheat.
As you can see it is critical to create a Healthy Alkaline environment that promotes good health while warding off chronic disease and inflammation.
All the best and Happy Healing from Naturally Dimpi !!