What Is an Alkaline Diet?

An alkaline diet is a diet based on regulating the acidity or the pH level of your body. The human body is slightly alkaline, with a blood pH around 7.4. However, your stomach needs to be acidic so that it can break down foods; the pH of your stomach is 3.5 or below. For comparison’s sake, 14 is completely alkaline, 7 is neutral and 0 is completely acidic.

The theory behind this kind of diet is that high acidity foods cause your body’s pH to become too acidic. This can cause inflammation, weight gain, and disease. To be healthier, you should eat foods that are more alkaline so you can get the pH in your body to a more alkaline level and keep your body’s pH at a level where it is able to function optimally.

The alkaline diet divides foods into two basic categories to help dieters create some structure. There are alkaline foods and non-alkaline foods. The non-alkaline or acidic foods include:

* Animal proteins like beef, chicken, and pork

* Dairy products like yogurt, milk, and cheese

* Sugar

* Starchy carbohydrates like bread, pasta, and white rice

* Alcohol

The good news for people on an alkaline diet is that it’s not an all-or-nothing diet. The goal is to make sure that 80 percent of your diet comes from alkaline foods. That means you can still eat some of the foods that you love because 20 percent of your diet can come from non-alkaline foods. So what are the alkaline foods? Good question… let’s talk about what you should be eating to alkalize your system.

Alkaline Foods

Generally, all fruits and vegetables are alkaline. It can be a little confusing, though. A lemon, for example, is an acidic fruit. However, it causes an alkaline response in your body. In fact, lemon water can be a big part of the alkaline diet, which also stresses hydration. A great way to begin the day is with lemon squeezed into warm water. Other foods that are alkaline include some whole grains like millet and quinoa.

An alkaline diet is rich in fruits and vegetables along with foods that are high in minerals. Minerals are often supplemented because they’re essential for cellular functions and because they can be difficult to get in your diet even when you are eating clean, whole food.

When beginning to eat a more alkaline diet, the common recommendation is to ease into it. Most people are not able to completely shift their focus to a diet that is primarily vegetarian. You can start by reducing your consumption of the non-alkaline foods one at a time. Reduce the sugar that you eat, reduce your meat consumption, and start replacing those items with fruits and vegetables.

You’ll notice an almost immediate change in your health and well being. As an added bonus, you’ll likely lose weight as well! The alkaline diet is a lifestyle change that promises improved health. If you’re struggling with energy levels, weight gain, and chronic illness, it may be the right choice for you!

Make Major Improvements in Your Life!

Cheryl A Major, CNWC