Most food and beverages are either alkaline or acidic. When food is first eaten it may be acidic or alkaline, but once the food is digested may become the opposite. For example dairy products and meat are known to be alkaline based when first eaten, but once digested they become acidic based. Citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and limes are very acidic based when first eaten, but once digested they become alkaline based. Consuming acidic foods and beverages could cause major health problems, ultimately having an alkaline diet is much healthier for the body.
Test
Using pH strips is the best way to determine whether your blood level is acidic or alkaline. You can test your urine or your saliva; a neutral pH level is 7.0, above 7.0 is alkaline, and below 7.0 is acidic. The healthiest level for the blood to be at is between 7.35 and 7.45 pH. According to Alkalize For Health, the best way to keep your pH level in the alkaline range is to eat 80 percent of alkaline food and 20 percent acidic foods.
Function
A slightly higher alkaline level is important; if the body consumes more acidic foods than normal, it may need to compensate using alkaline minerals stored in the body to bring the level back to neutral, according to Rense.com. Having an acidic level is very unhealthy for the body; acid buildup in the cells causes a decrease in the body's absorption of nutrients and minerals, and the cells have low energy production, which will make a person more susceptible to sickness and fatigue.
Alkaline Food
Fruits, vegetables, nuts, proteins and seasonings are all alkaline forming foods. The vegetables that rank the highest in alkaline include leafy green spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, sweet potatoes, carrots, peppers, green peas, green beans and eggplant. The highest ranked fruits include lemons, watermelon, mango, melon, dates, figs, papaya, seedless red grapes, sweet pears and pineapple. Protein that is high in alkaline include whey protein powder, fermented tofu and tempeh, chestnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. Seasonings that are high in alkaline include cinnamon, mustard, ginger, curry and herbs.
Significance
Avoiding acidic food and beverages is the best way to accomplish your alkaline diet. Consuming fatty foods such as anything fried, eggs, processed foods, high-fat dairy products such as butter and cheese, desserts, beer, wine and liquor, coffee and carbonated soda, are all high acidic foods and beverages that will cause acidity in your body. Mineral water, fresh fruit and vegetable juice are high in alkaline and a great substitute to acidic beverages.
Considerations
Having an alkaline diet is imperative to one's health. The body needs calcium, magnesium and potassium; these minerals can be found in alkaline forming foods. It is vital that the blood's alkalinity and acidity be balanced in order for your body to function properly and avoid serious medical conditions.
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