A healthy alkaline diet consists of eating healthy alkaline-forming foods and less acidifying foods. Knowing the distinction between which food is alkaline and which is acidic is determined by the minerals left behind after digestion; this is known as the ash residue. Alkaline foods contain magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium. All of these minerals complement each other and are needed in everyday functions of the body.
Identification
According to The Paleo Diet, one of the conditions that could arise from consuming acidic-forming foods over a long period of time is osteoporosis, which is the de-mineralization of bones. Once food is digested it is reported to the kidneys as either acidic or alkaline base. The acid must be buffered by the stored alkaline in the body, which will deplete alkaline minerals. Calcium salts represent the largest alkaline stores in the body, and once buffered with the acidic load, it is passed through the urine and the calcium is lost. Other conditions that arise from having an overload of acidic-based foods in your diet include stroke, hypertension, muscle deterioration, asthma and calcium kidney stones.
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Effects of Acidosis
A condition in which there is an excessive amount of acid in the body's fluid is called acidosis, according to Medline Plus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. There are two types; respiratory and metabolic. Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is too much acid in the body's fluid and the kidneys are not effectively removing the excess acid. When there is too much carbon dioxide, which is an acid, in the body, respiratory acidosis develops.
Balanced pH Levels
Acidity and alkalinity are balanced by pH levels in the blood. A neutral pH level is 7.0; below that level acidic and above is considered alkaline. According to Trans4mind, human blood pH level should be between 7.35 and 7.45, which is slightly alkaline. The cells will stop functioning and a person will die if the blood pH level is under 6.8 or above 7.8. Many problems could arise from unbalanced pH levels. Therefore, the body is constantly striving to balance the pH level.
Alkaline Vs. Acidic
In a healthy alkaline diet you should be consuming plenty of vegetables and fruits. These foods are high in alkalinity and contain healthy minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium. Highly acidic foods that should be avoided are processed foods, foods high in sugar, animal fats and drinks that contain caffeine; these foods put a strain on the body's regulating system, which is constantly aiming to keep the body's pH level neutral.
Considerations
Having a good balance of healthy alkaline foods and healthy acidic foods is the ultimate way to keep the body healthy, according to The Paleo Diet. Drinking mineral water and fresh fruit juices as opposed to carbonated soda; eating fish, seafood and lean meats with plenty of fruit and vegetables is a healthy alkaline diet.
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