Acidosis occurs when the body's pH is out of balance, according to "The pH Miracle." Felicia Drury Kliment discusses in "The Acid Alkaline Balance Diet" that people are more prone to disease when their bodies suffer from acidosis and how creating an alkaline environment may protect against many diseases and conditions. The easiest way to alkalize the blood is by eating certain foods and eliminating others. Consult a health practitioner before making any significant dietary changes.
Drinks that Alkalize
Eliminate carbonated and caffeinated beverages, says the University of Maryland Medical Center, which may cause gastritis. These drinks deplete the body of necessary nutrients, adding empty calories and chemicals that may cause excess acid production in the stomach and kidneys, according to the "Concise Encyclopedia of Foods and Nutrition." Replace sodas with water and healthy juices that can alkalize the blood, such as tart cherry juice, pineapple juice and apple juice, suggests Kliment. These juices are high in potassium and enzymes that balance digestive juices and promote health.
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers
Avoid artificial sweeteners and food additives like MSG, which is used to preserve foods and enhance flavors. These chemicals may produce side effects and contribute to degenerative conditions, promoting acidosis, says the "Concise Encyclopedia of Foods and Nutrition." Use raw, organic honey to sweeten foods and spices to add flavor, suggests Dr. Theodore Baroody in "Alkalize or Die." Honey is high in potassium, one of the elements responsible for promoting alkalinity in the blood and urine. Keep it raw and organic to obtain the most from its wealth of nutrients and avoid pesticides and other impurities found in processed, non-organic honey. Both green and brown spices add flavor and depth to the taste of foods, and many spices offer healthful support to the body, promoting alkalinity. Try spices like oregano, basil, thyme, sage, corriander, cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg to enhance the flavor of foods.
Alkalizing Agents
Replace white vinegar with apple-cider vinegar in dressings and for cooking. Apple-cider vinegar is the single most important food you can use to alkalize your body, says Baroody. Drink it mixed in water, take it alone on a spoon, use it as a condiment or to pickle foods.
High-Potassium Foods
Foods high in potassium aid in creating alkalinity in the bloodstream, according to Baroody. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into your water glass during and between meals to add alkalinity to your system. Although lemon juice starts out as a mild acid, its high potassium content aids in neutralizing acids in the stomach and protects against acidosis, says Total Health Care.com. Foods like ripe bananas, cantaloupe, pears, mangoes, raisins and oranges all contain more than 200 mg potassium per serving, according to Drugs.com and may help increase the body's alkalinity.
Healthy Fats
Replace margarine and trans fats with healthy fats that are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as olives and olive oil, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, avocados and fish oils, according to "The pH Balance." Use nut oils made from walnuts or hazelnuts for cooking instead of corn, canola or highly processed vegetable oils.
Alkalizing Vegetables
Eat highly alkaline foods like alfalfa sprouts and parsley as often as possible, says Baroody, for an easy, quick alkaline boost to your bloodstream. These vegetables should be eaten raw. Use them as garnishes or mixed in with recipes.
Alkaline-forming Grains
Eat alkaline grains like amaranth, millet and quinoa, instead of white-flour pasta and breads. The alkaline grains are high in protein and may prevent acidosis, whereas processed white-flour products that have been stripped of their nutrients and genetically modified add little to the diet and contribute to producing acidosis, according to Baroody.
References
- Drugs: Potassium Content of Foods List
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastritis
- "Concise Encyclopedia of Foods and Nutrition"; Audrey H. Ensminger; 1995
- "The Acid Alkaline Balance"; Felicia Drury Kliment; 2002
- "The pH Miracle"; Dr. Robert O. Young and Shelley Redford Young; 2003
- Total Health Care: Home Remedy for Acid Reflux
