When the body's pH is out of balance, an individual may develop acidosis, according to a Washington University report on how the acid-base balance affects the body. Suffering from acidosis may make you prone to a wide range of diseases, writes Felicia Drury Kliment in "The Acid Alkaline Balance Diet." When you blood pH is balanced or slightly alkaline, you may be more resistant to disease. Eating certain foods that create an alkaline-forming environment may alter your pH.
Baking Soda
Baking soda neutralizes acidity in the stomach as well as in the blood stream, according to Drugs.com, making it a good choice to add to the diet to increase the pH. Mix 1/2 tsp. in an 8 oz. glass of water and drink at least once a day as a general treatment to raise the pH to one that is slightly alkaline. Baking soda can raise your blood pressure, so if you take medications for hypertension, first consult with a health practitioner before using baking soda.
Cream of Tartar
Cream of tartar is recommended by Dr. Theodore Baroody in "Alkalize or Die" for cases where raising the pH quickly is required. Anecdotal evidence indicates that when you experience a severe headache, extreme nausea, food poisoning, shock or anxiety, a small amount of cream of tartar may relieve many of those symptoms by creating an alkaline state and altering the body's pH. Mix 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar in a 6 to 8 oz. glass of water and drink it all at once. It tastes quite sour, but is very refreshing and soothing. Repeat the dose as needed.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Drinking apple cider vinegar is one of the most efficient ways to alkalize the system, according to Baroody. Add 1 to 2 tbsp. vinegar to 8 oz. water and drink it all at once. Reduce the amount of vinegar if it is too strong and slowly increase the amount based on tolerance levels. Drink at least one glass per day. Although there is no scientific research, as with cream of tartar, anecdotal information indicates apple cider vinegar increases blood alkalinity, altering the body's pH. If acid reflux is a problem, several glasses a day may help to reduce symptoms.
Alfalfa Sprouts and Parsley
Both parsley and alfalfa sprouts have a highly alkaline pH and in their raw form are healthful additions to any diet. They can be used as garnishes or added to recipes and will assist in alkalizing your body and raising your blood and urine pH, according to "The pH Miracle."
References
- Drugs.com: Potassium Content of Foods
- Drugs.com: Baking Soda
- "The Acid Alkaline Balance"; Felicia Drury Kliment; 2002
- "The pH Miracle"; Dr. Robert O. Young and Shelley Redford Young; 2003
- Washington University: Blood, Sweat, and Buffers -- pH Regulation During Exercise
- "Alkalize or Die"; Dr. Theodore A. Baroody; 1991
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