Sweet foods produce an acid environment in the body and acidic foods produce an alkaline environment. Acid and alkaline imbalances can cause intestinal gas and bloating. It is not the acid in foods that matters, but where they end up in the body, notes the University of California, San Diego. Sweet, less nutritional foods can create acidosis, a condition in which the body's chemical balance is more susceptible to disease.
Vegetables
Peas, lima beans, soybeans, potatoes and artichokes are foods that increase the body's alkalinity. Cabbage, carrots, radishes and watercress also cause alkaline reactions in the body. Spinach, turnips, asparagus, brussel sprouts, and cucumber increase alkaline, according to The Alkaline Diet website. The ideal alkaline pH is 7.4 and the body works to maintain that level; a level of 7.0 is considered neutral. The acid-alkaline balance is essential to prevent disease and yeast growth. The body requires less foods that produce acid and more alkaline-producing foods because the pH level tends to become predominantly acidic. Cayenne pepper has a pH balance of 8.5 that helps transform acidic foods, notes The Alkaline Diet website. Kelp has an alkalizing pH of 8.5 and helps to purify the kidneys. Onions and pickles have an alkaline pH of 7.0 that helps raise the body's overall alkaline level.
Fruits
Lemon and watermelon have an alkaline pH of 9.0 that is sufficient to transform many acidic foods. Avocado, lime, grapefruit and pears are all alkalizing fruits. It is important to note that the optimum alkaline balance in the body is 7.0, explains the University of California, San Diego. Foods that can reduce acidity will increase alkaline balances. Apples, bananas, cantaloupe, and grapes have natural sugars that equalize the body's pH balance. Cantaloupe stimulates the body's healing mechanism and carries a pH balance of 8.5. Acid waste in the large intestines can cause the thyroid gland to work inefficiently causing weight gain. When the metabolic activity of the body decreases so does its fat burning capabilities, notes Nahanni River Herbs. This combination of fruits can neutralize some acid producing foods allowing the system to burn fat and increase metabolic activity.
Nuts and Grain
Nuts including cashews, walnuts, peanuts and pine nuts cause alkaline reactions in the body. Pumpkin, flax, sunflower and sesame seeds also cause alkalinity. Grains such as corn, rice and quinoa produce alkaline reactions as well as fiber, which cleans the large intestine and helps the body feel full, notes the University of California, San Diego. Almonds and pine nuts carry an alkaline pH of 7.0. and also help reduce the effects of acidosis from acidic foods.
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