The diet you choose to enjoy from day to day can determine your energy, weight, vitality and longevity. If you choose to eat foods that provoke an acidic climate within the pH of your gut, many symptoms and infirmities may result. Certain foods carry a very high acidic profile, which means they may change the slightly alkaline state of the gut to an acidic pH. This is called acidosis. Some herbalists and holistic health practitioners believe ridding your body of acid is beneficial. Speak to your doctor before making any changes in your diet.
Identification
Alkalinity and acidity are terms used to identify the pH balance of the body within the gut. This balance effects many things that relate to health. On a scale of zero to 14, the blood should rate around 7.4 as a perfect balance of alkalinity and acidity. When the body rests at a lower alkalinity, or higher acidity, symptoms of weakening of the skin, hair, nails, teeth and bones may result, as can the deterioration of the digestive tract, leaky gut syndrome, Candida and allergies.
Types
Taking a saliva test can help you understand your current pH level. As you begin to treat an acidic state, if you are below seven on the scale, supplement your diet with specific alkaline-forming foods. Also reducing the intake of acid-forming foods can help your body balance out appropriately. Create a new diet approach through integrating bananas, figs, mangoes, papayas, potatoes, watermelon, spinach, carrots and green beans. These foods are very alkaline to the body and may quickly alter the pH to a more neutral state.
Considerations
As you add alkaline foods to your daily meals, begin to remove acid-forming foods as well to reap the full benefits from your diet. Minimize the consumption of foods such as eggs, yogurt, coffee, alcohol, aged cheeses and highly processed, sugary foods. These foods tend to create a very acidic environment in the body. An acidic pH creates acidosis, which may turn into more severe issues such as chronic fatigue, permanent cell damage and joint pain.
Benefits
Some alternative medicine practitioners believe the benefits of eating a diet that reduces acid in the body are many. Proponents suggest you may notice an overall feeling of well being, healthy skin and hair, bright eyes, faster weight loss and clear thinking. Your body may be better able to absorb the nutrients from the food you eat to support other functions of the body, increasing your energy.
Time Frame
Adjusting your diet to help your body pH balance out to a more alkaline state will depend on how acidic your body was prior to adjusting your diet. After you have taken your saliva test, note how acidic you are on the scale. If you are not very acidic, but desire to create an optimal state in your body through the addition of alkaline foods, the purported health benefits could develop within one to two weeks. If you find yourself in a very acidic state, you might have a few months of dedicated meal planning and follow through before any possible benefits start to materialize.
