When its pH level turns acidic, the human body must seize such minerals as calcium, magnesium and potassium from the bones and vital organs to neutralize excess acid and get rid of it. The role of an alkaline cleanse diet is to eliminate toxins and impurities from the body, reduce its acidity and restore normal balance to pH levels in the bloodstream.
Explanation of pH
The body's pH is the measure of acidity and alkalinity in the blood. According to Columbia University's Health Internet Service, various systems in the body carefully monitor and maintain blood pH between 7.35 and 7.45. This balance tilts slightly to the alkaline side of neutral -- 7 on a scale of 1 to 14. When the typical American diet of meats, dairy foods, flour and sugar spikes acid levels in the blood, the body turns to its bones and organs for the minerals and nutrients required to bring the pH back to normal.
Acid Consequences
The body can suffer severe and prolonged damage due to high acidity in the bloodstream -- a condition that may go undetected for years. According to the website Alive, new research shows that the body high in acid can be vulnerable to such health issues as impeded absorption of vitamins and minerals, poor skin and hair, and free-radical oxidation -- or premature aging. Other potential threats are osteoporosis, weight gain, frequent colds, flu and headaches, and elevated stress-hormone production.
Alkaline Cleanse Diet
The first step is to eliminate from the diet or strictly reduce acid-producing products like meat, eggs and dairy foods, processed foods, white flour and sugar, and such beverages as coffee and soft drinks. Replace them with fresh fruits and vegetables and -- because of their high alkaline content -- lots of leafy greens. Fruits that are moderate to strong in alkaline content are lemons, limes, cantaloupe, mango and papaya, and among the vegetables are celery, parsley, seaweed and watercress. Drink plenty of alkaline or pure water and green juices. Exercise is recommended.
Benefits
According to the website Alkaline Diet Encyclopedia, an alkaline cleanse diet enhances digestion while guarding against constipation and irritable bowel syndrome. Rich in fiber, it provides a gentle cleansing effect without the side effects of laxatives. By reducing acidity, it halts the leeching of alkaline minerals from vital organs and especially calcium from the bones. This strengthens bones and wards off osteoporosis. Balancing the pH level in the blood, combined with the diet's abundance of complex carbohydrates and fiber, can leave a person feeling consistently more energetic.
Measuring Blood pH
A general idea of an individual's blood pH level can be obtained by measuring her saliva and urine with pH test paper available at a pharmacy. Once in contact with the saliva or urine, the pH test paper will turn to a color corresponding with that on an accompanying chart specifying the acid or alkaline levels. Although such tests may provide a good idea regarding pH levels in the blood and organs, the most accurate measurements can be obtained by visiting a doctor for testing.
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