Optimum health depends on the correct balance of acid and alkaline particles in the blood, lymph, enzymes, urine and other body fluids. Excess acidity weakens all body systems. This condition affects nearly every person in our society because of excess acids we create from the food we eat and high-stress lifestyles. Getting rid of excess acid in your body requires developing alkalizing lifestyle habits. For many people, it can take months or even years to restore acid-alkaline balance.
Steps
Step 1
Keep your body hydrated. This means drinking at least half your body weight in ounces of purified water daily. Carry a quart jar with you to keep track of how many ounces you drink. This is the most important step because your body will not be able to safely and effectively remove acid if you are even slightly dehydrated.
Step 2
Eat primarily plant-based food that is locally grown and in season. Even though there is much controversy over which foods are alkalizing, almost all the experts agree that the key to an alkalizing diet is to eat an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. They recommend following the 80/20 rule--80 percent of your food chosen from alkalizing foods and 20 percent from the acid-forming group. Raw vegetables should be eaten at every meal.
Step 3
Avoid eating processed foods and excess animal-based proteins, including meat, dairy and eggs. If you are not able or willing to reduce the amount of animal-based proteins in your diet, consider drinking alkaline water from a water ionizer system, which quickly and easily removes acid waste.
Step 4
Exercise moderately. Contrary to popular belief, intense or excess exercise will actually cause excess acid buildup in the body. Alkalizing exercise is pain-free, aerobic and moderate, rather than excess or intense.
According to Dr. Robert O. Young, PhD, the most alkalizing form of exercise is jumping on a rebounder, or mini trampoline.
Step 5
Learn ways to not only cope with stress but actually prevent it. Stress prevention always begins with developing a positive mind-set about life and one's ability to cope with change. Cultivating the ability to see challenges in life as opportunities for growth will minimize the negative physiological effects of stress on the body. Seek humor and let go of the small things.
Step 6
Use health-promoting devices such as hot tubs, infrared saunas and alkaline water ionizers to accelerate the removal of acid waste in your body. These are often more adaptable to people's lifestyle than making significant dietary changes.
Tips and Warnings
- Take it slow. Don't try to get rid of too much acid at once or you could experience typical detoxification symptoms, such as allergic reactions, constipation, dizziness or headaches. If you get off the alkalizing diet, don't beat yourself up about. Just get back on. Restoring balance is a process, not a quick fix.
- If you have a serious illness or are taking medications, consult with your health care practitioner before making significant dietary changes.
Things You'll Need
- Purified drinking water
- Hot tub, infrared sauna or water ionizer (optional)
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Rebounder (mini-trampoline)
References
- The Acid Alkaline Balance Diet; Felicia Drury Kliment; 2002
- Alkalize or Die, Theodore A. Baroody, N.D., Ph.D. Nutrition, C.N.C.; 1991
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