The healthy antioxidants in alkaline-forming foods can minimize oxidation of free radicals involved in the creation of an overly acidic environment in your body that may encourage cancer growth. The pH levels of foods come from vitamins and minerals, but the acidity and alkalinity in your body can be determined only after food has been eaten, digested and absorbed. Your system is very sensitive to variations in the pH levels of your bodily fluids, and it strives to sustain a healthy pH balance. Eating high-alkaline foods can contribute to maintaining that balance.
Leafy Green Vegetables
Spinach, kale and broccoli; and chard, collard, dandelion and mustard greens are excellent sources of potassium, one of the highest alkaline-promoting minerals. Parsley, watercress, asparagus and endive also produce high alkalinity in your body.
Other Vegetables
Some legumes, such as lima beans, green peas and white beans, create alkalinity in your body. Eating certain root vegetables, including radishes, beets and carrots, contributes to maintaining an appropriate alkaline balance.
Grasses and Grains
Edible grasses, such as wheat, alfalfa and barley, are among the most alkalizing foods you can eat. Grasses are also low in calories and sugar and contain high amounts of fiber and nutrients, according to Shelley Redford Young's 2007 article, "What Can I Eat?" on Dr. Robert O. Young's Articles of Health website. Alkaline-forming grains include oatmeal, brown basmati rice and millet.
Sprouts
Eating alkaline-forming sunflower sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, soy sprouts and mung bean sprouts provides your system with alkalinity necessary to reduce acidity and to cleanse your your body of acid waste.
Citrus
It may seem that the acid in citrus fruits would have an acidifying effect on your system, but citrus fruits contribute alkalinity to your body. Lemons are actually one of the highest alkaline-forming fruits. Other citrus fruits, including limes, oranges and tangerines, are also very good sources, but not quite as alkaline-rich as lemons.
Melons
Watermelon is another fruit that tops the alkalinity list and helps your body maintain a healthy blood alkalinity between pH 7.35 and 7.45. If your body cannot maintain balance between acidity and alkalinity, calcium will be drawn from your bones to counteract the mineral deficiencies caused by an overly acidic state. Eating alkaline-rich foods, such as cantaloupe and honeydew melon, will help produce alkaline in your system.
Tropical Fruits and Berries
Tropical fruits provide your body with alkaline that is important for neutralizing high acidity in your system. Papaya, mango, guava, kiwi, passion fruit and pineapple are alkaline-rich foods.
Other Fruits
When the pH level drops, your bodily fluids can become more acidic than recommended, and this may prevent red blood cells from transporting life-sustaining oxygen to the other cells and organs of your body. One way to counteract this is to eat high-alkaline fruits, such as sweet grapes, nectarines, persimmon and pears. Dried fruits, including raisins, dates and figs are highly alkaline, as are cucumbers. In "What Can I Eat?," Redford Young describes the avocado as an excellent source of alkalinity and one of the most perfect foods.
References
- EbookBrowse; Intensive Anti-Oxidant Fruit Therapy in the Treatment of Cancer (Combination Therapy with Sodium Bicarbonate); Dr. Mark Sircus
- Alive Magazine; Alkalinity; Sam Graci; August 2005
- Articles of Health; What Can I Eat?, Shelley Redford Young; May 2007
- Go Ask Alice; Alkaline Water --- Is It Better for Your Body?; Columbia University Health Services; June 2006
Member Comments