To properly function, your body requires a balanced pH, which measures acidic or alkaline levels. When your body is more acidic, it might exhibit chronic fatigue, weight gain or other symptoms. Acid imbalances are commonly caused by ailments, alcohol, stress and smoking. However, incorporating alkaline-enriched foods into your diet can restore your pH balance and promote healthy body functions.
Fruits
Fruits are alkaline and packed with minerals, vitamins and other nutrients; they are beneficial for balancing your body back from unhealthy acidic ranges. According to Dr. Felicia Kliment in "The Acid-Alkaline Balance Diet," they are effective for fighting disease and promoting optimal body functions. Ideal alkaline fruits include peaches, pears, apples, watermelons, cantaloupes, papayas, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. Because your body naturally metabolizes citrus fruits as alkaline, despite their acidic content, oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes are also beneficial for balancing your pH. Avoid canned fruits with added sweeteners or heavy syrup content.
Vegetables
Vegetables are mostly alkaline as well. Consuming organic, raw or fresh vegetables is the best option to naturally balance your pH because some nutrients are lost during cooking, notes Dr. Elizabeth Lipski in "Digestive Wellness." Lightly steaming your vegetables helps maintain a high alkaline pH count, which positively affects your body functions. Some alkaline-rich vegetables include broccoli, cabbage, celery, green beans, onions, turnips, chives, brussels sprouts, artichokes, asparagus, garlic, watercress, beets, lettuce, spinach and eggplant.
Dairy
Some fresh dairy products are naturally alkaline-enriched, reports Dr. Kathleen Mahan in "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy." Alkaline dairy foods include well-drained soft unripe cheeses, raw whole milk, fresh whey, fresh butter, egg yolks, fresh buttermilk, yogurt, kefir and acidophilus milk. However, ripe soft cheeses and unpasteurized milk are very acidic.
Beverages
Water is a beneficial source for alkalizing your body. Experts at MayoClinic.com suggest you drink at least 64 oz. of water daily to balance your pH and promote body functions. Some teas such as green, ginseng and dandelion are also alkalizing. You can also juice fresh fruits and vegetables to help alkalize your body.
References
- American Dietetic Association: Vitamins and Nutrients
- MayoClinic.com: Whole grains -- Hearty Options for a Healthy Diet
- "The Acid-Alkaline Balance Diet"; Dr. Felicia Kliment; 2002
- "Digestive Wellness"; Dr. Elizabeth Lipski; 2006
- "Krause's Food, Nutrition and Diet Therapy"; Dr. Kathleen Mahan; 2008
- MayoClinic.com: Water -- How much should you drink every day?
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