Your body's cells and tissues function within a strictly controlled chemical environment in which pH is maintained within certain narrow limits. Overly acidic conditions are common in Western and industrialized places, where diets are high in protein and processed foods, which contribute to an acidic pH. Acidic conditions can impair normal functioning, such as enzyme reactions and other health functions, and lead to a variety of potentially serious health effects. Certain natural supplements can help shift your pH to a more alkaline level.
Green Vegetables
Green vegetables are among the most alkalizing foods you can eat, according to Dr. Elson Haas, author of the book "The False Fat Diet: the Revolutionary 21-day Program for Losing the Weight You Think is Fat." Supplements made with wheat and barley grass, spirulina or varieties of green algae are a powerful source of alkaline-boosting products. Barley grass juice, in particular, contains more alkaline-forming elements than most other vegetables, including spinach. Barley grass also contains a high content of minerals, which provide significant alkalizing effects by virtue of its ability to buffer acids to form neutral salts.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Supplements containing hydrogen peroxide are used to help increase alkalinity in the body. These work by increasing oxygen levels in your blood and tissues, according to naturopath Michelle Schoffro Cook, author of "The Ultimate PH Solution: Balance Your Body Chemistry to Prevent Disease and Lose Weight." Hydrogen peroxide alkalizing supplements are sold as liquids. You can take this supplement by adding several drops to your drinking water.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera juice, derived from the leaves of the aloe vera plant, promote alkalinity, according to Larry Trivieri, editor of the book "Alternative Medicine: The Definitive Guide." A study published in the March 2011 issue of the journal "Life Sciences" found that juice alleviates inflammation in the intestinal tract. In the study, components of aloe vera juice reduced inflammation in laboratory animals with colitis. Inflammation is often caused by acid conditions, so controlling inflammation naturally is often an effective method of improving your acid/alkaline balance
Mineral Salts
Powders made from mineral salts, such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese and iron are marketed for their ability to increase alkalinity. Such products contain dozens of minerals, together with digestive enzymes and amino acids to maximize absorption. If you want to keep your alkalizing program simple, the multimineral supplement you may already be taking, along with some extra calcium, can also serve this purpose. Calcium is particularly important in acid/alkaline balance because your body takes calcium out of storage in bone tissue to counteract acid conditions, increasing your chances of developing osteoporosis.
References
- "The False Fat Diet: The Revolutionary 21-Day Program for Losing the Weight You Think is Fat"; Elson Haas; 2001
- "Barley Grass Juice: Rejuvenation Elixir and Natural, Healthy Power Drink"; Barbara Simonsohn; 2001
- "The Ultimate PH Solution: Balance Your Body Chemistry to Prevent Disease and ... "; Michelle Schoffro Cook; 2007
- "Life Sciences"; Dietary Aloin, Aloesin, or Aloe-Gel Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Activity in a Rat Colitis Model; M. Park, et al.; March 2011
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