Your diet exerts a strong influence on the overall pH of your cells and tissues, which require a precise balance of acid and alkaline conditions to function properly. The typical Western diet -- high in meat, sugar and processed foods -- results in overly acid conditions. An acid detoxification diet can help shift your pH balance toward a healthier, more alkaline state.
Background
In order to buffer an overly acidic diet, your body takes alkaline elements out of storage in your bones and other tissues. Too much of this type of compensation can deplete your nutrient reserves and can lead to osteoporosis, accumulation of toxins, increased inflammation and susceptibility to chronic conditions, including various forms of degenerative arthritis, according to Jennifer Meyer, R.N., author of the book "Cracking the NCLEX-RN." An acid detoxification diet is a good first step toward reversing dietary habits that promote acid conditions.
Onions and Garlic
An acid detoxification diet helps your body achieve its ideal acid/alkaline balance by supporting detoxification pathways in your liver, kidneys and colon, key areas of detoxification that prevent accumulation of toxic, acidifying waste products. Include plenty of sulfur-containing amino acids in your acid detoxification diet, says nutritionist Patrick Holford, author of "The 9-Day Liver Detox Diet: The Definitive Diet that Delivers Results." Your liver uses these compounds in its detoxification pathways to help transform potentially hazardous chemicals into a safer form so they can safely move through your body and be eliminated. Garlic and onions are particularly good sources of sulfur-containing amino acids.
Calcium D-Glucarate
In another phase of your liver's detoxification process, alkalizing vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage and bean sprouts provide a compound called calcium D-glucarate, which has antioxidant effects. According to a study published in the 2010 issue of the journal "Platelets," calcium D-glucarate prevented formation of cancer-causing compounds and also prevented platelet aggregation, which contributes to tumor growth and inflammatory conditions, processes which are acidifying. Calcium D-glucarate is also found in apples, apple juice, oranges and grapefruit. Researchers recommend this compound for its preventive antioxidant benefits.
Fruit and Vegetable Juices
Fresh fruit and vegetables juices form the basis for many acid detoxification diets, in some cases acting as a preliminary cleansing phase prior to stronger herbal detoxification programs. Forty-eight hours of a liquid fast consisting of water, lemon water, herbal teas and fresh fruit and vegetable juices is safe and tolerable for most people, according to naturopath Peter Bennet, author of the book "7-Day Detox Miracle: Revitalize Your Mind and Body with This Safe and Effective Life-Enhancing Program." A daily habit of fresh lemon juice in water first thing in the morning can help you get an alkalizing start to your day. Combine that with a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods for an effective acid detoxification lifestyle.
References
- "Cracking the NCLEX-RN"; Jennifer A. Meyer; 2011
- "The 9-Day Liver Detox Diet: The Definitive Diet that Delivers Results"; Patrick Holford, et al.; 2010
- "Platelets"; A Comparative Study of Antioxidative Activity of Calcium-d-Glucarate, Sodium-d-Gluconate and D-Glucono-1,4-lactone in a Human Blood Platelet Model; J. Saluk-Juszczak; 2010
- "7-Day Detox Miracle: Revitalize Your Mind and Body with This Safe and ... ";Peter Bennett; 2001
- "Juice Alive: The Ultimate Guide to Juicing Remedies"; Steven Bailey, et al.; 2006
- "The Acid-Alkaline Balance Diet: An Innovative Program for Ridding Your Body ..."; Felicia Drury Kliment; 2002
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