If you experience acidity, you must look for an alkaline food list. Hence, it would help if you went to the alkaline ones. They counter acidity and provide many health benefits. To help you with this, here is a complete guide to this type of food.
1. What is Alkalinity?
The body needs a certain pH to function correctly. Each system requires a specific level to create balance. Also, your pee is usually around 4.5-8.0. However, it only makes sense since peeing is our body’s way of removing toxins and other by-products. On the other hand, blood needs a pH of 7 to function correctly.
Having too much acid in the body can result in different reactions. Also, it includes slow digestion, infections, viruses, hormone problems, bone concerns, weight gain, heart problems, and quick aging. Also, other factors that contribute to too much acidity are stress and the natural processes in the body. Additionally, one effective way to prevent is by fueling the body with alkaline foods.
2. What to eat
Alkaline food list usually consists of fruits and vegetables. Here are what you are recommended to eat:
- Green leafy vegetables (kale, collard greens, spinach, and cabbage)
- Watery green vegetables (celery and cucumber)
- Fruits
- Unsweetened fruit juices
- Potatoes
- Mineral Soda Water
- Seeds
- Himalayan and sea salt
- Wheatgrass
- Sea vegetables and algae
- Bitter fresh herbs (parsley and cilantro)
- Avocados
- Green tea
- Raw and unprocessed coconut water and meat
- Pseudo grains (buckwheat, quinoa, and wild rice)
- Raw and unrefined plant oils (flax, primrose, coconut, borage, and avocado)
Moreover, you can mix and match those included in the alkaline food list according to your needs and preferences.
3. What to avoid
To reap the benefits of alkaline foods, avoid acidic foods. These are the following:
- Lean meat
- Canned meat
- Eggs
- Fish
- Hard cheese (Parmesan cheese, cheddar)
- Cottage cheese
- Milk
- Grains (brown rice, rolled oats, cornflakes, white rice, bread)
- Alcohol
- Carbonated drinks
- Processed foods
- Tart berries (raspberries, blackberries, figs, and dates)
- Soy and lentils
- Nuts (pecans, hazelnuts, and brazil nuts)
- Most cooking oils (sunflower, grapes, canola, and corn)
- Sweeteners (maple sugar, molasses, and honey)
- Dried fruits
- Coffee
- Chocolate
- Mushrooms
- Ocean fish
- Shellfish
- Black tea
- Artificial sweeteners
- White sugar
- Refined flours
- Pasteurized dairy
4. Importance of Chart
Moreover, an alkaline food chart can help you eat more fruits and vegetables. However, it is good to remember that not all plant foods are alkaline-forming foods. Also, it is not necessary to only limit your food too alkaline foods. It is not about alkaline vs. acidic, but rather it should be about the balance. Hence, an alkaline food chart should comprise 89% of your diet. The remaining 20% is allotted for acidic foods. Therefore, it should be slightly acidic to moderately acidic. In addition, avoid eating highly acidic foods.
5. Benefits
In terms of the battle of alkaline vs. acidic foods in your stomach, the former is the winner. Therefore, it far easier on your guts since they match the pH of the blood. Also, it does not mean acidic foods are bad. Hence, they are safe to eat in a small amount. However, eating more of it will put a heavy burden on the kidneys and liver. Also, these organs will have a tough time breaking down. Therefore, a worn-down kidney and liver will need additional minerals like magnesium to function. As a result, there will be no bad side effects if the body has plenty of it. However, these organs will drain bone tissue reserves to support their function.
6. Tips
Furthermore, fill your plate with plant foods first. Hence, it will help you feel full, and there won’t be much space for acid-forming foods anymore like meat and bread. Therefore, apply the 80-20 rule to your every meal. Yes, this includes beverages and snacks. Keep track of your food. Please take note of which type they belong to. Also, you can start slowly by swapping some of your acidic meals.
On the other hand, if you get used to it, you can apply it to every food you eat. It will work best for you if you plan your meals. Additionally, you can go for a salad with just olive oil for dressing if you are eating out. Above all, the best part about this is that this type of food is filling because of the amount of fiber.
