Top Alkaline Foods to Prevent Cancer, Obesity & Heart Disease

Food is the essence of our well-being. If you look at any health advice you may get from your doctor, dietician or online, you will find that a proper diet and exercise routine often form the core of staying healthy.

In the recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of numerous health problems, many of which include obesity as a risk factor. Cancer and heart disease are also becoming more prevalent despite the extensive amount of research that is available now. Ongoing studies are looking at aiming to prevent these problems from arising in incidence and prevalence, though there appears to be a long way still ahead of us.

When it comes to our diet, however, fruits and vegetables have remained the same. That being said, the way foods are now preserved and processed has changed our health quite dramatically. We have kind of forgotten how healthy certain foods can be and how useful natural therapies are when it comes to preventing cancer, obesity, and heart diseases.

Within our body, operates every complex physiological phenomenon. This occurs in an environment where there is a balance between acid and alkali. The normal pH of the body can be altered through several factors and one such factor is the consumption of certain foods. By altering the pH, the risk of cancer, heart disease and becoming overweight increases significantly. This is particularly true when the quantity of acid in the bloodstream increases.

In this article, we shall take a look at certain foods that possess alkaline properties that can alter the pH of the body and maintain its alkalinity. By doing so, it can reduce your risk of developing numerous health problems including obesity, cancer and heart disease.

But first….

Understanding Alkaline Diets – Why Does It Matter?

Why do alkaline diets really matter?

There are several different benefits of following the alkaline diet. One of the most important alkaline diet benefits includes the protection of bone density and thickness and muscle mass. Studies have found that by consuming fruits and vegetables that have an alkalizing effect, the bone strength can improve, and muscle mass can be maintained.

Similarly, the alkaline diet also has beneficial effects when it comes to blood pressure control and prevention of heart diseases and strokes. This is because the alkaline diet has anti-aging effects due to its high anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to this, it also increases the production of growth hormone.

A high acid content in the bloodstream has been found to worsen back problems, headaches, menstrual problems, and joint pains. Clinical studies conducted in Germany have confirmed that by taking an alkaline supplement on a regular basis, a significant number of individuals can experience a lesser amount of pain from these problems.

Alkaline diets can boost immune functions. Combined with the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, following an alkaline diet can prevent cancer. In addition to this, it can also help potentiate the effects of chemotherapy agents that are given in treating cancer.

When it comes to body weight, eating foods that are acidic can increase the levels of leptin and promote inflammation. Alkaline foods, on the other hand, can prevent obesity by lowering the levels of leptin and through its anti-inflammatory effects. You will burn fat more efficiently and lower your body weight significantly if you consume the foods that have been discussed in this article.

An important point to note is that it is better to consume organic alkaline foods, when possible. This is because organic foods are grown in an environment that contains soil rich in minerals and has a more important alkalizing effect.

Acidic Foods:

You may be surprised to hear that certain foods that you enjoyed regularly can contribute to acidity within the body. One of the most common problems is processed foods. Modern diets have changed remarkably and the content of table salt in these foods has increased dramatically. The Sodium Chloride that is present in salted snacks and processed foods creates an acidic environment in the body, which can narrow the blood vessels and worsen high blood pressure.

Similarly, processed cereals, which are widely available these days, can also increase the acidity within the body. Choose instead healthy alternatives as described later in this article.

Caffeinated drinks create an acidic environment in the body and may be harmful in the long run. Similarly, dairy products have also been shown to increase the acidity within the body. Counter productively, calcium-rich products could increase the risk of osteoporosis.

Finally, rice, bread, pasta and other ready-made items from the bakery can also increase the acidic environment within our body.

Interestingly, acidity within the body’s environment can increase from stress. The lack of sufficient exercise, excessive consumption of red meat, exposure to radiation from mobile phones, pollution, and the constant use of antibiotics is also believed to be a cause.

It must be remembered that a lot of what has been described in this article has been deduced through an understanding that an acidic environment is generally bad for health. However, please do bear in mind that a lot of the foods that have been mentioned in the list of acidic foods are good for health as well, due to the additional nutritional benefits they bear. For example, eggs are a good source of protein.

Always talk to your doctor regarding any further information that you would require about acidic and alkaline foods.

Top Alkaline Foods:

1. Watermelon:

With the summer heat on us, watermelon is gaining popularity as a part of our daily diet. Not only is it packed with water and nutrients, it also possesses an alkaline pH which can be extremely beneficial in improving overall health. It is well-known that watermelon contains certain essential vitamins and minerals and also rich in antioxidants which make it a powerful Anti-cancer fruit. The high fiber content that is present in watermelon is good at maintaining healthy bowels and a healthy heart. In the summer, make sure to indulge in a bowl of chopped watermelon regularly, if possible.

2. Lemons:

I have already discussed how beneficial lemons are when it comes to our health. They are rich in vitamins C and antioxidants along with anti-inflammatory compounds which can fight cancer, reduce body weight by breaking down fat and protect the heart. They are also rich in numerous minerals as well.

3. Mushrooms:

While you may love them or hate them, mushrooms have been found to improve and increase pH and promote alkalinity. There are also rich in certain nutrients that make them worthwhile indulging in from time to time.

4. Tomatoes:

Tomatoes are rich in B complex vitamins and lycopene. Interestingly, they are also alkaline and can promote alkalinity. Fortunately, the Indian diet contains plenty of tomatoes used as a part of curries and salads. Make sure you enjoy tomatoes from time to time.

5. Ginger:

Ginger is commonly used in Indian cooking. With its pungent odor and spicy flavor, it is an essential commodity in anyone’s kitchen in our country. Fortunately, it is also an alkaline food that can increase the pH of the body. With additional benefits as well, try and enjoy ginger not only as a part of your regular cooking but also in your tea as well.

6. Broccoli:

Broccoli remains one of the most nutritious vegetables on the planet. However, not many people enjoyed due to its rather bland taste. That being said, for those of you who do like broccoli, the good news is that it can promote alkalinity and improve the bone health. It is also extremely high in protein and other nutrients that make it healthy to consume it as steamed or as a part of curries.

7. Green Beans:

Green beans are high in fiber and other nutrients. They remain one of the best alkaline foods currently available and must be included in your regular diet, whenever possible.

8. Ripe Bananas:

Ripe bananas are rich in potassium and are packed with nutrients. They are primarily alkaline in nature and can help tremendously if consumed on a regular basis.

9. Beans:

Beans such as navy beans and lima beans are very good sources of plant protein and are also alkaline in nature. It is suitable for those who primarily enjoy vegetarian foods. It also contains a multitude of vitamins and minerals that help in maintaining a good oral health.

10. Nuts:

Amongst all the nuts available, almonds seem to have the best alkalinity and health benefits. If you are looking for the best source of alkaline to give you a boost for the day, reach for a handful of almonds every day.

There are many alkaline foods currently available that offer a variety of health benefits. Choose wisely and make sure you include them as a part of your regular diet.

19 Highly Alkaline Foods That Will Benefit Your Body

by: Yuri Elkaim

Is your diet “acidic” or “alkaline”?

And why should you even care?

As you know, the foods you eat have a powerful impact on your health. Eating foods that are more alkaline can be health-promoting, as we’ll learn below.

But that doesn’t mean you suddenly have to eat a “raw” or “vegan” diet, which is what we tend to think about when we think about eating highly alkaline foods.

The truth is, eating alkaline foods doesn’t require any extreme measures.

Eating high alkaline foods simply means you’re eating more of certain foods to help prevent your blood from becoming too acidic, which promotes your health in endless ways.

In fact, among other things your body has a hard time properly producing energy in an acidic internal environment, as an acidic state leaves less oxygen available to your cells for energy production (1).

It just so happens that the most alkalizing foods are plant foods, which makes them excellent food choice when you’re eating for energy. Therefore, eating energizing, alkaline foods simply means you’re eating more fruits and vegetables.

What’s so crazy about that?

What Does Acid/Alkaline Mean?

Our bodies have what’s called a pH balance, which measures the acidity in our blood. That level can determine our overall state of health – and whether or not we’re at risk for serious illness.

Our blood is measured on a pH scale that ranges from 0 to 14. Zero is considered most acidic, while fourteen is highly alkaline. The ideal pH of our blood for optimal health is around 7.35, which is neither too acidic or too alkaline, but neutral.

The reason the acid-alkaline balance matters to you is because it directly impacts your state of health.

An acidic environment is considered the perfect setting for illness and disease to thrive in.

Previously, the acid-alkaline diet was thought to be some crazy, vegan hippie myth. But even Dr. Otto Warburg, who dedicated his life to researching cancer cells, won a Nobel prize for proving that cancer cells cannot survive in an alkaline environment (2).

As mentioned above, one of the primary factors that influence our blood’s pH are the kind of foods we eat.

All foods can be categorized as acidic, alkaline, or neutral. A food’s pH isn’t measured by its physical properties, but by the residue that’s left in the body once the food has been metabolized.

For example, we’d intuitively consider a lemon acidic because it has a sour taste and the ability to erode our tooth enamel. But once it’s been metabolized by the body, lemon leaves the blood alkaline. This explains why a seemingly acidic food can “turn” alkaline in the body.

To determine whether a food is alkalizing or acidic to the body, each food is measured on a PRAL scale.

What Is PRAL?

PRAL isn’t the sound a dying cat makes – rather, it stands for the “Potential Renal Acid Load” of a food. Instead of simply categorizing a food as acidic or alkaline, PRAL measures the exact amount of acidity or alkalinity of a food once it’s been metabolized (3).

Each food on the PRAL scale scores in a negative, neutral, or positive value. Any food that has a negative value is considered an alkaline food (or a base), while any food with a positive value is acidic.

For example, broccoli has a score of -1.2, which means it’s alkalizing – but not as alkalizing as eggplant, which scores at -3.4.

Lean beef, on the other hand, has a score of +7.8, which means it’s highly acidic.

To get a little more technical, PRAL measures the acidity or alkalinity of a food based on the amount of minerals, protein, and phosphorus that’s left behind in the body once it’s been metabolized.

Since protein and phosphorus break down into sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid, they are considered acidifying to the body. When an alkaline food is metabolized, it will leave behind alkaline trace minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

Click here to download the PRAL Table

The foods that rank most alkaline on the PRAL scale are fruits, vegetables, and a few nuts and seeds. The foods that rank most acidic are the foods many of us eat each day, such as chicken, grains, eggs, peanuts, fish, seafood, and dairy products.

In fact, I hate to be the messenger here, but parmesan cheese has a score of +34.2 on the PRAL scale, which classifies it as one of the most acidifying foods in our diets.

Now, you may be wondering how dairy could be classified as acidic, seeing as how it contains calcium, which is an alkaline mineral. The reason dairy is acidic is because it contains much more phosphorus (which is acidic) than calcium (4).

As a quick side note, how the PRAL table measures the acidity of a food isn’t to be confused with how our blood’s pH is measured.

If we were applying PRAL scores to the pH scale, the 7.8 score of lean beef would suggest that it’s alkaline, or neutral. Unlike the pH scale, a food with a negative score actually means it’s alkalizing to the body. Make sense?

The Problem with Being Too Acidic

We’ve briefly touched on one of the most detrimental effects of an acidic internal environment, which is the encouragement of disease – specifically cancer.

But being too acidic can come with other symptoms that occur far before a serious illness results. In fact, being too acidic can result in muscle wasting and reduced bone density. This is partially due to the fact that many acidic foods are low in nutrients that promote musculoskeletal health, such as potassium and calcium (5).

To get slightly more scientific in terms of bone health, an acidic environment has been shown to  encourage the activity of osteoclast cells. Osteoclasts are cells that break down bone.

In contrast, an alkaline environment has been shown to encourage the activity of osteoblasts, which are the cells that help build bone (6). (To learn more on the relationship between an alkaline diet and bone health in more detail, visit here.)

In addition to the long-term conditions that can result from being too acidic, there are short-term symptoms that may also suggest your body is more on the acidic end of the pH scale. These symptoms include:

• Low energy
• Exhaustion
• Acne
• Brain fog or confusion
• Anxiety and depression
• Frequent headaches
• Frequent colds
• Joint pain
• Muscle weakness
• Digestive issues such as bloating

Now, the body contains natural compounds such as bicarbonate, that act as buffers to neutralize blood acidity. These buffers help prevent extreme drops in blood pH. This is an important defense not only against acidifying foods, but also against other factors that promote acidity in the body, such as chronic stress (7).

Strenuous exercise can also promote blood acidity because it encourages the release of lactic acid from the muscle tissue (8).

While your body has a natural defense system against having an acidic blood pH, it is possible for these buffers to get worn out over time – especially if several factors are present that negatively impact your pH, such as stress and a highly acidic diet.

For this reason, it’s important to support your body by including alkaline foods in your diet whenever possible.

This isn’t to say you must go raw vegan and eat only alkalizing fruits and vegetables for the rest of your life.

While it’s rare, it’s still possible for the blood to become too alkaline. But since the modern diet is typically higher in acidifying foods, including alkalizing foods into your diet each day will help neutralize your blood pH and improve your health in numerous ways.

Now, let’s go into more detail with this high alkaline foods list.

19 Highly Alkaline Foods That Will Benefit Your Body

1. Beet Greens – PRAL score: -16.7

Let’s give a round of applause to the world’s most alkaline food: beet greens.

Although beet greens aren’t the most popular green in our diets, their high alkalinity score makes them one of the best additions to smoothies or stir-fries. In addition to being high alkaline, beet greens also have a bitter quality that may help stimulate bile production to help better digest fats.

If that’s not a good enough reason to hang on to your beet tops, I don’t know what is.

Beet greens can replace any green in salads, soups or smoothies.

You may want to try my Apple Cider Vinegar and Green Detox Salad recipe, where you can easily substitute the spinach, kale or watercress for beet greens.

2. Spinach – PRAL Score: -11.8

Spinach is another high alkaline food that is known to benefit bone health because of the calcium it contains.

Because spinach is highly alkalizing, it’s often included in anti-cancer and cleansing juicing protocols. There are endless creative and delicious ways to eat spinach.

I recommend giving any of these Easy Green Smoothie Recipes a try. Each smoothie only has 3 ingredients, with endless flavour combinations.

3. Kale – PRAL Score: -8.3

There’s a reason kale has been labelled as the new beef.

It’s high in plant iron, calcium and vitamin K, which is said to help protect against many types of cancers. In addition to these health benefits, kale is another one of the world’s most alkaline foods.

Kale has a mild taste that can jazz up any recipe. You can easily add kale to any smoothie recipe that calls for greens, stir fries, salads and soups for a (delicious) alkaline boost.

Why not get your kale on with this delicious Kale Curried Chickpea Salad Bowl recipe? It’s packed full of flavor and takes less than 20 minutes to prepare.

4. Swiss Chard – PRAL Score: -8.1

Have you noticed a pattern yet? The world’s most alkaline foods are leafy greens. Swiss chard is another green that provides mega nutrition benefits with vitamins that support cellular health, such as vitamin K.

Swiss chard also contains phosphorus and plant protein, but based on its PRAL score, it leaves behind more alkalizing minerals than acidity when metabolized.

I recommend using Swiss chard as hearty lettuce wraps, in any recipe that calls for a grain bun or tortilla.

The Kitchn has a great recipe for Swiss Chard Taco Wraps with Cumin Lime Sauce. Although I recommend avoiding the optional cheese to keep this dish highly alkaline.

5. Bananas – PRAL Score: -6.9

Bananas, aka “Potassium Sticks,” are another highly alkaline food that you won’t want to leave out of your diet. Bananas are also a great source of fiber, which help promote digestive regularity and sweep toxins out of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

While most people tend to avoid bananas to prevent weight gain due to their high sugar content, eating a banana is far better for you than eating a granola bar or some other processed food that’s packed full of sugar and acidifying ingredients.

One of the most delicious ways to include bananas in your diet is by making banana “nice cream,” which is simply just frozen bananas blended into a creamy consistency. The best part about banana nice cream is that you can jazz it up with other alkaline ingredients, such as fresh mint leaves and berries.

If you’re looking for some inspiration, here’s a recipe for my favourite Mint Cacao Chip Nice Cream.

6. Sweet Potato – PRAL Score: -5.6

Now you can feel better about eating sweet potato fries (in moderation).

Although they’re higher in starch, sweet potatoes are an alkalizing food that provides your body with plenty of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Because sweet potatoes are so high in fiber, they have less of a negative impact on blood sugar levels, since fiber helps slow the release of sugar into the bloodstream.

Therefore, sweet potatoes are an excellent food when it comes to eating for energy and providing your body with a boost of alkaline nutrients.

What better way to eat sweet potatoes, than in these 3-Ingredient Paleo Sweet Potato Waffles?

You may think of waffles as a breakfast item, but I recommend saving complex carbs for your evening meals instead. Why? Because contrary to popular belief, eating carbs at night can actually help promote weight loss and help you sleep better.

7. Celery – PRAL Score: -5.2

Aside from being alkalizing, celery has additional cleansing properties. Since it’s mostly water, celery can easily help the body flush toxins. Celery is also a “negative calorie” food, which means it takes more calories to chew and digest than the total amount of calories it contains.

I include celery in a variety of my green detox juice and smoothie recipes.

For a complete list my favourite no-fruit-added green juices, you can refer to my 7 Green Detox Juice Recipes right here.

8. Carrots – PRAL Score: -4.9

Carrots are a high-alkaline food that is famous for improving eyesight based on their vitamin A content.

In fact, 1 cup of carrots contains more than 300 percent of the daily recommended intake of beta-carotene, an antioxidant form of vitamin A. Beta-carotene can also help protect against cancer and help promote brighter, younger looking skin.

If you need some carrot inspiration, The Healthy Foodie blog has a delicious recipe with step-by-step instructions for a shredded coleslaw-esque Carrot Salad right here.

My 1-Day Detox Plan will feed your body mouthwatering “cleansing” meals while helping to eliminate bloat and sugar cravings while restoring natural energy.

You can get the plan – for FREE! – right now and start feeling better by tomorrow!

Just click the image below to get started.

9. Kiwi – PRAL Score: -4.1

Kiwi is a high-alkaline food your cells won’t want to miss out on, because it also contains a plethora of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

And although oranges are famous for their vitamin C content, kiwi contains nearly five times the amount of vitamin C than an orange. Kiwi is also a great source of fiber for improved digestion, as well as potassium for muscle function.

I feature kiwi as an ingredient in my Tropical Chia Pudding Parfait right here.

10. Cauliflower – PRAL Score: -4.0

Cauliflower is an alkaline food that can also aid in hormone rebalancing when the body’s estrogen levels are too high.

This is because cauliflower contains a nutrient called Indole-3-Carbinol (or I3C) that helps the body regulate estrogen levels. We come into contact with estrogen on a daily basis through estrogenic foods (such as soy), chemicals in our environment (such as plastics) and pharmaceuticals drugs (such as oral contraceptives) (9).

High levels of estrogen are harmful to the body and can lead to weight gain, digestive symptoms such as bloating, as well as reproductive cancers and infertility.

A fun way and delicious way to eat more cauliflower is with this Slow Cooker Cauliflower Fried Rice.

11. Cherries – PRAL Score: -3.6

Cherries are known as one of the world’s best sources of antioxidants such as anthocyanins, which may help prevent cancer. Studies also support that cherries can help relieve inflammation linked to joint pain and arthritis, and may even prevent cardiovascular disease (10).

Cherries blend well in smoothies, such as this blood-sugar-balancing Peanut Butter and Cherry Protein Shake. I recommend this recipe as a great post-workout shake because it contains both plant-based protein and alkalizing nutrients.

Ideally, a post-workout shake should always include alkaline foods. This is because lactic acid, a substance that naturally helps increase the body’s energy, is naturally released during intense exercise. As suggested by its name, lactic acid can make the body acidic, which is why it’s important to neutralize the acidity with alkaline foods after a workout.

12. Eggplant – PRAL Score: -3.4

In addition to being alkaline, eggplant is a food that offers phytonutrients such as chlorogenic acid. Chlorogenic acid isn’t acidifying to the body, rather it’s a plant compound that can help promote digestion and metabolism.

Eggplant is delicious when it’s baked in a little bit of extra virgin olive oil, and added to salads, or used as a substitute for pizza crust in this 10 Minute Eggplant Pizza recipe.

13. Pears – PRAL Score: -2.9

Pears are extremely high fiber and lower in sugar, which makes it a great fruit even for those who have blood sugar imbalances. Pears are also high in the antioxidant vitamin C, which helps protect cells from carcinogens.

Here’s a recipe for an easy to make Pear Walnut Salad with a Mustard Orange Dressing.

14. Hazelnuts – PRAL Score: -2.8

Most nuts have an acidifying effect, according to their PRAL scores. But hazelnuts are an exception.

So if you love nuts, they’re an ideal variety include in your diet in comparison to peanuts, which have a score of +8 and are highly acidic.

Hazelnuts are best known for their contribution to the infamous nut butter, Nutella. However, I recommend avoiding store-bought Nutella and making your own refined-sugar and additive-free version with Chocolate Covered Katie’s Healthy Nutella recipe.

15. Pineapple – PRAL Score: -2.7

Pineapple is an alkalizing food that’s so good for digestion that several supplements add it to their digestive-boosting formulas. This is because pineapple contains a digestive enzyme called bromelain. Bromelain is also said to be helpful for killing off intestinal parasites.

You can add more pineapple to your diet in many different ways. It would pair especially well with the rest of the alkalizing ingredients in my recipe for this Super Green Cleansing Smoothie.

16. Zucchini – PRAL Score: -2.6

Zucchini is a great source of phytonutrients such as lutein. Lutein belongs to the same category of antioxidants as beta-carotene, which means it also has superior benefits when it comes to protecting eyesight.

Zucchini has become extremely popular as a low-carb, gluten-free and vegan pasta alternative. You can make zucchini pasta noodles using a Vegetti spiralizer that can be purchased online or found at your local home accessories store, for under $20.

My recipe for this One Pot Wonder Tomato Basil Pasta combines zucchini pasta noodles with vegetables, fresh basil and other aromatic, zesty spices. Not only is it an alkaline food recipe, but it’s also extremely easy to make (and tastes delicious, of course).

17. Strawberries – PRAL Score: -2.2

Strawberries are another extremely rich source of the antioxidant vitamin vitamin C. They also contain manganese, which is a trace mineral that’s needed to facilitate metabolic function in the body.

The ways to enjoy strawberries are endless, as they can add just the right amount of sweet to any dish. I personally love using strawberries in this Strawberry Banana Smoothie recipe.

18. Apples – PRAL Score: -2.2

Apples have a reputation as one of the healthiest foods in the world, mostly because they’re so rich in detoxifying fiber and antioxidants such as vitamin C and flavonoids that protect against cancer. All of these nutrients are also essential for promoting healthy blood pressure and cholesterol.

To get even greater health benefits from apples, I recommend adding apple cider vinegar to your diet each day. When fermented to make vinegar, apples contain a nutrient called acetic acid, which offers antibacterial and antiviral benefits (11).

If you don’t like the taste of apple cider vinegar on its own or diluted with water, that’s okay. There are several ways to make apple cider vinegar taste so amazing, you won’t even notice the slightly sour taste.

This Apple Cider Vinegar Detox Soda Drink recipe is naturally sweetened with lemon and stevia, and makes the perfect healthy substitute for fizzy beverages that contain several teaspoons of refined sugar and other acidifying ingredients.

19. Watermelon – PRAL Score: 1.9

Lastly, watermelon is another alkalizing food that provides the body with essential electrolytes for cardiac function, such as potassium. Since watermelon is mostly water (hence the name), it also hydrates us more than most fruits and vegetables.

Watermelon makes a delicious snack on its own, but sometimes it’s fun to get creative.

Here’s a recipe for my Summer Watermelon Detox Juice  that is packed full of flavor with added ginger, jalapeno and honey.

My 1-Day Detox Plan will feed your body mouthwatering “cleansing” meals while helping to eliminate bloat and sugar cravings while restoring natural energy.

You can get the plan – for FREE! – right now and start feeling better by tomorrow!

Just click the image below to get started.

Alkaline Fruits Guide (Which Fruits Are Alkaline vs Acidic and Why)

Alkaline Fruits: Which Are Alkaline & Why

The question of which are the alkaline fruits is such an important one to understand when you’re first starting on the alkaline diet.

Not all fruits are created equal, and while there are a lot of fruits you can eat with wild abandon, it is a mistake to think that all fruits are alkaline-forming and you can easily fall into the trap of over-consuming them.

Yes, you can over-consume fruit.

I’ll get onto this in just a moment, because first it’s essential to point out that most alkaline foods charts are dead wrong.

The Charts You Need to Ignore: When they List All Fruits As Alkaline Fruits

There are a lot of alkaline food lists out there, and I know so many people get frustrated because they all seem to conflict with each other.

But the fact is, there are not actually that many differences between them – really there is just one big difference:

The simple truth is that most fruits are not alkaline-forming.

Think things like pineapple, banana, oranges, melons – these are commonly listed as alkaline fruits, but they are actually mid-to-very acid-forming.

I know this could be a shock to a lot of people, so let me explain.

If These Are Not Alkaline, Why Are They On the List As Alkaline In So Many Food Charts?

The simple answer is that most charts are classifying the foods based on the PRAL method of determining pH (PRAL stands for Potential Renal Acid Load). In this methodology the food (or any other substance) is burned down to a fine ash, and the pH of the ash is measured.

This is a hugely useful measure for many hundreds of clinical applications.

But when it comes to food pH and our diet, it’s pretty useless. Why?

Because it doesn’t take SUGAR into consideration.

These fruits, like those I mentioned, the common fruits like bananas, pears, cherries, kiwi fruit, oranges, pineapple, apple and so on taste, well, really sweet and delicious.

And they taste sweet because they have a ton of fructose in them! And fructose is a pretty damaging sugar for the body (I’ll get into this more in a minute, but basically fructose is the WORST of the sugars).

Yes, they contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and so on, but when you look at the net affect these fruits have on the body, the sugar means they do more damage than good.

So Are You Telling Us to AVOID FRUIT?!

No, that’s not my point. I still think fruit is a wonderful treat and you should feel free to have 1-2 pieces per day (preferably organic and in-season). My point is that these fruits shouldn’t be eaten with wild abandon and seen as a ‘health food’ or free pass.

Plus, when it actually comes to WHY I would eat fruit, it’s actually more to do with it’s taste and convenience over it’s nutritional profile.

Research published in 2014 out of William Paterson University compiled the list of the world’s most ‘powerhouse fruits and vegetables’ based on the nutrient density and bioavailability of 41 different foods.

Foods were awarded “powerhouse” status by providing, on average, 10 per cent or more of the daily recommended intake across 17 nutrients that have been proven to prevent and reverse chronic disease.

SO of all of the fruits and vegetables they published the top 41.

Of the top 41, 38 were alkaline forming foods …and of those the TOP FIFTEEN WERE ALL LEAFY GREENS.

The only fruits to appear in the top 41 were strawberries, oranges and blackberries which were at 30, 33 and 38 respectively.

So for a nutrient hit, I like to stick to my vegetables. They don’t contain fructose and they DO contain a lot more nourishment.

The Problem With Fructose

Fruit, as delicious as it is, contains fructose. And fructose is be a problem.

While most types of sugar can be metabolised by practically every cell in the body, fructose can ONLY be metabolised by the liver. We were not designed to eat the vast volumes of fructose we now eat.

Regular sugars – table sugar, brown sugar, raw sugar, cane sugar – these are all 50% glucose and 50% fructose.

Don’t get me wrong, the glucose is acidic, oxidising, inflammatory and bad news – but if you’re moderately active, the body can use it.

Fructose cannot be used and it stresses the heck out of the liver, the pancreas and so much more.

[Note: Guide to Supporting Your Liver Naturally Here]

People think of fructose as a ‘natural sugar’, ‘fruit sugar’ or ‘healthy sugar’ but this is just not the case. It’s not only as damaging as any other sugar, but in reality – it’s actually worse.

The direct effects of fructose metabolism include:

1. 100% of the fructose being stored as fat cells – leading to weight gain, fatty liver disease & insulin resistance (and thus Type 2 Diabetes)
2. Fructose being processed by the liver heavily interferes with our appetite hormones
3. When our appetite hormones are out of balance, this metabolic shift to puts us into ‘starvation mode’ causing the body to store _all _food as fat
4. Fructose raises the levels of our ‘hunger hormone’ ghrelin and when ghrelin is elevated our brain sends the signal that we’re always hungry, no matter how much we eat

In short, fructose causes inflammation, liver stress, oxidative stress, uric acid formation, it makes us gain weight, we can’t stop eating it, and it makes us want to keep eating more. Not good.

And fruit contains a LOT of fructose.

Just check out this chart showing the total grams of sugar per serve:

These are not alkaline fruits! They are most definitely acidic, and we need to make sure we don’t eat, juice and smoothie a ton of them every day.

In fact, see below for my rules on juicing fruits.

You should definitely still eat these fruits, alkaline or not, 1-2 times a day because they’re a delicious snack, way more healthy than something that contains the sugar but NOT the vitamins etc.

But it is clear to see that they are not alkaline fruits and shouldn’t be classified as such.

Alkaline Fruits & Acidic Fruits

There is a key distinction here, because we’re not actually talking about alkaline fruits or acidic fruits…we’re talking alkaline-FORMING fruits and acid-FORMING fruits.

Remember this: It is not the pH of the food BEFORE we consume it that is the biggest influence, it is the EFFECT the food has on the pH of the body AFTER consumption.

Sounds like a minor thing, but as you’re about to see, it’s very important.

Alkaline Fruits List

• Lemon
• Lime
• Avocado
• Cucumber
• Tomato
• Grapefruit
• Pomegranate

That’s it! And half of these you wouldn’t normally consider to be a fruit anyway!

Now, I mentioned alkaline-FORMING before and this rule applies most clearly to lemons and limes. This confuses a lot of people because, as we all know, lemons and limes are acidic in nature.

However, when metabolised they have an alkaline-forming effect on the body, and so are to be classified as alkaline forming fruits.

Acidic Fruits List

Well, this is a list of basically every other fruit…

• Banana
• Pineapple
• Melons
• Grapes
• Oranges, mandarins, satsumas etc
• Berries: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries etc.
• Pears
• Passionfruit
• Kiwifruit
• Papaya
• Paw Paw
• Mango

Before you ask about any other fruit, the easy answer is – if it’s not on the alkaline fruits list, it’s not alkaline. The acidic fruits list isn’t exhaustive!

A note on fruit in juices and smoothies & dried fruit

I strongly recommend you don’t juice, blend or dehydrate (dry) fruits. Eat them whole and raw.

Fructose is far less damaging when consumed with fibre, chewed and digested slowly.

When the fibre is removed (as with juices) it is even more rapidly metabolised by the liver. Same goes for dried fruits. These give a huge hit of fructose with very little fibre and immediately stress the liver.

So there should be no fruit in juices (because the fibre is removed) and even in smoothies, because if your smoothie contained several serves of fruit and you drink the smoothie at a normal drinking pace, this would overload the liver very quickly (think about the time it takes to drink a drink vs to eat 2-3 pieces of fruit including chewing time).

The Best & Worst Acidic Fruits – A Rough Guide:

Really, it all comes down to the sugar content, as this pretty much overrides the nutritional content. So to keep it simple, you want to be eating less of the high-sugar fruits like pineapple, apple, oranges and bananas and instead, the alkaline forming fruits aside, sticking to the lower sugar fruits like berries and melons.

Honestly, all are fine in moderation as long as you’re sticking to the rules of:

1. 1-2 pieces only per day
2. Don’t juice or smoothie them
3. Stay away from dried fruit

Stick to those simple rules and you’re all set to continue enjoying fruits each day – regardless of their pH!

I really don’t want you to freak out about fruits, but at the same time I don’t want you eating (and worse, juicing) a ton of fruit every day thinking that it’s healthy and fine to eat in huge quantities.

The simple truth is that you CAN still eat a little fruit, but keep it within my rules and you’ll be set.

Any questions, please do ask below,
Ross

Alkaline Fruits Further Reading & Resources

What is PRAL
Sugar Alternatives: Complete Guide to Sugar & ‘Healthy’ Sugar
Full Alkaline Foods Chart
Introduction to the Alkaline Diet
Alkaline Diet Evidence
The Most Powerhouse Foods Study

Does it Help with Acid reflux?

Acidity is measured on a scale ranging from one to 14 and is expressed as a pH value. Values up to seven imply an acidic pH, whereas pH values from eight to 14 imply alkalinity. Foods that have a pH value of seven neutral on the scale, as they are neither acidic nor basic. A pH lower than seven is related to high levels of acidity. Foods with a pH more than seven help neutralize acidity in the stomach. So, are bananas acidic or alkaline? Let’s find out.

Are Bananas Acidic?

The acidity or alkalinity of fruits depends on their ripeness. All ripe fruits have a pH that is less acidic or slightly alkaline. But, where do bananas measure on the scale? Are bananas acidic or alkaline?

Unripe bananas are acidic as they have a pH of around 5.6. However, ripe bananas have a pH of around 6.5, which is much less acidic.

People who suffer from acid reflux are often advised to eat bananas. But some people suffering from acid reflux feel that bananas increase acidity instead.

Unripe bananas contain 4.5 milliequivalents of total organic acidity per 100 grams. Malic acid is the primary acid in bananas. Other acids include oxalic, citric, and tartaric acid. Oxalic acid forms 50% of the total acidity, malic acid forms 35%, and 10% is citric peak acidity.

As the banana ripens, the malic acid and citric peak acidity increase by three to four times. Oxalic acid drops to 60% of original amount. In a ripe banana, malic acid contributes to 65% of the total acidity, citric peak contributes 20%, and oxalic acid contributes 10%.

For you to maintain optimum health, your diet should contain 60% alkaline-forming foods and 40% acid-forming foods.

What Is Acid Reflux?

The backflow of acid from the stomach to the esophagus is known as acid reflux. The backflow of acid usually happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) becomes weakened or damaged.

The LES closes as soon as food passes through it, which prevents food in the stomach from moving up into the esophagus. If the LES doesn’t close, the acid from the stomach irritates the esophagus lining due to acid reflux.

Can Bananas Cause Acid Reflux?

Bananas act as a natural antacid and help neutralize the acid in the body. The fruit produces mucus which coats the lining of the stomach. Bananas are also rich in potassium, magnesium, manganese, and calcium.

The potassium content in bananas has an alkalizing property that helps reduce acidity in the stomach. It also helps in the digestion and absorption of food into the stomach.

Eating a banana strengthens a weak sphincter and increases its working capability. It is a quick and effective remedy for people suffering from acid reflux. To treat acid reflux, you can have a banana before or after meals.

You can add the fruit to your diet in the form of smoothies, salads, or as a topping to cereals. Chopped bananas sprinkled with cinnamon powder will improve digestion and prevent acid reflux. You can also combine the fruit with other foods that reduce acid reflux.

On the other hand, unripe bananas can cause acid reflux. Unripe bananas contain potassium nitrate which leads to acid reflux. They also contain an indigestible carbohydrate which promotes gut fermentation and causes acid reflux.

Overripe bananas can also increase acid reflux. So, you should consume bananas which are neither overripe nor unripe, but just perfectly ripe.

5 Foods That Reduce Acid Reflux

There are several non-citric fruits that prevent acid reflux. Fruits such as melons, apples, and pears have an alkalizing effect on the body and reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.

Here are five acid reflux-reducing foods that you can easily add to your regular diet.

1. Green leafy vegetables

Many vegetables including green leafy vegetables are low in fat and sugar. They help reduce acid reflux.

You can include vegetables like broccoli, green beans, asparagus, lettuce, potatoes, cauliflower, and cucumbers in your diet to reduce acid reflux.

2. Oatmeal

This whole grain is rich in fiber. It absorbs acid in the stomach and reduces the symptoms of acid reflux. Other fibrous foods that you can add to your diet which reduce acid reflux include whole grain bread and brown rice.

3. Lemon

Lemon juice with water or the juice of a fresh-squeezed lemon on your food helps reduce acid reflux. Lemons contain citric acid and have an acidic pH. However, when ingested, they have an alkalizing effect on your body.

4. Healthy fats

Consuming high-fat foods triggers acid reflux while healthy fats prevent it. You can include avocados, flaxseed, olive oil, walnuts, sesame oil, and sunflower oil in your diet to reduce acid reflux.

5. Ginger

Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties. It is a natural remedy for heartburn and other gastrointestinal problems.

You can have ginger tea to help reduce acid reflux. Ginger can also be added to smoothies and soups to reduce acid reflux.

Related: Foods to Avoid That Trigger Acid Reflux

Final Word on Bananas and Acid Reflux

Now that you know bananas are acidic when unripe, you shouldn’t eat them to reduce acid reflux. Conversely, ripe bananas do help prevent and reduce acid reflux.

Overall, you should refrain from consuming an acid-forming diet. Emotional stress, immune reactions, or toxic overload may also cause acid reflux.

You should change not only your diet but also your lifestyle to prevent acid reflux. Also, consider implementing small changes to your lifestyle such as eating something healthy after three hours, not eating at least two hours before going to bed, and exercising. These changes go a long way in preventing acid reflux. However, if these do not help your acid reflux condition and it becomes persistent, consult your doctor.

Related:

Sources:

“7 Foods to Help Your Acid Reflux,” Healthline; http://www.healthline.com/health/gerd/diet-nutrition#helpful-foods2, last accessed May 8, 2017.

Wyman, H., and Palmer, J., Organic Acids in the Ripening Banana Fruit,” Plant Physiology, July 1964; 39(4): 630–633. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC550137/.

“How to Cure Acid Reflux with Banana,” Home Remedies, January 5, 2016; http://homeremediesforlife.com/banana-for-acid-reflux/.

List of the Best and Worst Foods for Acid Reflux — What to Eat and Avoid

April 16, 2014

By
UHBlog

A hot burning in the chest, a bitter taste in the throat, a gassy bloating in the stomach – acid reflux is no picnic. What you eat, however, can have an impact. The best and worst foods for acid reflux could spell the difference between sweet relief and sour misery.

What Aggravates Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when the sphincter at the base of the esophagus isn’t working well, allowing fluid from the stomach to enter the esophagus. The worst foods for reflux can worsen painful symptoms, while other foods can soothe them, says GI surgeon Leena Khaitan, MD

“Diet changes can significantly affect acid reflux and allow you to avoid other treatments,” Dr. Khaitan says.

Best Foods for Acid Reflux

“A diet balanced with vegetables, protein and fruits is best,” Dr. Khaitan says. Examples of the best foods for acid reflux include:

• Chicken breast – Be sure to remove the fatty skin. Skip fried and instead choose baked, broiled or grilled.
• Lettuce, celery and sweet peppers – These mild green veggies are easy on the stomach – and won’t cause painful gas.
• Brown rice – This complex carbohydrate is mild and filling – just don’t serve it fried.
• Melons – Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are all low-acid fruits that are among the best foods for acid reflux.
• Oatmeal – Filling, hearty and healthy, this comforting breakfast standard also works for lunch.
• Fennel – This low-acid crunchy vegetable has a mild licorice flavor and a natural soothing effect.
• Ginger – Steep caffeine-free ginger tea or chew on low-sugar dried ginger for a natural tummy tamer.

Worst Foods for Reflux

In general, anything that is fatty, acidic or highly caffeinated should be avoided. The worst foods for acid reflux list includes:

• Coffee and tea – Caffeinated beverages aggravate acid reflux. Opt for teas without caffeine.
• Carbonated beverages – The bubbles expand in your stomach, creating more pressure and pain. Choose plain water or decaf iced tea.
• Chocolate – This treat has a trifecta of acid reflux problems: caffeine, fat and cocoa.
• Peppermint –Don’t be fooled by its reputation for soothing the tummy; peppermint is an acid reflux trigger.
• Grapefruit and orange – The high acidity of citrus fruits relaxes the esophagus sphincter and worsens symptoms.
• Tomatoes – Also avoid marinara sauce, ketchup and tomato soup – they’re all naturally high in acid.
• Alcohol –This has a double whammy effect. Alcohol relaxes the sphincter valve but it also stimulates acid production in the stomach.
• Fried foods – These are some of the worst foods for reflux. Skip the french fries, onion rings and fried chicken — cook on the grill or in the oven at home.
• Late-night snacks – Avoid eating anything in the two hours before you go to bed. Also, you can try eating four to five smaller meals throughout the day instead of two to three large meals.

When to Talk to Your Doctor About Acid Reflux

It’s a good idea to speak with your doctor if the best foods for acid reflux do not relieve your symptoms, Dr. Khaitan says. Other options can include lifestyle changes, medications to block acid, and surgical procedures on the esophagus sphincter.

It is important to make a doctor’s appointment if you have heartburn or acid reflux that is severe or frequent, Dr. Khaitan adds. Chronic acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and can lead to esophageal cancer.

Related links

UH Esophageal & Swallowing Center

UH Bariatric Surgery Program

UH Digestive Health Institute

Top Alkaline Foods to Eat & Acid Foods to Avoid

Diet is one of the biggest determinants of your health. What you put into your body every day affects everything: your biochemistry, your mood, your brain, muscles, tendons, bones, nerves, kidneys, liver.

Unfortunately, when it comes to diet, most people are on autopilot, following a disease-making Western Diet that is high in acidic foods and low in alkaline foods. The Western dietary pattern also called the Standard American Diet (SAD) is high in processed foods, fried foods and red meat. And it’s low in whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and healthier fats and proteins such as nuts, seeds and fish.

Many studies have concluded that the Western Diet increases inflammation and cholesterol. It also causes and contributes to the development of heart disease, dementia, osteoporosis, cancer, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and autoimmune diseases.

The explanation is very simple. Your body evolved to work optimally when provided with the right environment to function. The internal environment in your body requires a healthy mix of nutrients, and when it doesn’t get them consistently over time, things go haywire. For a more in-depth look at biochemistry and its impact on your health, read Dr. Neustadt’s article, Change Your Biochemistry to Change Your Health.

One way diet affects your health is through a process called “acid-alkaline balance.” The pH (potential of hydrogen) determines a substance’s acidity or alkalinity and is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. The lower the pH the more acidic the solution. The higher the pH the more alkaline (or base) the solution. When a solution is about in the middle of the range—neither acid nor alkaline—it has a neutral pH of 7.

The body regulates pH in very narrow ranges. In the different organs throughout the body, finely tuned physiological systems constantly work to keep the pH within specific ranges for optimal function. Stomach acid, which is important for healthy digestion and as a protection against potential infections, has a low pH, about 2-3. When the pH of your stomach cannot get low enough, it causes problems with digestion and can create acid reflux. Most people and medical approaches to acid reflux assume that there’s too much acid, when in fact the problem might to too little acid. Blood is kept at a neutral pH, between 7.35-7.45.

When your blood becomes too acidic, fine-tuned physiological mechanisms kick in to adjust the pH to a healthy level. One way it does this is by releasing calcium from bone. Over many years, this may contribute to developing osteoporosis.

The Western Diet is composed of acidic foods such as proteins, cereals, sugars and processed foods. Processed foods are highly acidic and almost completely stripped of their nutrients. Refining flour removes more than 80% of B vitamins, 85% of magnesium and 60% of the calcium from what was in the whole wheat. Eating a Western Diet increases your risk for nutritional deficiencies. I couldn’t find a dietary supplement for my patients that contained the optimal doses and combination of nutrients to help counteract the nutrient-depleting effects of the modern Western Diet, which is why I created Supreme Multivitamin. 

In addition to the nutritional deficiencies damaging your health, dietary acid load in the modern diet can lead to a disruption in acid-alkaline homeostasis in various body compartments and eventually result in chronic disease through repeated borrowing of the body’s alkaline reserves. 

The opposite of acidic foods are alkaline foods. In the Western Diet, alkaline foods such as vegetables are eaten in much smaller quantities; their alkaline content is insufficient to neutralize surplus acids. Stimulants like tobacco, coffee, tea, and alcohol are also extremely acidifying. Stress and physical activity (both insufficient or excessive amounts) also cause acidification.

Many foods as they exist in nature alkaline-producing by nature, but manufactured and processed foods transform the nutrient content of foods and make them mostly acid-producing.

It’s important to balance each meal with 75% alkaline-producing to 25% acid-producing to maintain health. We need plenty of fresh fruits and particularly vegetables (alkaline-producing) to balance our necessary protein intake (acid-producing). This pattern is essentially similar to the Mediterranean Diet, which research over the past 50 years has shown to be the healthiest dietary pattern. And we need to avoid processed, sugary or simple-carbohydrate foods, not only because they’re acid-producing but also because they raise blood sugar level too quickly (high glycemic index therefore fattening), are nutrient-lacking and may be toxic too.

Water is the most abundant compound in the human body, comprising 70% of the body. The body has an acid-alkaline (or acid-base) ratio called the pH which is a balance between positively charges ions (acid-forming) and negatively charged ions (alkaline-forming.) The body continually strives to balance pH. When this balance is compromised many problems can occur.

It is important to understand that we are not talking about stomach acid or the pH of the stomach. We are talking about the pH of the body’s fluids and tissues which is an entirely different matter.

If you want to test your pH levels to determine if your body’s pH needs immediate attention you can do so using pH strips. Doing so lets you determine your pH factor quickly and easily in the privacy of your own home. If your urinary pH fluctuates between 6.0 to 6.5 in the morning and between 6.5 and 7.0 in the evening, your body is functioning within a healthy range. If your saliva stays between 6.5 and 7.5 all day, your body is functioning within a healthy range. The best time to test your pH is about one hour before a meal and two hours after a meal.

Urine testing may indicate how well your body is excreting acids and assimilating minerals, especially calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. These minerals function as “buffers.” Buffers are substances that help maintain and balance the body against the introduction of too much acidity or too much alkalinity. Even with the proper amounts of buffers, acid or alkaline levels can become extreme. When the body ingests or produces too many of these acids or alkalis, it must excrete the excess. The urine is the perfect way for the body to remove any excess acids or alkaline substances that cannot be buffered. If the average urine pH is below 6.5 the body’s buffering system is overwhelmed, a state of “autotoxication” exists, and attention should be given to lowering acid levels.

The blood pH has to be kept within a tight range of with a normal range of 7.36 to 7.44. An imbalanced diet high in acidic foods such as animal protein, sugar, caffeine, and processed foods puts pressure on the body’s regulating systems to maintain this neutrality. The extra buffering required can deplete the body of alkaline minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, making the person prone to chronic and degenerative disease.

Minerals are borrowed from vital organs and bones to buffer (neutralize) the acid and safely remove it from the body. Because of this strain, the body can suffer severe and prolonged damage due to high acidity–a condition that may go undetected for years.

Acidosis can cause such problems as:

Note that a food’s acid or alkaline-forming tendency in the body has nothing to do with the actual pH of the food itself. For example, lemons are very acidic, however, the end-products they produce after digestion and assimilation are very alkaline so lemons are alkaline-forming in the body. Likewise, the meat will test alkaline before digestion but it leaves very acidic residue in the body so, like nearly all animal products, meat is very acid-forming. It is important that your daily dietary intake of food naturally acts to balance your body pH.

This chart is intended only as a general guide to alkalizing and acidifying foods.

Mild or severe acidity? Banana to coconut water, here’s what you should eat

These foods are the best antidote for acid reflux. (Source: Thinkstock Images)

Avoid chances of acidity during the hot days by indulging in bananas, melons and coconut water, say experts.

ALSO READ | Diet diary: Getting the acidic-alkaline balance right

Mehar Rajput, nutritionist and dietitian, FITPASS – app for fitness enthusiasts, and Prerna Arora, dietician and nutritionist, Konsult App, which connects doctors and patients, shares a list:

* Bananas: It is the best antidote for acid reflux and is great for snacking purposes. Potassium in bananas produces mucous in the lining of the stomach, thus lowering the pH levels in the body. Also, bananas are high on fibre and a great source of roughage. Eating over-ripe bananas during summer is the best way to keep acidity at bay.

* Melons: Melons such as cantaloupe, musk melon and watermelon are high on anti-oxidants and fibre, and help avoid acid reflux and other stomach ailments by maintaining the mucous membrane. The cooling properties and high water content in these fruits help hydrate the body and reduce pH levels. Other fruits such as apple and papaya are also great sources of fibre and aid in preventing acidity.

* Coconut water: This refreshing natural drink has cleansing properties that help flush out toxins from your body. Coconut water is also rich in fibre content and helps with regular bowel movements.

* Cold milk: Milk is another excellent way to combat acidity. Milk absorbs acid formation in the stomach, stopping any reflux or burning sensation in the gastric system. Anytime you feel an acid formation in the stomach or heartburn coming on, have a glass of plain cold milk without any additives or sugar.

* Buttermilk and curd: Besides milk, other milk products (except cheese) like curd and buttermilk also provide relief from acidity. These products cool the stomach and the natural bacteria in them do not allow acid formation. They help in keeping the overall digestive system healthy. Having curd and buttermilk regularly after meals is a great way to avoid chances of acidity in the long run too.

* Say no to food carts: Though these should be avoided all year round, they are definitely a strict no-no during summer season. Rise in temperature goes hand-in-hand with water scarcity, which in turn means compromise on washing properly in the kitchen. And that can have a bad effect on your system when you eat food that is not washed properly before cooking or cooked by hands that have been not thoroughly cleaned. Gastroenteritis, amoebic dysentery and diarrhoea are common during this time of the year.

* Swap juice for whole fruit instead: In summer, you often spot house flies especially in markets near food vendors. They are major germ carriers and thus, people should be careful when having juice outside. Instead of cutting fruits or blending them into juice you should rather try to eat whole fruits to keep infections at bay.

90,000 Nutritionists named banana as the worst breakfast

Bananas have an excellent reputation in the dietetics world – a wholesome and tasty fruit rich in potassium, fiber and magnesium that can help reduce fatigue and improve heart health. Only a well-known expert nutritionist from the United States warns that as a breakfast, they will be more harmful than useful. So why can’t you eat bananas on an empty stomach?

Some of us, not having time to have a normal breakfast in the morning, prefer to have a snack on the way to work.And those who watch their health and figure often choose bananas, explaining that they are healthy and very convenient to eat on the go. But it turns out that this is an extremely unfortunate choice as the first meal. American nutritionist Dr. Daryl Joffre, a strong advocate of the alkaline diet, explained that the reasons lie in the amount of sugar and acidity of this tasty and healthy fruit.

“Bananas seem like the best option to eat right after waking up, but understand that they contain 25% sugar, which provides a quick feeling of fullness and energy.But this effect is short-lived, and soon you will feel hungry again. Also, this fruit is mildly acidic, and in order to get the benefits of potassium, fiber and magnesium in its composition, it is necessary to neutralize this acid with something, ”explained Dr. Joffre.

What is an alkaline diet?

The basic concept of the alkaline diet is that you must eat to optimize your pH level. The range of acid-base balance ranges from 0 – the most acidic, to 14 – the most alkaline, and in the middle of 7 – neutral.If you stick to this diet, you will need to eat fewer acid-stimulating foods and more alkali-stimulating foods.

For example, the pH of our blood is in the range of 7.35-7.45 and, according to experts, maintaining a stable level is critical for the proper functioning of the body, normalization of weight and the health of the body. It is worth noting that although many Hollywood celebrities have long promoted this diet, the alkaline diet has not yet been scientifically proven to be effective.

So bananas shouldn’t be eaten at all in the morning?

Not really, you just need to add something containing healthy fats, such as natural yogurt or nuts, which will neutralize acids, slow down sugar metabolism and prevent insulin spikes. Dr. Joffre also explains that without this balancing act, many of the benefits of bananas will simply be lost. When it comes to a healthy breakfast, nutritionists still agree that it is best to opt for oatmeal and eggs.

Healthy Walla Image: Pixabay

Acid and alkaline products

Acid or alkaline product information is provided for information purposes only. It is necessary to carry out treatment or selection of a diet under the guidance of an experienced specialist.
Opinion on the presence of acidic or alkaline properties in some products may vary from one author to another.

All products are divided into alkaline and acidic.The recommended diet plan is to use 75% alkaline foods and 25% acidic foods.

Highly alkaline foods : baking soda, mineral water, dandelion greens, watermelon, asparagus, cabbage, carrots, parsley, mustard seeds, ginger root, broccoli, grapefruit, mango, avocado, currant, peach, papaya, dried spinach, fig , tomatoes, oranges, melons, lemons, cucumbers, limes, dates, cherries, fresh beans, broccoli, lettuce, tomatoes, fresh beets, radishes, celery, cauliflower.

Weakly alkaline foods : almonds, potatoes, apples, cherries, oatmeal, ripe bananas, grapes, goat cheese, whole milk, goat milk, lard, raisins, prunes, onions, wild rice, millet, kefir, milk, almonds, linseed oil, olive oil, fresh honey, green tea, ginger tea.

Get Ayurvedic consultation on a healthy lifestyle! Find out your constitution, Ayurvedic dietary rules and suitable lifestyle.

Weakly acidic foods : honey, butter, fish, hard cheese, soy cheese, lamb, buckwheat, wheat, white rice, dry peas, lentils, pumpkin seeds, cashews, green bananas, pork, corn, barley, rye , cranberries, beef, plums, buckwheat, hominy, white flour, brown rice, corn, rye, black and white bread, barley groats, barley, cream, groundnuts, cashews, corn oil, sunflower oil, lamb, beef, turkey, chicken, pork, white sugar, processed honey, molasses, coffee, black tea.

Strongly acidic foods : mussels, peanuts, beer, walnuts, eggs, apricot, alcohol, baked beans, peanuts, walnuts, beef liver, mussels, crayfish, halibut, oysters, cocoa, chocolate, sweet carbonated drinks, low alcohol drinks, chickens.

Data are based on the classification of N.V. Walker and R.D. Pope.

List of alkaline and oxidizing products

Scientists study the effects of food on the acid-base balance of the body by analyzing the mineral composition of foods.If the mineral composition is highly alkaline, the product is likely to be alkaline and vice versa.

In other words, the body’s response to certain trace elements determines which foods are alkalizing and which are oxidizing. For example, lemons are acidic by themselves, but have an alkaline effect during digestion. Likewise, milk has an alkaline effect outside the body, but oxidizing when it is digested.

The composition of the soil used to grow fruits and vegetables has a significant impact on their mineral properties.As a result, the content of certain substances may vary, and different tables may reflect different pH (acidity-alkalinity) levels of the same food.

The main thing in nutrition is to exclude processed foods from the diet, replacing them with fresh ones, and give preference to fruits and vegetables.

List of alkaline and oxidizing fruits, vegetables and other foods

Alkaline products

Very alkaline:

baking soda, chlorella, dulce, lemons, lentils, linden, lotus root, mineral water, nectarine, onions, persimmons, pineapple, pumpkin seeds, raspberries, sea salt, sea and other algae, spirulina, sweet potatoes, tangerine, umeboshi plums, root taro, vegetable juices, watermelon.

Moderately alkaline foods:

apricots, arugula, asparagus, bunchy tea, beans (fresh green), broccoli, cantaloupe, carob, carrots, apples, cashews, chestnuts, citrus fruits, dandelion, dandelion tea, blackberries, endive, garlic, ginger (fresh), ginseng tea, kohlrabi, kenyan pepper, grapefruit, pepper, herbal tea, kombucha, passion fruit, kelp, kiwi, olives, parsley, mango, parsnips, peas, raspberries, soy sauce, mustard, spices, sweet corn, turnip.

Weakly alkaline products:

sour apples, pears, apple cider vinegar, almonds, avocados, bell peppers, blackberries, brown rice vinegar, cabbage, cauliflower, cherries, eggplant, ginseng, green tea, herbal teas, sesame seeds, honey, leeks, nutritional yeast, nutritional yeast , radish, mushrooms, peach, pickles, potatoes, pumpkin, rice syrup, rutabaga.

Low alkaline foods:

alfalfa sprouts, avocado oil, beets, Brussels sprouts, blueberries, celery, cilantro, banana, coconut oil, cucumber, currants, fermented vegetables, flaxseed oil, baked milk, ginger tea, coffee, grapes, hemp oil, lettuce, oats, olive oil, quinoa, raisins, zucchini, strawberries, sunflower seeds, tahini, turnips, umeboshi vinegar, wild rice.

Oxidizing products

Very slightly oxidizing products:

goat cheese, amaranth, brown rice, coconut, curry, dried fruit, beans, figs, grape seed oil, honey, coffee, maple syrup, pine nuts, rhubarb, sheep cheese, canola oil, spinach, beans, zucchini.

Weak oxidizing products:

adzuki, alcohol, black tea, almond oil, tofu, goat milk, balsamic vinegar, buckwheat, Swiss chard, cow’s milk, sesame oil, tomatoes.

Moderate oxidizing products:

barley, peanuts, basmati rice, coffee, corn, mustard, nutmeg, oat bran, pecan, pomegranate, prunes.

Strong oxidizing products:

artificial sweeteners, barley, brown sugar, cocoa, hazelnuts, hops, soy, sugar, salt, walnuts, white bread, cottonseed oil, white vinegar, wine, yeast.

10 alkaline foods that will get rid of obesity problems

Our figure, health and longevity depend on the correct ratio of acids and alkalis in the blood (pH). If the balance is disturbed, the body begins to ache. The diet of a modern person is usually very acidic, so consuming alkalizing foods will help normalize the pH.

Bright Side shares a list of 10 alkaline foods that will protect us from obesity, health problems, and bad moods.Don’t miss the bonus at the end of the post: we’ll cover the diet that helps actress and model Elle Macpherson look 25 at 54.

1. Avocado

Diet studies based on this product show a 8.2% reduction in total cholesterol. In addition, avocado helps neutralize acidic foods in our stomach and aids in the absorption of nutrients from fruits and vegetables.

The Spanish historian Bernardino de Sahagun in his book “General History of New Spain Affairs” (1576) noted that the Aztecs knew about the beneficial properties of this fruit.They used avocado seed in medicated mixtures.

2. Bananas

Bananas contain two main types of fiber: resistant starch (found in unripe bananas and aids digestion) and pectin (may help protect against colon cancer). Ripe bananas contain vitamins and alkali, balance blood sugar (using iron to make hemoglobin) and lower blood pressure (due to potassium).

3. Cauliflower

Cauliflower surpasses other types of cabbage in terms of the total content of nutrients.The product contains vitamins C, A, B, PP, as well as choline, which strengthens the nervous system and helps prevent the accumulation of cholesterol in the liver. Of the beneficial micronutrients, cauliflower contains calcium (for strong bones) and magnesium (for a good mood).

4. Melon

From the amenities: the product contains carotene (reduces the likelihood of cancer), fiber, as well as folic and ascorbic acids (to support the immune system and bone tissue).And thanks to its high content of vitamin C, melon will help keep our skin beautiful and healthy.

5. Grapes

Grapes are rich in beneficial plant compounds that may protect against certain cancers and lower cholesterol. In a 16-week study with 38 men, those who took 20 grams of grape extract per day experienced lower blood sugar levels. Grapes contain calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, which are essential for healthy bones.

6. Cucumbers

Cucumbers are excellent for removing acids and toxins from the body. Also, the product, due to the flavonoids contained in it, removes free radicals from the body, the accumulation of which can lead to the occurrence of heart, lung and autoimmune diseases. Cucumbers are low in calories and can be safely incorporated into many diets.

7. Quinoa

Quinoa, or quinoa, contains more protein than other grains. Also, the product provides our body with phosphorus (not inferior to most types of fish), iron (2 times more than in wheat), calcium, fiber and B vitamins, which are involved in all types of metabolic processes.

8. Mangold

Mangold is a leafy beet containing a lot of vitamin K (promotes cleansing and blood clotting), as well as vitamins A and E, sodium, magnesium, calcium and iron. Due to this vitamin cocktail, the product improves blood circulation, strengthens teeth and bones, and helps the body fight viruses.

9. Lemon

Lemon prevents the development of cancer, reduces the risk of stroke, cleanses the body of toxins and toxins, helps with vitamin deficiencies, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, mineral metabolism disorders, atherosclerosis, hypertension.The list of useful properties of this product is so long that in the Middle Ages it was even believed that this citrus was able to protect from the plague.

10. Basil

Basil contains many antioxidants, helps with detoxification and reduces the harmful effects of stressors on the body. Also, the product has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, immunomodulating and diuretic functions.

Bonus: Elle Macpherson and Her Alkaline Diet

Elle Macpherson maintains an optimal pH balance in the body by avoiding red meat, wheat, sugar, dairy and processed foods.By reducing acidic foods and replacing them with vegetables and fruits, you can help the body return to an alkaline state and get rid of toxins, and help the digestive system and liver to rest and recover.

What healthy alkaline foods would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments.

What foods are considered alkaline: list, complete table

Complete list of alkaline foods is food that, when broken down in the body, produces an alkaline reaction, which helps to balance the acid-base balance.Their list is important for the selection of a daily diet.

Our body is a complex mechanism and certain conditions must be fulfilled for its correct operation. The blood, thanks to which all organs and systems work, has an acid-base balance and to maintain it, it is important to consume at least 80% alkaline foods and 20% acidic ones.

In search of optimal nutrition, people have invented a variety of diets and food tips

After passing through the digestive tract, food breaks down into waste, and it is they that are absorbed into the liquid component of the body.In this article, we will try to understand this process and study in more detail the main products of an alkaline nature.

Complete list of alkaline products

The acid-alkaline environment in our body plays an important role.

To understand why you should eat more foods containing alkali, you need to understand the functions of the blood system and its response to the general condition of the body.

A liquid suspension of blood cells transfers nutrients to all organs.Depending on the products that we use, this or that environment is established in it.

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When consumed in large quantities of acidic food, the blood is oxidized. This condition is very dangerous for the functioning of organs, cancer cells can develop or cellular decay can occur.

There are few nutrients in such blood and the body, for proper functioning, replenishes the missing elements from its sources, which eventually leads to depletion.

A person experiences fatigue, lethargy, does not sleep well, in order to improve health, he begins to take medications and treat the symptoms, not the cause.

It turns out that all products are divided into three categories according to the type of pH

For the correct treatment and restoration of the body’s work, it is enough to choose alkaline food products, there is a universal table, thanks to which you can easily choose the correct daily diet. Such food is rich in other essential microelements and vitamins, so after a short time of consumption, you will feel lightness and will be able to live a more active and fulfilling life.

Despite the positive aspects of such a list of products, it is worth remembering the measure, because in excess, any substance can be poisonous. Acidic components should also be present in your diet, but only in small amounts.

What is an alkaline food?

As we have already figured out, the table starts with a list of alkaline foods and ends with highly acidified ones. To improve digestion, stimulate the work of the whole body and create a balanced diet, the main products can be distinguished:

• Pasteurized milk, whey, yoghurt.In addition to the content of the alkaline element, these products are rich in various vitamin and mineral complexes.
• Yeast-free rye bread.
• Almonds are the only type of nut that contains the necessary substance in its composition.
• Groats. So that even cooked cereals are beneficial and alkaline the body, it is worth soaking them in water for half an hour before cooking. It is very easy to distinguish between alkaline and acidic foods
• Dates are a treasure trove of trace elements and vitamins.This fruit delicacy is able, even with a small daily consumption (2-3 fruits), to protect against the formation of cancer cells and the appearance of caries.
• Turnip. A low-calorie, alkali-rich vegetable is considered a great way to lose weight when included in your diet.
• Apricots. Their effect on the body is unique, supplying the body with energy, nutrients, protecting the immune system and improving vision.

The list of alkaline products is huge, it includes all kinds of vegetables and fruits, as well as milk and even ordinary water.The weaker ones include potatoes, wild rice, grain coffee, and quail eggs. To understand what is alkaline food, you should consider in detail the most commonly eaten food or consult with a dietitian.

Alkaline Nutritional Basics

The basics of alkaline nutrition are the selection and consumption of foods that can maintain normal alkali levels and prevent the development of oxidative processes. If we eat incorrectly, the body becomes clogged with acid waste, over time all sorts of failures and disturbances occur in it.It is important to eat food that will cleanse the body of toxins.

The correct balance in the daily diet is considered to be 80% alkaline foods and only 20 acidic

The alkaline diet should be taken seriously and is not recommended for more than one month. In the first days, the state of health will deteriorate sharply, but after a week, a restructuring of metabolic processes will occur, the accumulated acidic compounds will come out. Vigor, freshness, lightness – these are the sensations that await a person with a normalized acid-base balance.

There are nutritional features, they should be adhered to if you decide to do “spring cleaning” in the body:

1. The basis of proper nutrition should be fresh or steamed vegetables and fruits.
2. Fruit that tastes sour is not always acidic. For example, lemon is alkaline and actively cleanses the body of accumulated waste and toxins.
3. Avoid animal products, which are the most acidic.If you are not able to completely remove such food from the diet, try to keep it to a minimum.
4. It is undesirable to immediately start the proposed diet, this can cause a negative reaction of the body. Try to do this gradually, introduce more fresh vegetables into your diet.
5. Eat slowly, chewing thoroughly. After 7 pm, it is better to completely skip food or drink, if desired, green tea without sugar.
6. You can eat sweets, but in a minimal amount: honey, jam, brown sugar.
7. It is not recommended to drink any liquid with meals, it should be done between meals.

The best solution would be to avoid all foods that contain chemical additives. Thanks to this, the body will eventually cleanse itself of slagging.

Recipes and menus for alkaline food

Vegetarian cuisine is ideal for this diet. Alkaline food recipes will help stabilize the whole body and improve its condition.

Alkaline dishes give a person not only saturation with vitamins, but also lightness of sensations

Let’s look at the simplest and most common recipes:

• Vegetable broth. To make it, you will need two large handfuls of broccoli, spinach, celery and, if possible, red potatoes. Wash everything well, cut into small pieces and fill with 2 liters of water. After the mixture has boiled, turn the heat on and let the broth boil for another half hour.After cooling, strain. This broth is good for breakfast, because the dish contains many useful vitamins.
• Fruit salad. Any fruit can be used, such as pears, dates, apples, walnuts, and low fat yogurt. Wash, chop and chop everything, add yogurt and stir. The dish is ready.
• Sassi Water. It will be an addition to the above dishes and will perfectly quench your thirst. Take fresh cucumber, chopped ginger, lemon, mint, and clear water.Cut the peeled lemon and cucumber into rings, grate the ginger on a fine grater, add the mint, fill all with 2 liters of water, leave for a day. Strain and drink 2-3 times a day in a glass.

There are a lot of ready-made recipes specially selected for this diet, you just have to remember that it is better to use only boiled, fresh or steamed dishes.

All juices are alkaline

To make it easier to understand what alkaline food is, a menu has been developed that you can follow.At first, you can be guided by ready-made samples, over time you can make your own version for a week.

Breakfast:

• You can eat a couple of green or yellow fruits or vegetables, you can combine, for example, a cucumber and an orange.
• Drink a cup of green or herbal tea.

Multiple lunch options:

• Vegetable broth, salad with fresh vegetables, seasoned with olive oil, a piece of boiled breast.
• A piece of tofu with vegetables and soup cooked in vegetable broth.
• Baked or stewed fish with vegetables.
• Milk.

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Snack:

• Milk or yoghurt.
• Freshly squeezed juice or a handful of dates.
• Fruit or a piece of dark chocolate.

Dinner examples:

• Sea fish cooked in any way (boiled, baked) with vegetables.
• A slice of boiled lean meat, vegetable salad, low fat yogurt.
• Steamed protein omelet, freshly squeezed juice, bread.

Fish with vegetables and an omelet is a great option for a light but nutritious dinner

Before you sit down on alkaline food, read reviews on the Internet, consult your doctor or dietitian. This is very important, because you may have contraindications to such a diet: problems with the gastrointestinal tract, pregnancy, breastfeeding and much more.

Alkaline diet

Alkali is the main constituent of our body, so your diet should contain a lot of food with this component. If, when taking tests, the acid-base indicator is below normal, you should increase the amount of food you need.

Acidity increases for various reasons, often it is excessive alcohol consumption, an unhealthy diet or simply an unbalanced diet. This long-term disruption can lead to acidosis – a high concentration of acid in the blood.

The body begins to acidify, oxygen is poorly tolerated by the blood, organs do not work well, you feel weak, many viral and bacterial diseases develop. It is for this reason that it is worth consuming alkaline foods in the diet every day.

An alkaline diet is just one of the theories of proper nutrition, children and pregnant women, as well as patients, should not limit themselves to a full-fledged diet

An alkaline diet is an important component of a healthy body, which contributes to the normal functioning of all organs and systems.Therefore, if the indicators of acid-base balance are violated, it must be adjusted with the help of a diet that can be selected by a nutritionist or therapist.

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Table of alkalizing products

In 1932, Otto Warburg, a biochemist from Germany, proved that acidification of the human body leads to the development of cancer! Cancer cells only live in by

About acid-base balance

Alternative medicine advocates believe that the need for alkalizing food is inherent in nature.So, blood is more alkaline in nature, since its pH is 7.35–7.45. Therefore, food with an acidic environment violates the harmony of the body, balance, as a result of which diseases arise. And then an alkaline diet is needed.

According to this theory, acidic environments in the intestines provoke putrefaction processes, pathogenic microbes multiply in the organ, and toxins are formed. Alkaline food neutralizes acids, helps to cleanse the body, eliminate toxins, and prevents their re-formation.

How do I check my balance?

The pharmacy sells litmus paper – the same one used in chemistry lessons.It is a tool used to measure the parameters of the environment. Examine two biological fluids – urine and saliva.

The urine is checked after the second trip to the toilet. The first morning urine, which is taken for analysis, is always acidic, since excess acid is excreted from the body through the kidneys during the night.

Measurements are carried out repeatedly, and the arithmetic mean is derived from their results.

Results:

• pH up to 7 – oxidation;
• pH above 7.5 – alkalization.

Alkali or acid?

There is no such choice – the body needs all kinds of food, but nutrition must be balanced. Oxidizing and alkalizing foods are present in the diet equally – 50/50, some sources indicate other proportions – 35/65, respectively. But the diet of patients provides for a different ratio – 20/80 in favor of alkalizing food.

Attention, meat and other food that oxidizes the body cannot be excluded from nutrition even on a diet, since essential amino acids enter the body with it.

Food combination

According to nutritionists who are supporters of this nutritional theory, foods on the menu should be combined like this:

1. Meat and fish are eaten with vegetables, not cereals.
2. Berry sauces, berry garnishes are served with meat.
3. Coffee and spirits are washed down with water.
4. A fresh vegetable snack reduces the acidity of alcohol.

Eating correctly, a person not only restores the natural acid-base balance, heals the body, but also loses weight.

List of acidic and alkaline foods

It is believed that a product with an oxidizing effect is determined by taste. But this is a misconception. Often acidic fruits and foods, such as lemon, alkalize the environment.

The table contains a list of the main food items from the daily diet. The numbers in the column on the right (1–4) indicate how pronounced the acidifying / alkalizing properties are.

Acidifying products

Alkalizing products

Alkaline diet

Supporters of alternative medicine believe: diet helps to get rid of ailments and some conditions of the body that have arisen due to the imbalance of acids and alkalis:

• chronic fatigue syndrome and decreased tone;
• colds, nasal congestion;
• frequent respiratory infections, colds;
• cystic formations on the ovaries, in the mammary gland;
• regular headaches;
• overweight.

A diet high in alkalis reduces the risk of kidney stones, obesity due to age-related metabolic disorders, osteoporosis (fragility of bones).

Since a lot of dietary fiber appears in the human diet (the main alkalizing foodstuffs are vegetables), blood pressure normalizes, the intestines are mechanically cleansed, the blood composition improves, and the hormonal background improves.

Principles of dietary nutrition

Gradually reduce the proportion of foods with an oxidative effect in the diet up to 20% (the table above lists such foods) in order to restore the acid-base balance.

Vegetables are consumed boiled, juice is squeezed out. Fruits are eaten raw, fresh juices, mousses, jellies are prepared.

Fish (boiled or baked, low-fat varieties) is eaten no more than 3 times a week. From meat, preference is given to veal, poultry. Sometimes it is allowed to use honey, molasses, cane sugar, maple syrup. The diet allows snacks, which consist of juices, dried fruits. The main fats in the diet are sunflower, peanut, olive oil.

The diet does not allow drinking coffee, black tea.To maintain water balance, use water, herbal infusions, juices. The main meal is washed down with herbal teas.

Food is chewed thoroughly, making 30-50 chewing movements.

Daily menu

• Breakfast: Fresh red and green vegetables, a glass of soy milk or natural yogurt without sugar, a peach or apple.
• Lunch: chicken meat (boiled) – 150 g, vegetable side dish, herbal tea.
• Dinner: baked fish – 150 g, vegetable salad, natural yogurt.

The topic has not been researched deeply enough. Therefore, before changing the diet, it is recommended to consult a doctor, especially in case of chronic diseases, when a different diet is prescribed or the state of health has worsened.

A disturbed acid-base balance can lead to negative consequences.

21 products containing large quantities of alkali

Hello everyone. Ideally, our body should have an acid-base balance.With the right approach to your diet, this balance is not at all difficult to maintain. Today we will talk about products containing alkalis. There are many of those. Therefore, I present to your attention a list of alkaline foods, only those that have a good effect on the human body.

Problems: acid-base

When we eat foods with a high acid content, metabolism slows down, health problems appear, plus extra pounds. However, avoiding acidic foods is only half the battle.The most important thing is to get rid of the problems that have accumulated during this time.

I recently read the works of a German biochemist. I learned a lot of important things and I want to share with my readers. It is impossible to tell in detail within the framework of my article. Therefore, I will be brief.

Our daily diet should be 80 percent basic (alkaline) foods. And only 20% is allocated to acid.

What’s really going on? Statistics are inexorable, up to 90% of our bodies receive acidic foods.But we must clearly understand that this is not sour food. This refers to the components that cause an acidic reaction in the body. These are all meat products, white yeast bread, eggs, fats, various flour baked goods.

Ideally, our body is obliged to neutralize all this acid so that it does not have time to “corrode” the cellular tissue of internal organs. For the neutralization process, we need alkaline products. If we do not replenish the body with such substances, it will take them from our skin, teeth, bones.

To prevent this from happening, you need to adjust your diet. Review the amount of acidic foods consumed. The author suggests consuming no more than 50 grams of acid-forming foods per day.

Among them, meat of any kind, fish, offal, sausages. Vegetables – peas, beans, cabbage, asparagus. All products made from flour, sugar, semolina are considered to be very “sour” products.

Including fatty broth, solid fat, refined oils, chocolate, coffee, alcoholic beverages.

What to do?

Although I am still quite young, sometimes it seems that I have no strength at all, so I have suffered from colds and all sorts of sores. I wake up in the morning feeling tired, then the whole day tends to fall asleep. These symptoms are often characterized by an imbalance of acid and alkali in the body.

First, I changed the diet. I refused fried, fatty foods, added a lot of fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, dried fruits to my menu. Moreover, the ratio of greens, meat on a plate should be three to one.

I advise all meat-eaters to fall in love with vegetables urgently, and be sure to add carrots to their diet. Of course, the reasons why you need to eat a lot of carrots are countless. But within the framework of this article, we will praise it for its alkaline properties.

Thanks to which, the vegetable perfectly adjusts the balance, purifying the blood, I would say “revitalizing”.

To overcome fatigue, I suggest that you always adhere to a diet aimed at maintaining the acid-base balance in the body.Make your menu so that it contains 80 percent of the foods that contain alkali, and only 20 percent of the acid-forming components.

It will be very good if you enrich your food with juicy fruits. Eliminate only currants, plums, cranberries, and blueberries. 20 percent is protein, starch, sugar, fat, oil.

These are all acid-forming elements. As for the set of products, everything is simple here. Eat meat, cheese, meat products, sugar, cream, butter, refined vegetable oil.

Eliminate alcoholic beverages.

List of alkaline products

Products that form alkalis, whatever one may say – all fruits and vegetables, pasteurized milk, yoghurts. They contain a sufficient amount of mineral salts that the body needs. Potatoes are considered a good alkaline element. Hooray! But in order to maintain the declared properties, steam it.

They say the third is not given. Even as given. There is a group of products with a balance of acid and alkali.These are walnuts, rye bread, whole grains, not peeled cereals, sprouted wheat grains, high-quality vegetable oils.

Attention, dear readers. It is important. I would like to draw your attention to mixed products. What is it? It turns out that the same foods are acidic for one organism and alkaline for another.

Everything depends on the state of the “specific” organism. These include dairy products, unripe green fruits, lemons, melons, apricots, tomatoes and sorrel, juices squeezed from sour fruits.

The same group includes currants, gooseberries, oranges, pineapples, kiwi.

To make it easier for you to navigate, I present alkaline products:

1. whey, milk;
2. yogurt;
3. rye bread, cooked without yeast;
4. ripe bananas;
5. parsley;
6. arugula;
7. cilantro;
8. dill;
9. celery;
10. spinach;
11. lettuce;
12. head salad;
13. nuts, especially almonds;
14. all kinds of peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkin, beets, corn, carrots;
15. potatoes, eggplants, turnips;
16. berries, I especially want to highlight raspberries, watermelons;
17. fruits, I recommend mangoes, pears, apples;
18. dates are high alkaline fruits;
19. dried fruits;
20. All unrefined vegetable oils, with the exception of the most popular sunflower oil;
21. will have to buy flaxseed oil, albeit tasteless, but very useful.

From the above list, you can create a menu for the fastest alkalization of your body. Well, that’s all for today. Probably a little tricky. Well, there’s nothing you can do about it. We’ll have to figure it out. Our health depends on what information we are “savvy” with.

It’s good that now we have the opportunity to read and share everything with others, so that they preserve their health for as long as possible. Do not be indifferent to click the button at the bottom of the page. To be continued, until we meet again, dear readers.

Alkaline foods: list and table with percentages

The acid-base balance of the human body is very important for health. Only at an optimal pH level (in the range of 7.3-7.5) are we protected from pathological processes and infections. The work of all systems and organs directly depends on this indicator, its fluctuations are very harmful.

Drinking regimen, physical activity and alkaline nutrition will help to maintain the desired condition – detailed information on the products in the menu is offered.Remember that you need to make a diet consciously in order to observe favorable changes in the body over time and not harm the body.

The priority should be a rational diet, which should be combined, following the recommendations of experts. Only by observing a careful ratio of components can you achieve excellent results.

Reasons for violation

The correct balance may shift towards acidification (acidosis) or excessive alkalization (alkalosis).The most common is the first option, in which a person’s blood becomes acidic. This negatively affects biochemical processes, the functioning of the immune system, the functioning of all organs.

A change in the acid index of blood occurs due to the following factors:

• Improper nutrition – the predominance of flour and animal protein in the diet, lack of the proper amount of fiber, enzymes, vitamins.Alkaline foods are very important for the body, but in conditions of an increased rhythm of life, which led to the transition to fast food and semi-finished products, wholesome food is taken out “fast”. This contributes to the accumulation of toxins, an increase in free radicals and a decrease in the protective functions that resist their effects.
• Insufficient water intake – in this case, the metabolism is disturbed, the removal of harmful elements from the tissues slows down.
• Significant drug load – an excess of pharmacological drugs (especially if their use is not justified) leads to a rapid accumulation of toxic constituents in organs and tissues, which weakens the body and leads to a decrease in pH.
• A sedentary lifestyle, stress – such factors also negatively affect the acid balance, as they slow down metabolism and contribute to the occurrence of disorders in biochemical processes.

To restore a healthy state is a feasible task, but it requires a systematic approach. It is important to understand what is alkaline food and what is acidic. You should also set aside time for regular exercise, carefully consider the organization of the drinking regimen.Also minimize stressful situations.

Clinic Nutritional Advice

In order to quickly get a good result and not harm yourself, it is recommended to contact the professionals of the Elena Morozova Weight Loss Clinic. The preparation of the menu and training plan should be carried out individually – taking into account the age and characteristics of the organism.

Observing the body’s changes and reactions to the updated menu by a specialist will help you achieve the best results in the shortest possible time.A sensible approach will be rewarded with improved well-being, increased energy, increased stamina, and increased metabolism.

Signs of excess acid (acidosis)

It is recommended to think about which foods in your diet are alkaline and correctly adjust their proportion in the diet if conditions indicating acidification are noted. These signs include:

• difficulties in the digestive tract;
• dryness, flaking of the skin, tendency to form early wrinkles; m
• blocked pores, inflammation, acne;
• brittle nails, dullness and hair loss;
• low energy – fatigue comes quickly, going to the store or going to the gym requires significant volitional efforts;
• painful sensations in muscles and joints;
• vulnerability to viral respiratory infections;
• Frequent migraines, dizziness from minor physical exertion;
• neoplasms;
• problems in the work of the cardiovascular system.

You can also get information about the body’s fatty acid base with the help of litmus paper for urine or saliva. If after contact with liquid the litmus turns green, then your health is normal.

Yellow indicates that there is a high risk of developing pathologies and susceptibility to infectious diseases.

If the indicator is orange or red, it means the need for urgent and radical changes and close attention to yourself. Such shades indicate a pronounced acidity of saliva.

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Harm and risks

Nutritionists consider a balanced diet and moderate exercise to be the most preferred way to lose weight. A complex of such actions has the best effect on the body, helping to lose weight, rather than a one-sided diet.

So, before you go to the supermarket with a list of foods with an alkaline environment and start preparing food according to new principles, you should consult your doctor.There are certain contraindications that should be identified in each case. The alkalizing diet should be practiced with caution by those suffering from the following conditions:

• liver failure;
• pathology of the cardiovascular system;
• gastrointestinal problems.

This is not to mention the fact that the fascination with the menu with a pronounced predominance of components of one type will not entail positive changes in the body.

In the stomach, with proper operation, as a rule, only an acidic environment is observed.If you shift the acidity level in any direction, you can easily earn indigestion. In the presence of pathologically high acidity, the doctor-gastroenterologist copes with the problem perfectly. In this case, no intervention and the use of special dishes are required.

It is recommended that you follow your doctor’s instructions and seek the help of a qualified dietitian to adjust the proportion of alkaline foods in your shopping list.

List of components with the highest pH value

There is not always a direct relationship between the acid balance of a dish and its effect on the body.For example, significant alkalization occurs when lemon is consumed.

And prunes, rich in minerals and vitamins, have an acid-forming effect. Protein and flour foods contribute to the formation of acid, which is necessary to process food.

The opposite reaction occurs when consuming raw vegetables, fruits, root vegetables, herbs, some dairy products and vegetable oils.

If you cannot identify a pattern, it does not matter, check out the list of alkaline food products in the form of a convenient table in order to avoid mistakes when drawing up the menu:

All vegetables presented in the table are alkaline, but after heat treatment they lead to a slight acidification of the body.The same thing happens with fruits after adding sugar.

Clinic nutritionist comment

The optimum ratio of acidic to alkaline is 1: 3. You should not completely refuse food that causes an acid-forming effect. It is important to maintain balance, because excess alkali can also harm.

Diet – principles of formulation and recommendations

For those looking to make a major dietary change by increasing the amount of alkaline foods and beverages, there is a handy table listing the percentage of alkalizing and oxidizing foods that create an appropriate environment in the body.

The information provided should not at all cause rejection of protein, since this nutrient is necessary for all metabolic processes, endurance, muscle growth. The main healthy principle is the correct ratio.

Greens and fresh vegetables should be eaten with beef or chicken. A side dish of rice or pasta should not exceed one third of the total amount of food. Potatoes (baked with skins or boiled in their skins) are preferred for optimal balance.

However, this component should not be abused.

Learn more about our weight loss programs:

Most alkaline recipes

Choose the right ingredients for healthy, alkaline food. Here are some ideas:

Soups

• Okroshka with celery – cut cucumbers and radishes (200 g each), chop root celery (60 g) in a blender with almond milk (300 g) and lemon juice (20 ml).Mix all ingredients, add dill and salt.
• Beetroot with tomatoes – 300 g of tomatoes and 150 g of beets, chop together with slices of sweet pepper (150 g). Add lemon pulp, vegetable oil, 100 ml of water.

Salads

• Beets (100 g), avocado and root celery (200 g each) are grated on a coarse grater, red onion (40 g), parsley leaves are added. Season with a mixture of olive oil and lemon.
• 200 g of tomatoes and the same amount of cauliflower are chopped, mixed with chopped yellow peppers (50 g), grated carrots (100 g).Add more dill, season with lime juice.

Second courses

• Wheat porridge with fruits and nuts – sprouted wheat (100 g) is mixed with a blender with dates and bananas (80 g of each component). Sprinkle with walnuts (30 g) and garnish with tangerine slices.
• Buckwheat with vegetables – pour green cereals (200 g) with water for 10 hours, add finely chopped celery (20 g), bell peppers (100 g), parsley (20 g), a small clove of garlic. You can season with a tablespoon of lemon juice and olive oil, salt to taste.
• Vegetable cutlets with seeds – pre-soaked flax (30 g), sprouted sunflower seeds (30 g), 150 g of sweet pepper, 50 g of carrots and a clove of garlic, chop until smooth, add almond flour (30 g), 20 g of flaxseed oil , salt to taste. Formed cutlets are ready to eat.

Beverages

• Citrus-ginger juice is made from one grapefruit, an orange and half a lemon. Beat with a blender with grated ginger pulp (30 g), honey (20 g.) and a little water.
• Fruit and berry smoothie – 100 g of pineapple and the same amount of strawberries are mixed with banana and coconut milk (200 g).

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For a competent preparation of the diet and for quick effective results, contact the clinic of Elena Morozova. Experts will help you choose a rational menu and training program so that gaining a beautiful figure becomes a pleasant and useful business for you.

90,000 Alkaline foods that cleanse the body, restore and produce new cells in our body

A diet like this will strengthen your immune system in the shortest possible time, save you from cancer, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

First of all, you need to understand how alkaline products differ from acidic ones. As nutritionists explain, the human body has an alkaline environment and must remain so.But due to the consumption of processed and unhealthy food, the acid-base balance of the human body is disrupted. This leads to a malfunction of the immune system. It causes a variety of diseases, including obesity, heart disease, and even cancer.

Power supply must be balanced

Today, more and more American and European stars, especially age ones, are becoming adherents of the alkaline diet. They claim that this not only helps them to feel great and not gain excess weight, but also contributes to the rejuvenation of the body.

There is a grain of truth in their words, since the “alkaline diet” was prescribed by doctors in the treatment of diseased joints, gout, and increased acidity of gastric juice. But after the discovery of the bacteria Helicobacter, the main culprit of gastritis and ulcers, and gastroenterologists calmed down a bit. But supporters of a healthy lifestyle took note of this diet. To maintain an optimal level of alkalinity in the blood, a person needs to consume 8% alkali and 20% acid per day.

The health formula is simple

Buckwheat and wild rice must be in your diet.Buckwheat is a rich source of protein and iron. It gives the human body an excellent energy supply. No wonder buckwheat diets are one of the most popular. And wild rice is a good helper in the production of white blood cells in the body. Helps in collagen production. Thanks to this, damaged cells of organs, blood vessels and tissues are restored.

Melon – a truly magical vegetable that maintains water balance, removes toxins from the body. All types of melons are great sources of alkali, and the water content is very high.

Olive oil is a must on your healthy food list. It is rich in antioxidants, monounsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E.

Flaxseed or linseed oil are rich in antioxidants, vitamin E and fiber, excellent sources of alkali. Helps keep the heart healthy, reduce inflammation, and help control hot flashes in menopausal women.

Bananas Balance blood sugar, improve digestion.Bananas contain B vitamins, manganese, magnesium, potassium.
Carrots are a source of beta-carotene, a pigment known for their high fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B8, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium and iron.

Broccoli Include on the menu as often as possible. With vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, fiber, potassium and copper, it lowers cholesterol, acts as a strong antioxidant, improves bone health and supports heart function.
Cauliflower is able to provide the human body with about 77% of the daily value of vitamin C. It is rich in vitamin K, thiamine, riboflavin, magnesium, potassium and manganese.

Berries Grapes are loaded with antioxidants, polyphenols, which are known to reduce the risk of diseases of the lungs, pancreas, esophagus, colon and prostate cancer.

Lemons contain vitamins C, A, B6, E, riboflavin, copper, calcium, potassium and zinc.Lemon juice is used as a prophylactic agent in the treatment of kidney stones and helps reduce the risk of strokes.

Spinach should be on your table at least sometimes. It is loaded with zinc, niacin, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, vitamins A, B6, C, E and K, and is rich in antioxidants. The herb neutralizes free radicals, stimulates brain function, improves memory and supports heart activity.

Earlier, “Kubanskie Novosti” talked about how to cure rheumatoid arthritis with apple cider vinegar in two weeks.

alkaline diet

The main cause of many diseases and excess weight is the “acidification” of the body due to the consumption of fatty, harmful and carbohydrate foods. Such products create an acidic blood environment, which stimulates a decrease in the action of enzymes and disrupts metabolic processes. In response to this, the body tries to reduce the concentration of acid and therefore it retains fluid, leading to edema and weight gain; actively consumes reserves of minerals (calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron), which leads to fatigue, decreased mental and physical activity, deterioration of immunity and depression.In the acidic environment of the digestive tract, various bacteria and cancer cells can develop, but all this can be avoided thanks to alkali. All organs are influenced by pH levels, including the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, thyroid, and intestines.

Manifestations of “acidification” of the body:
– gray coating on the tongue
– burning and bitterness in the mouth
– tension of the neck and shoulder muscles
– bad breath
– dark circles under the eyes
– heartburn, sour belching
– stomach pain
– nausea
– constipation
If you find at least two of the listed symptoms in yourself, then it’s time to make adjustments to your diet!

There are substances that are between alkaline and acidic – they are called neutral substances.The scale for measuring the alkali content ranges from 0 to 14. If the pH is above 7, then the substance is considered alkaline, below 7 – acidic. If the pH is 7, then the substance is neutral.
In order for the pH balance to be at least 7.35 and not higher than 7.45, the following rules must be observed: 80% of the diet should be alkaline (alkaline) foods and 20% acidic.

It’s very simple: you need to eat more fruits, vegetables and plant foods. The strongest oxidants are preservatives, food additives and, accordingly, all products containing them.Exclude from the diet: sugar, salt, caffeine, alcohol and processed foods (convenience foods, canned foods, sauces, sausages, ice cream, white bread and pastries, pasta, soda, hard cheese). Also, to comply with an alkaline diet, it is recommended to exclude some natural products: bacon, pork, veal, beef liver, eggs, halibut, rice and peanuts.
The body is best cleansed by fruits and vegetables such as apples, lemons, bananas, melons, grapes, carrots, green and leafy vegetables, celery, beets and cucumbers, cereals (oats, buckwheat, millet and quinoa), fresh ginger, coconut and almond milk, olive, coconut and flaxseed oil, grape seed oil, avocado.
The most powerful antioxidants are watermelon and carrot juices.
Instead of salt, include healthy spices in your diet: turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, cumin and cloves.
To cleanse the body and prevent it, nutritionists also recommend doing two fasting days a week, using only raw fresh vegetables, fruits and juices from them. Eat unlimited vegetables and fruits every two hours throughout the day. During business hours, you can replace them with cold-pressed juices.We recommend drinking water from the liquid with the addition of lemon and cucumber for cleansing, as well as any herbal or green tea. Adhering to the correct diet of an alkaline diet, you can get rid of a few pounds in a couple of weeks. However, remember that any diet is just an auxiliary way to lose weight and become healthier, proper nutrition and exercise.

7 products with a high alkali content

First place – lemons.Lemons contain a huge amount of alkali. And this is a great reason to start your day with a glass of warm water with freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice.
Second place – greens. Greens are an excellent source of alkalis, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.

Third place – root crops. Radishes, beets, carrots and turnips can be beneficial for your body.

Fourth place – cucumbers and celery. They are among the most alkaline foods.They help to quickly neutralize acids and normalize digestion.
Fifth place – garlic. Garlic is not only a source of alkali, but also an extremely important food for maintaining immunity. It has high antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Sixth place – cruciferous vegetables. These include cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and broccoli.
Seventh place – avocado. Avocado helps to normalize acid-base balance, and also contains a large amount of vitamins, fatty acids and amino acids.

How to check your pH
1. We buy in the pharmacy strips for measuring the pH level
2. Testing urine and saliva. It is best to measure on an empty stomach, two hours before or two hours after a meal.
If the pH level of urine fluctuates between 6.0 – 6.4 in the morning and 6.4 – 7.0 in the evening, then the body is functioning normally. The most optimal level is slightly sour, in the range of 6.4 – 6.5. The pH value of urine below 5.0 indicates its sharp acidity, above 7.5 – about its sharply alkaline reaction.
Check the pH level twice a week 2-3 times a day.
With the help of litmus paper, you can easily trace the response of urine to a change in the type of diet, the use of drugs or dietary supplements. Positive pH dynamics serves as a criterion for the correctness of the chosen diet or treatment.