Decadent cakes, chewy cookies, artificially sweetened drinks, and processed foods may have us salivating at the mere mention of them, but their collective impact on the functioning of the human body is anything but pleasant. You may have heard or read about the health concerns associated with consuming certain types of foods in excess, including the products mentioned above. While obesity, diabetes and cholesterol are the most commonly cited health concerns related to overindulgence, these issues still take time to manifest themselves. Acidity however, is an almost immediate reaction to the excess intake of certain foods.
A brief journey through the processes that take place within the body when we consume a food item will help us understand the issue with greater clarity. When the body is supplied with food it is programmed to break it down so that it can generate sufficient energy. All foods are either acidic or alkaline in nature. Given that the internal system is naturally alkaline in nature, alkaline foods do not create any disruptions in the normal functioning of the body. Acidic foods, on the other hand, force the body to go out on a limb in order to neutralize the internal pH level. The body can’t help but react in this manner to acidic foods because it needs to maintain an alkaline pH of 7.365 to function optimally. Exposing the body to consistently high acidity levels can lead to persistent weakness, vulnerability to several diseases, and an uncomfortable recurring burning sensation.
So how can you, as an individual, prevent this harmful chain of events from unfolding within your system? It’s actually quite simple. All you have to do is monitor your dietary habits! You can adopt a two pronged approach: First, try to cut down on your intake of foods that cause acidity such as processed meat, pre-packaged snacks, and artificial sweeteners; second, make a conscious effort to include the following ten alkaline foods in your regular diet.
Are you ready to discover the foods that can restore your body’s natural alkaline level and help it to function optimally? Let’s get started.
Cruciferous Vegetables
This class of vegetables includes well-known members such as broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. The natural taste and texture of these wholesome vegetables is such that they can be incorporated in a multitude of recipes. Even if you add a small portion as a sideline to your regular meal, you’re good to go!
Garlic
Not only is garlic an effective alkaline producing food, but it also has several other exceptional benefits. Did you know that in addition to promoting cardiovascular health, garlic can protect your body against several diseases by strengthening your immune system? A touch of garlic will not only add an interesting twist to your regular recipes, but will also do wonders for your health.
Leafy Green Vegetables
Remember how Popeye the Sailorman was celebrated for his consumption of copious amounts of spinach? Well, there was a solid reason for his love of this wonderful leafy vegetable. Along with kale and turnip greens, spinach is classified as one of the best alkaline producing foods for your body.
Root Vegetables
Brimming with nutrients and rich minerals, a regular helping of root vegetables is potent enough to fight off the extra acidity in your system. So the next time you head out to the grocery store, be sure to include carrots, beets and turnips in your shopping list.
Lemons
We’re all familiar with this tangy little gem. Not only is it one of the most efficient alkalizing foods, but it also has the power to strengthen your immunity and protect your body against common illnesses such as coughs and colds.
Capsicum
With nutritious varieties that stand out in hues of sunshine yellow, forest green, burnt orange and fiery red, this vibrant vegetable has been categorized as an extremely alkaline forming food. It is often praised for its rich vitamin A and vitamin C content, its ability to alleviate digestive problems, and its stimulating effect on the metabolic rate and fat burning capabilities of the body.
Berries
Regardless of whether strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries strike your fancy, all of these juicy bite-sized natural wonders will do the trick if your system requires a dose of alkalinity. Raspberries are the highest alkalizing fruits within the berry domain, followed by blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries.
Grapefruit
Widely recognized for its ability to facilitate the arduous process of weight loss, this fruit has the power to help your system achieve more than just an optimum pH level. Its exceptional Vitamin C reserves strengthen the body’s immune system, while the dense nutrient and mineral stores prevent or delay the onset of several diseases such as cardiovascular health concerns.
Watermelon
A favorite of many, this fruit is chock-full of nutritional compounds that work in conjunction with its alkalizing properties to create a healthy system that functions smoothly. In addition to rich stores of Vitamin A, Vitamin B and Vitamin C, this juicy fruit is also equipped with the arsenal required to combat joint inflammation, fluctuating blood pressure, and kidney stone formation.
Apples (Sweet)
There’s definitely some truth to the oft-repeated adage ‘An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away’. Follow the maxim and you will treat your body to a fruit that is fiber-rich, keeps your digestive system running smoothly, and of course maintains the required pH level for the system.
Conclusion
These ten foods have what it takes to reduce the levels of acidity within your body, and keep your system functioning at its full potential. If, however, you do feel as if you may be suffering from increased acidity, be sure to consult your doctor immediately.
