Health Benefits of An Alkaline Diet

Maintaining a healthy alkaline/acidic balance is not always easy, especially in today’s world where many of our foods are grossly over-processed and highly acidic. Soft drinks, fast foods, and processed foods deposit acid waste in our bodies that build up over time and create an ideal environment for disease and inflammation to thrive. A basic rule of thumb you can follow to achieve and maintain pH balance is to eat 80 percent alkaline forming foods and drinks and 20 percent acid-forming ones each day.

Acid-forming foods and drinks include;

• Alcohol
• Coffee
• Cranberries
• Eggs
• Flour, flour based products
• Meat
• Milk
• Plums
• Soft drinks
• Sugar
• Tea

Alkaline-forming foods include;

• Dates
• Avocados
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Mushrooms
• Onions
• Soy products
• Sprouts
• Corn
• Maple syrup
• Raisins

Some of the other symptoms of an over-acid diet include fatigue, kidney stones, gum and teeth problems, low immunity, pain and inflammation, and premature aging. Switching to a more alkaline diet could therefore;

Improve Energy Levels

The body’s pH level can affect a cell’s ability to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is important to the body’s energy level. If the body’s pH level is too acidic, ATP production doesn’t take place as effectively.

Improve Teeth and Gum Health

When the level of acid in the mouth is too high, it can cause bacteria to grow at a much faster rate. Bacteria can cause a number of different problems in the mouth, such as gum disease and bad breath. A high level of acid and bacteria in the mouth will also increase the likelihood for tooth decay.

Improve Immune Function

When the body’s pH is too acidic, cells cannot function at their optimal level, and as a result, immunity is decreased.

Reduce Pain and Inflammation

Magnesium helps to support joints and tissues of the body. Magnesium is also one of the minerals the body uses to help control excessive acidity. If you eat a highly acidic diet, the body is forced to use more magnesium to help neutralize it.  By eating a diet that has an alkaline effect on the body, your body will have more magnesium available to help reduce tissue and joint pain and inflammation.

Slow Aging Process

When cells are subjected to an overly acidic environment, they function less efficiently. This reduction in functionality can impair a cell’s ability to repair itself, thus resulting in premature aging.