Alkalinizing Foods

Alkalinizing Foods

Overview

You've probably heard the adage, "You are what you eat," and nowhere is this more relevant than when discussing the benefits of an alkaline diet. An alkaline diet, explains Dr. Alejandro Junger, author of "Clean: The Revolutionary Program to Restore the Body's Natural Ability to Heal Itself," is one that promotes an alkaline pH balance in your body and blood. Certain foods can create an alkaline state, which is thought to be more healthy than an acidic one.

Body pH Basics

You may not be aware of it, but your body has a pH balance that affects your overall health, says Dr. Junger. Normally, your blood maintains a slightly alkaline pH balance. The more alkaline your blood, the more oxygen it is able to absorb. High-oxygen blood helps you feel healthy and more energetic; it may even fight excess weight gain, fatigue, aches and pains, poor digestion and various illnesses, explains Columbia University Health Services. Most importantly, an alkaline diet may help prevent bone loss and osteoporosis, says Jane Brody in "The New York Times." That's because, when your blood becomes acidic, your bones excrete their calcium into your bloodstream in an attempt to lower its acid level.

Alkalizing Foods

According to Dr. Junger, the foods you eat create alkaline or acidic blood. Alkaline-promoting foods are fruits and vegetables. Dark green, leafy vegetables -- like kale, collard greens and spinach -- are especially alkalizing, although all fruits and vegetables promote an alkaline state, says Columbia University. To encourage high-oxygen, alkaline blood, and thus prevent various health issues such as weak bones, Dr. Junger recommends you increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables.

The Western Diet

Unfortunately, the typical Western diet is highly acid-promoting. Foods like refined flour, sugar, meat, dairy products, alcohol, processed foods and coffee create an acidic state, stressing your bones and contributing to a multitude of physical complaints. Jane Brody notes that excess protein, especially, is a hallmark of the American diet but may be a major factor in weak bones, due to its acid-promoting properties.

Caveats

Some experts do not agree with the alkaline diet theory of health and strong bones or the idea that excess protein intake promotes bone calcium loss. In particular, Dr. Karl Insogna of Yale School of Medicine has conducted research that found that diets high in vegetable-based protein -- specifically soy -- led to worse absorption of calcium in some study participants. At the same time, in general, a diet high in fruits and vegetables is encouraged by the medical community. If you have questions about your own pH balance or your diet, consult your physician.

source : livestrong.com