EATING ALKALINE FORMING FOODS

Everything, living or non-living, is either acidic or alkaline. The natural processes in the human body are designed to consume alkaline foods. Our blood’s pH level is primarily determined by the food we consume. To resist the harsh effects of oxidation, viruses, bacteria, inflammation and various levels of disease our diet should consist of approximately 60% Alkaline Forming Foods so we can maintain optimal vibrant health.

Most people are simply not aware or educated that our body must balance the blood’s pH levels at a slightly alkaline level of 7.365 in order to survive. When a person consumes food to fuel the body, our digestive and metabolic processes transform it into a form of residue which is either acidic or alkaline. Recent biochemistry has shown that it is not the organic matter of foods, whether the food itself was acidic or alkaline, but how the foods inorganic matter e.g. Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium etc breaks down during metabolism that determines either the acidity or alkalinity of the residue.

Our Alkalinity levels are a direct result of the foods we choose to eat. When the nutrients required to maintain this slightly alkaline state cannot be obtained from food, the body will automatically draw from its own stores e.g. bones or other vital tissues. This action reduces the body’s natural ability to repair itself and detoxify effectively which unbalances our homeostatic state. This puts us at far greater risk of being vulnerable to fatigue, illness and disease.

Maintaining a blood pH level of 7.365 is vital as the consequences of it dropping below that level can be very serious and the margin for error is very small. This is why the body takes immediate action as stated above to ensure that base level is maintained. The most common issue is metabolic or respiratory acidosis which is a condition when the body is producing too much acid or when the kidneys aren’t removing enough acid from the body. If left unchecked this leads to Acidemia i.e. Blood pH is lower than 7.35 which can have serious consequences to one’s health. Of course, if we consume a good ratio of Alkaline Forming Foods then there is nothing to be concerned about.

Alkaline Foods promote:
• Health; Wellbeing; Energy; Vibrancy; Hormonal Balance
• Antioxidant Properties; Regulation of Blood Pressure
• Strong Immune System; Cardiovascular Health

pH 8 Avocados, Carrots, Celery, Bananas, Currants, Dates, Berries, Garlic
High in antioxidants and chemically react to acidic foods of pH 5.0 upward elevating them closer to alkaline levels our body requires of just above pH 7.3. Garlic has excellent blood-regulating properties which lowers blood pressure and berries also assist greatly in this area,

pH 8 Apples, Apricots, Alfalfa Sprouts
High in fiber, easily digestible and rich in enzymes that help maintain the body’s hormonal balance.

pH 8.5 Grapes, Raisins, Plums, Pineapple, Vegetable Juices
Grapes, raisins and plums are blood-regulating, lowering blood pressure. This can reduce the risks associated with contracting heart disease. They all contain high levels of vitamins A, B and C and also have excellent antioxidant properties. Pineapple has high levels of the Amino Acid L-Carnitine which can assist with fat mobilisation from our body’s adipose tissue to be used as an energy source rather than from our Glycogen (Glucose) stores. Vegetable Juices are high in iron and good for cellular detoxification.

pH 8.5 Kiwifruit, Chicory
These both have natural sugars that have Alkaline Forming properties that give more energy to the body. They have excellent antioxidant properties due to their high flavonoid content. Kiwifruit has an extremely high Vitamin C content. Chicory is a relative of the lettuce but has a slightly bitter taste. Chicory contains inulin which has been known to aid in weight loss.

pH 8.5 Watercress, Seaweeds, Asparagus
All of these vegetables have powerful acid reduction properties. Watercress is one of the most nutrient dense foods available taking all fruits and vegetables into account so it is a true natural super food. Both Watercress and Seaweed contain high levels of iron and calcium with Watercress also having high levels of Vit A, C, K, and B’s. Asparagus is not only Alkaline Forming but has an extremely high content of asparagines, an amino acid important to the Autonomous Nervous System (ANS).

pH 8.5 Papaya, Parsley, Limes, Mangoes, Melons
These are the best kidney cleansers. Papaya is the healthiest most natural laxative that promotes defecation and colon cleansing. Parsley is the most efficient cleaner of the intestines when eaten raw as well as being a good diuretic for cleaning out the kidneys. Limes, mangoes and melons are vitamin-rich fruits that are alkaline-forming during digestion.

pH 8.5 Cayenne (Capsicum Annuum), Capsicum, Cantaloupe
These have the most alkaline reactive properties. High in enzymes required by the endocrine system. Cayenne has antibacterial properties, is high in Vitamin A, is a natural pain killer, can raise metabolic rates by up to 25%, improves circulation and aids digestion. Cantaloupes are Low GI, have very high levels of fiber, contain potassium, high levels of Vitamin A & C and are known as the super food for the skin, aid in digestion, aid in complexion, assist with lung health and regulate the body’s water balance.

pH 8.5 Organic Gelatin – Agar Agar
Gelatin substitute made from seaweeds which has high concentrations of iron and calcium. It has the highest fiber content of foods and is easily digestible.

pH 9.0 Watermelon
At Watermelons are very alkaline. Due to their extremely high fiber and water content (92% of weight) they have a mild diuretic affect but are a great source of beta-carotene, lycopene and vitamin C. This thirst-quenching fruit is the most life and energy supporting food when used in a week-long fasting and colon cleansing. Although they have a high GI rating because there is so little carbohydrate contained they are one of the most carbohydrate dense foods available. Modern Nutrition is now recognizing that the density of carbohydrates is more important in relation to health and wellbeing and slowly consumers are becoming aware that the GIycemic Index is not as important as it was once made out to be.

pH 9.0 Lemons
Lemons are an awesome fruit and are considered to be the best alkalising food. They have the most potent and immediate relief for colds, cough, flu, heartburns, hyperacidity, other virus-related ailments and are a natural antiseptic that disinfects and heals wounds. They are also highly effective at detoxifying the liver . It is well known that squeezing the juice of half a lemon in warm water 30 – 45 minutes before eating, especially in the morning, will kick start the metabolic process raising your bodies metabolic rate. Anything you can do to raise your metabolic rate can impact your BMIR – Body Mass Index Ratio which is simply a measure of your body’s ratio of Lean Muscle Mass and Fat.

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