What are Alkalizing Foods? Why Alkalize Your Body?

Alkalizing foods are foods that leave behind residue that is alkaline when processed and broken down by the body. It’s important to alkalize your body to fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

What are alkalizing foods?

Mainly fruit and vegetables with a mix of some nuts, seeds, herbs, and spices. Read on to see a more in-depth dive into these categories!

The alkaline diet is the view that your diet can alter the pH value (the measurement of acidity or alkalinity) within your body.

Your metabolism is the conversion of food into energy. During this process, your body produces chemicals to break down the food into energy for current or future use. These chemicals once finished processing the food, leave behind a residue, better known as metabolic waste. 1

This metabolic waste can range from alkaline to acidic pH levels. Advocates of an alkaline diet believe that metabolic waste can directly affect your body based on what is left behind.

Put simply, if you eat foods that leave an acidic residue your blood can become more acidic. If you eat foods that leave an alkaline residue it can make your blood more alkaline.

That’s great and all, but why should I alkalize my body?

Studies have shown that our bodies are in a healthier state when in an alkaline environment. The main benefit of eating more alkaline foods is that you will restrict what you are eating to more fruit and vegetables.

Any diet that encourages eating more fruit and vegetables and less animal products and processed food is a positive change to your diet.

Acidity can cause health issues in the long term if it is not balanced. Diseases are also known to thrive in an acidic environment, wherein an alkalized environment it seems to slow the advancement.

Well, what are alkalizing foods?

There are many different types of foods that are high in alkalinity. Examples can include:

  • Fruits – Blackberries, Nectarines, Strawberries, Persimmon, Raspberries, Tangerines, Limes, Papaya, Pineapple, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, and Honeydew,
  • Vegetables – Cucumber, Bell Peppers, Cauliflower, Root Vegetables, Sea Moss
  • Dark green leafy vegetables – Arugula, Spinach, Silverbeet, Chard, Kale, Broccoli,
  • Nuts – Peanuts, Cashews, Pecans, Walnuts, Chestnuts, Almonds,
  • Seeds – sesame seeds, chia seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.
  • Spices – Cumin, Curry, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Chili Pepper, Mustard,
  • Herbs – Ginger, Garlic, Parsley, Dandelion Root.

There are several foods which are moderate to high in acidity to avoid as well:

  • Meats, all of them
  • Carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, oats, quinoa or rye
  • Beverages such as coffee, soft drinks or alcohol
  • Oils such as olive oil or canola oil

How can I test my body’s pH levels?

The most common way to test your body’s pH levels is to take a urine test. This is not very accurate, however as the body has different pH levels depending on the body part. An obvious example of this is the stomach, which needs to be an acidic environment to break down food.

what are alkalizing foods - pH Scale

There is a multitude of test kits you can purchase online. The recommendation is to test first thing after waking up before consuming anything. It is also recommended that the test take place after having consumed liquids at least 6 hours before testing.

Is there any danger of going completely alkaline?

There are dangers if your blood exceeds the safe pH level threshold (7.36 – 7.44). Although you won’t be able to change this through diet, it can be fatal if the issue is not fixed.

Thankfully, this will only occur when the body is in certain disease states, such as starvation or excess alcohol intake.

There is no evidence to say that adopting a more alkaline-based diet has any negative side effects. Of course, this is provided you are eating a range of foods that provide your body with the nutrients and energy it requires.

Overall, adopting a more alkaline-based diet is a healthier choice when it comes to your diet, as you will be filled up on quality fruits and vegetables. This will also help you avoid filling up your diet with processed or poor-quality foods.

Have you tried the alkaline diet before? Let me know in the comments your beliefs on why should I alkalize my body!

Reference

  1. “Metabolism” – Cleveland Clinic Staff, Last checked 28 February 2024 [Cleveland Clinic] [Archive] ↩︎

Last Updated on 4 weeks by D&C Editorial Team

About the Author

Luke has a background in bodybuilding and martial arts. His fitness focus drove his interest in health. After learning about what a plant based diet can offer he began to transition from a carnivorous diet to one that comprised of more plants and wholefoods. A devotee of clean drinking water, and clean eating, Luke is on a life long path to fulfillment and understanding.

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