What Are Alkalizing Agents?

Alkaline agents are used to balance the acids of our body and to strengthen the effect of cleaning solutions. Maintaining a proper potential hydrogen (pH) level is vital to our health, keeping cholesterol, blood sugar and the heart's circular system running smoothly. If pH level is kept at 7, the alkaline and acids are equally balanced, influencing bone health, proper digestion, electrolyte activity and keeping immunity strong to prevent sickness.

Sodium Carbonate

• Sodium carbonate can be synthetically produced by salt.

  Sodium carbonate is an alkalizing agent used primarily as a water softener. Also known as soda ash or washing soda, it is a sodium salt of carbonic acid extracted from the ashes of plants and can be synthetically produced from limestone and table salt. It can be used in the production of soda lime glass, to neutralize the acidity of chlorine, replace sodium hydroxide in cooking and also in taxidermy, working with boiling water to remove flesh from bones.

Vegetables

• Lettuce contains alkaline.

  Alkalizing agents can also be found in vegetables of various types. Salad vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage, spinach, onions and carrots are rich in alkaline raw or cooked. These foods are infused with alkaline elements and have very small amounts of acid in their makeup. Even better, they do not produce acids when digested by the body and are essential in maintaining your pH balance. If having trouble eating vegetables, buy a juice like V8 that is infused with the nutrients to keep your body going.

Sodium Hydroxide

• Sodium hydroxide is used in the manufacturing of soap.

  Also known as caustic soda and lye, sodium hydroxide is an alkalizing agent that readily absorbs water from air, making it very soluble. Available in pellets, flakes, granules and as a 50% saturated solution, sodium hydroxide is a white solid that is odorless at room temperature. Its strong chemical base is used in the manufacturing of paper, soap, drinking water, detergent, textiles and as a drain cleaner. It is very corrosive and can cause swelling of the larynx if inhaled directly, vomiting if ingested and permanent eye damage if it comes in contact with the eyes. Its acids will leave a yellow stain on fabric or paper if spilled.

Dried Fruit and Nuts

• Raisins are an alkalizing agent.

  Dried fruits such as dates, raisins and cranberries are alkalizing agents. When dried, a portion of their acids are oxidized, making them more alkaline. Read labels before purchasing, if sulfur is used as a preservative, their alkaline content has been reduced. Almond, Brazil nuts and chestnuts are also alkalizing agents. Whether eaten raw, cooked or in combination of other foods, these nuts fight excess acidity, but be careful. Manufactured products such as cereal, almond paste and chestnut purees often contain sweeteners, numbing their alkalization.

Sodium Bicarbonate

• Sodium bicarbonate is used as a leavening agent in baked goods.

  Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is an alkaline derived from the mineral natron. It is administered directly to cancer's neoplastic masses to flood cancerous cells with oxygen, overwhelming and killing them. It can also be used to treat wool and silk fabrics, manufacture plastic and rubber, as a leavening agent in the baking of breads and cakes, cleaning and as an anti-pollutant.