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Foods That Bring Your Body to an Alkaline State

When we eat food, our bodies take on some of the characteristics of the food we eat. "You are what you eat" has never been more true. The pH level of our bodies can affect our overall health and our ability to fight disease. It is suggested that the human body functions the best when in a slightly alkaline state.

  1. The Facts

    • The typical American diet is not always a good one. Plagued with an abundance of fats and sugars, our blood pH is often too acidic, making our bodies easy targets for all sorts of health problems. Bringing the blood pH to a slightly alkaline state could help you stay healthier.

    Your pH

    • You can buy testing strips (for urine or saliva) at drug stores to see for yourself whether you have an acidic blood pH. Because it is not good for our blood to be too alkaline or too acidic, you should find out your pH level before you decide what, if any, changes you want to make to your diet. According to health website MedicineNet.com, a normal blood pH is between 7.35 and 7.45 (slightly alkaline). A pH of 7 is neutral.

    Alkaline Vegetables

    • Vegetable lovers will enjoy the alkaline diet, as most vegetables are alkaline in nature. Everything from asparagus and artichokes to carrots and cauliflower are alkaline foods that should be eaten regularly to bring the body to an alkaline state.

    Alkaline Fruits

    • It would be easy to assume that fruit is on the acidic list, and most of them are. However, there is a short list of fruits that fall on the alkaline side. Among these good fruits are lemons, limes, avocado, tomato, grapefruit and rhubarb, according to the European alkaline diet and nutrition website Energiseforlife.com.

    Beverages

    • Pure water is the most important drink we can consume. Not surprisingly, it is right at the top of the list of liquids to drink to obtain a healthy blood pH. Drinks that are on the alkaline list are lemon water, fresh vegetable juice, herbal tea and soy milk.

    Seeds, Nuts, Grains and More

    • Almonds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds and lentils are all good alkaline foods. Also, sprouts and hummus are excellent foods for bringing the body to an alkaline state.

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