I’ve written quite a lot in the past about how important it is to eat good quality whole foods and to consume lots of (preferably organic) veggies. But I’ve not mentioned that healthy foods choices will also help alkalize your
I’ve written quite a lot in the past about how important it is to eat good quality whole foods and to consume lots of (preferably organic) veggies. But I’ve not mentioned that healthy foods choices will also help alkalize your body.
What we eat, drink, breathe, think, and do is critical to maximize our health and well-being. Health is not luck — no, it is much more connected to and influenced by the choices we make.
The human body has its own natural immune, defense, repair, detoxification and digestive systems. These help our body prevent disease, meet its nutritional needs, and keep in balance. When our body is in a more acidic state, our natural defense mechanisms are weaker, thus we have a lower ability to repair and are more vulnerable to diseases. On the other hand when our body is more alkaline, it is much stronger and can heal itself more effectively.
pH (or potential of hydrogen) is a measure of acidity and alkalinity, represented as a number on a scale. A value of seven indicates neutrality — a balance of alkalinity and acidity — while lower numbers indicate greater acidity, and higher numbers indicate increasing alkalinity.
If your body is in a more acidic state — with a pH below seven — then the potential side effects include weight gain, osteoporosis, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, slow digestion, and joint pain. When you’re in a more alkaline state you will experience healthier digestion, a stronger immune defense and repair system, and increased physical energy.
Some of the best ways to alkalize your body include
• Drink freshly squeezed lemon juice with water each morning
• Regularly make fresh dark green vegetable juice
• Consume plenty of fiber, and plenty of water
• At least 80 percent of your diet should consist of whole foods
• Eat fresh fruits and avocado daily
• Minimize processed food, artificial sweeteners, alcohol, dairy and meat products
Remember, your health is in your hands, and little things can make a big difference. Changing just one thing in your daily eating plan, and replacing one less-healthy option with one more-healthy alternative, will over time make a big difference!
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Ayda Ersoy is a nutrition and fitness director at The Diet Doc Hawaii. She can be reached at DietDocHawaii.com, Ayda@DietDocHawaii.com or (808) 276-6892
