Odds are you’ve heard of the alkaline diet before. It’s not new, but it picked up popularity when several celebrities, from Gwyneth Paltrow to Kristen Dunst and even Jennifer Aniston, endorsed it. The idea is that eating certain foods or drinks can alter the pH value in your body, or acid level, to improve your well-being. Some even say it will help you manage weight and even combat cancer. There are debates around the alkaline diet, and if you’re going to follow a strict protocol, you should look deeper into that and speak with your doctor.
That said, it’s important to point out that most of the foods recommended for this plan are traditionally good for you, whether you’re aiming to adjust pH levels or not. We’re going to suggest ideas for you to add more high-alkaline foods to your diet, focusing on breakfast foods in particular. But first, we need to break down what the alkaline diet even is and how it’s said to work.
Why does the body’s acid level matter?
The gastrointestinal system secretes gastric acids to support the digestion process, which is responsible for breaking down food. The gut’s pH balance is important to keep the digestive system functioning smoothly, and when the acidic level fluctuates, it impacts the body’s digestion and causes gastric issues. As food habits have changed in past decades, the intake of acidic foods like burgers, pizza, fries, doughnuts, and carbonated beverages has increased. After they’re digested, they leave an ‘acid ash,’ which causes stomach issues and makes you prone to illness.
On the flip side, alkaline foods help maintain the pH balance in the body. Alkaline ash offers a protective barrier to the stomach, and experts say eating an alkaline diet can improve chronic inflammation. That has additional benefits, like decreasing the risk of chronic disease. The goal is to keep your body at a pH level of 7, and an alkaline diet is intended to do just that. Choosing alkaline foods keeps the levels right and enhances overall health.
How do you adjust pH levels?
If you increase the amount of fresh vegetables, fruits, and water in your diet and lower the amount of sugar, alcohol, meat, and processed foods, you’ll be well on your way to increasing your alkaline levels and getting your pH where it needs to be.
Green leafy vegetables are packed with vitamins A, B, and E, folic acid, and minerals iron, calcium, and phosphorus. They’re all vital for your body’s normal functions and for building up your immunity. It will help to incorporate spinach, lettuce, kale, celery, cabbage, and collard, and mustard greens into your diet.
Cauliflower and broccoli will help balance the alkaline pH in your system. The vitamins A, C, K, folate, and phytochemicals plant compounds are important in lowering inflammation and risk for serious chronic illnesses.
They may seem acidic, but citrus is one of the best sources of alkaline foods. They’re packed with vitamin C that will help detoxify your system.
Root vegetables, like sweet potatoes, beets, radishes, turnips, and carrots, are also a rich source for keeping your pH balance levels high. They’re good for fiber to boost good bacteria in your gut, reduce cholesterol and lower the risk of heart disease.
Nuts come full of healthy fats and also have an alkaline impact on your system. Almonds, walnuts, and cashews especially can improve heart health and assist in managing weight.
How about meal ideas for the alkaline diet?
We have several options for breakfasts that pack some alkaline punch.
The first is a basic – but with a twist.
Eggs and mushrooms
When you’d normally go for eggs and bacon, try eggs and mushrooms instead. There are a large variety of mushrooms out there with unique flavors and textures. The eggs are alkaline and a great source of protein.
Avocado toast
This is an option that’s gained popularity in recent years. It’s nutrient-rich. Just be careful to choose the right kind of bread. Sprouted or spelt breads are the ideal options.
Smoothies
You can get a ton of nutrients out of a morning smoothie, depending on what you put in it. Spinach, kale, and celery are great options, along with citrus, and those are all good for an alkaline diet.
Grain-free Granola
This can be a delicious option to fill your body with more alkaline foods. Think nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. You can mix these in big batches to enjoy all week.
Chia seed pudding
Chia seeds are a great superfood, and you can make the pudding out of just seeds and milk. You mix up two tablespoons of seeds and half a cup of milk and let it sit overnight. The pudding will be ready the next morning.
The Bottom Line
Of course, you can come up with dozens of other options. But these should get you on your way to building an alkaline-based diet. Just make the effort to work in more vegetables, fruits, nuts, and lentils. But in this case, it’s important to avoid certain things, too, including sugar, meat, processed foods, and alcohol, when possible.
These choices will enhance your total well-being, no matter if your end goal is weight loss or just overall wellness.
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