The Standard American Diet (appropriately abbreviated SAD) consists mostly of acidic foods (proteins, cereals, sugars, processed foods, junk foods, etc.). Alkaline foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are often eaten in much smaller quantities, and the amount eaten does not neutralize the excess acidity consumed through those other foods. Additionally, smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol, soda, or coffee can create higher acidity levels in the body. These are all common foods that the average American ingests.
A healthy body should be roughly 20% acidic and 80% alkaline, which means that a person’s intake of alkaline foods should be much higher than his/her intake of acidic foods. When we talk about the acid/alkaline balance, we aren’t referring to stomach acid. We are referring to the body’s pH levels. In the case of the stomach, the pH level is naturally acidic, but bodily fluids, cells, and tissues do not benefit from having acidic pH levels. An overly acidic body can lead to a variety of health conditions, high blood pressure being the most common.
When it comes to distinguishing alkaline foods from acidic foods, it can be hard for some people. For instance, some people think that lemons are acidic. They contain citric acid, yes, but they have an alkalizing effect inside the body. The same thing can be said for apple cider vinegar, which is another great alkaline food.
The Top Alkaline Fruits Include:
- Lemons
- Limes
- Grapefruit
- Avocado
- Tomatoes
- Coconut
- Pomegranate
The Top Alkaline Veggies Include:
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Celery
- Endive
- Garlic
- Alfalfa Sprouts
- Parsley
- Kale
- Spinach
Symptoms of Being Too Acidic
1. Digestive issues
- Excess stomach acid
- Acid reflux
- Gastritis
- Ulcers
- Saliva acidic
2. Unhealthy Skin, Nails and Hair
- Nails are thin and break easily
- Dry skin
- Cracks at the corners of the lips
- Hair is dull with split ends, and falls out
- Hives
- Very pale face
3. Teeth and Mouth Issues
- Loose teeth
- Teeth sensitive to hot, cold, or acidic foods
- Teeth have a tendency to crack or chip
- Sensitive gums
- Mouth ulcers
- Infections in throat and tonsils
- Tooth nerve pain
4. Eyes, Head and General Body
- Headaches
- Low body temperature (feels cold)
- Tendency to get infections
- Leg cramps and spasms
- Eyes tear easily, conjunctivitis, inflammation of the eyelids and corneas
5. Nerves and Emotions
- Low energy; constant fatigue
- Being continually depressed with a loss of joy and enthusiasm
- Excessive nervousness
Benefits of Having an Alkalized Body pH
Anti-Aging
A lot of people associate aging with wrinkles or graying hair, but there is some unseen aging that happens inside the body. Having an overly acidic body accelerates the aging process. Having an alkalized body can prevent acidosis, and can keep the body feeling younger.
Better Joint Health
People with overly acidic bodies are more prone to developing arthritis. Additionally, an acidic diet accelerates the degeneration of cartilage and bones, along with reducing the range of motion. Eating an alkaline diet can help to reduce inflammation in joints and improve circulation in those areas.
Better Immune Health
The immune system works to protect your body from foreign invaders, sending antibodies to fight microorganisms. Additionally, there is a natural process, called phagocytosis, that works to take these foreign particles out of your circulation. All of these things work more efficiently when you have balanced pH levels. Too much acidity can interfere with the immune system’s natural processes.
Mental Clarity
Mental decline can be a natural part of aging, but an acidic body can reduce the production of functioning neurotransmitters. Recent studies have shown that neurodegenerative diseases are increased by having acidic pH levels. Keeping the body neutral, around a 7.4 pH level, can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Better Energy
Feeling fatigued or sluggish is a common sign of having an acidic body. This isn’t surprising when you consider the fact that metabolic pathways function at their best when they have pH levels that range from 7.35-7.45. As the pH level moves out of this range towards acidity, the body’s natural processes start slowing, making you feel more tired than usual.
Weight Loss Becomes Easier
When there is an accumulation of toxins in the body, losing weight can be more difficult. Acidic pH levels can cause toxins to be stored in fat, which is common in people who are obese. Alkalizing the body is a great way to flush toxins from the body, helping with waste elimination, which is one of the most important parts of weight loss.
Alkalizing the body doesn’t have to be difficult. You can start by eliminating processed foods, junk food, meat products, meat, and dairy products from your diet. Focus on plant-based foods and try drinking alkaline water. If you need help making alkaline water, read this article. Finally, you can participate in the Full Body Cleanse to help neutralize pH levels and get you back on the healthy track.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
