Have you ever felt chronic inflammation-induced due to acid reflux in your stomach just after you had your dinner? Well, if you have, chances are you consumed some acidic foods which increased the pH balance in your body.

If you are facing this regularly, you need to change the type of foods you consume every day and follow an alkaline food list that is considered to maintain the pH balance in your body, improve well-being and even support you in your weight-loss process.

With the advancement of age and technology, people have adopted erratic food choices which are detrimental to the health of the body and mind in the long run. Therefore, it is very essential to take action in the present and try to maintain the pH balance of your body.

Normally, the acidic level of your gastrointestinal system while secreting the gastric juices is 2.0 to 3.5, which is considered to be very high, but it is needed for the breakdown of the complex food particles. However, this acidic level, which was ideally meant for the smooth functioning of your gut, is disrupted when you choose an unhealthy lifestyle and food choices.   

Eating burgers, pizzas, french fries, sausages, sweetened beverages, doughnuts,and pastries regularly cause you harm in the long run as they leave behind residues popularly known as acid ash. Acid ash is one of the major causes of stomach problems.

What is an Alkaline Diet?

Once you realize how important it is to maintain the pH levels in your body, you will be immediately drawn towards opting for an alkaline diet, which is also called an acid-alkaline or alkaline-ash diet. One of the key features of this diet is to alter the pH levels of your body and keep your acidic levels in control.

During the metabolic processes, the complex food particles are broken down into energy. However, not all food particles are broken down. Some are still left behind in the form of residue, called ash. Ash is nothing more than the metabolic waste which is generated out of the metabolic process.

Now, this ash can be in three forms; alkaline, acidic, or neutral. So, if you have eaten acidic foods, you will have acidic ash which can make your blood more acidic. A similar pattern is followed by the other two.

Having an acidic-ash can make you more susceptible to illnesses and diseases, whereas neutral and alkaline ash is considered safer and healthier for your body.

Below mentioned is the list of foods that fall into the three categories mentioned earlier:

Acidic

Foods that leave acidic ash include meat especially corned beef, canned lunch meat, turkey veal and lean beef, poultry, fish, eggs, grains especially brown rice rolled oats, cornflakes, white rice, rye bread, whole-wheat bread, alcohol, cottage cheese, milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, alcohol, soda, lentils, and other packaged foods.

Neutral

The foods which do not cause any change in your acidic levels are natural fats include olive oil, butter, and milk, starches, and sugars. However, these neutral foods have to be consumed only up to a certain limit.

Alkaline

Best alkaline foods include fruits, nuts, legumes, and vegetables.

The Ultimate Alkaline Food List: What to Eat And What to Avoid

If you have been eating burgers and pizzas for a while, it is time to stop eating them and switch to the alkaline dietary requirements. Here is a complete list mentioning all the alkaline fruits and vegetables that can be included in your meal.

1. Eat your greens

All the green vegetables are considered to be large storehouses of vitamins A, B, R, folic acid, and minerals such as iron, calcium, and phosphorus. These vital nutrients and minerals not only help in maintaining the alkaline effect in our body but also help in strengthening our immunity.

Therefore, try inculcating green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, lettuce, celery, cabbage, and mustard green. In addition to this, cauliflower and broccoli fall under the category of cruciferous vegetables which are known to balance the pH levels in our systems. 

These cruciferous vegetables are known to contain vitamins A, C,and K, along with certain phytochemicals which help in reducing inflammation and even decrease the risk of cancer.

2. Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits are considered to be the best alkaline fruits, refuting the common myth that they are highly acidic and increase the acidic levels of your body. Vitamin C-rich alkaline fruits include lemon, oranges, and sweet lime which help the body to detoxify its system and also treat heartburn and acidity.  

3. Root vegetables

Some root vegetables such as sweet potato, beets, radish, turnips, and carrots are the best alkaline foods that help in keeping your pH levels balanced. Not only that, but they also help in detoxifying the body from all the harmful bacteria with the help of the soluble and dietary fiber they contain.

These root vegetables also help in reducing bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.  

4. Nuts

Nuts can be your perfect binge-watching companions instead of microwave popcorn or pizzas.

Nuts are an extremely good source of healthy fats which help you in marinating the alkaline effect in your body. Apart from keeping the acidic levels in control, almonds and walnuts help in regulating the blood sugar levels and also help in improving the health of your heart.

Apart from the above-mentioned foods, unsweetened fruit juices, raisins, black currants, potatoes, mineral soda water, soy food, legumes, seeds, and wine can also fall under the category of alkaline food list. It’s high time now that we shift our focus from our workaholic life and take some time out of our hectic schedule to take care of our body.

The alkaline diet is followed by some of the big hotshots of the acting industry such as Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Victoria Beckham, and others who have lauded it and gave a positive response. However, if you are suffering from any comorbidities, it is essential to consult your doctor and then opt for this diet.  

Also Read: Alkaline Food Diet