It’s important to understand the difference between acid-producing and alkaline foods because what you eat will have a tremendous impact on your health. A diet that is high in acidity produces excess acid in the body which ultimately will have a harmful effect on your body. Aside from its negative implications, an acidic diet also makes you more susceptible to developing certain illnesses and diseases.
Those who don’t pay much attention to what they eat or those who like to indulge, generally are the ones who have a diet that’s high in acidity. Because many of the foods and drinks that we enjoy tend to be acid-producing in nature.
The Negative Impact of Consuming too Many Acid-producing Foods
A diet that’s high in acidity is linked to a greater risk of developing several long-term health issues. For instance, lower bone density, bone and muscle deterioration, and the formation of kidney stones are common conditions prone to those who indulge in an acidic diet. There’s also a greater risk in developing liver complications, heart disease, and cancer.
Aside from being more prone to long-term health risks, diets that are high in acidity will hinder the body’s systems from running efficiently.
It’s suggested that the body will function at its very best with a pH that’s slightly alkaline. According to Healthline, it’s best for blood pH to be slightly alkaline, ranging anywhere from 7.35 to 7.45.
How to Alkalize Your Body
So how do you alkalize your body? The simple solution to alkalizing your body: eliminate foods and drinks that are acid-producing from your diet and opt for those that are either neutral or alkalizing. Opting for an alkaline or plant-based diet has remarkable health benefits and it will prevent the onset of long-term health risks that are associated with an acidic diet.
Next, make sure that you’re getting plenty of water. Alkaline water has become increasingly popular due to its alkaline nature. Pure distilled water is neither acidic nor alkaline and its pH level is generally at about 7. Whereas, alkaline water has a pH level of 8 or higher. These days, it’s much easier get your hands on alkaline water with products such as the DYLN Alkaline Water Bottle that allows you to create and enjoy alkaline, antioxidant water anytime, anywhere.
Aside from an alkaline diet, it’s also imperative that you make very specific changes to your lifestyle! Before exploring the 5 steps in how to alkalize your body, let’s take a look at the definition of alkaline vs. acidic.
Defining Alkaline vs. Acid
So what’s the difference between alkaline and acid-producing foods?
Foods and beverages are classified as acidic, neutral, or alkaline based on their pH level. A pH scale from level 0 to 14 is used. The most acidic substances have a pH level of 0 and the most alkaline have a pH level 14.
In order to reach a more neutral pH or to alkalize your body, you should avoid foods that are acid-producing. Foods you should avoid include:
- Fish
- Sugar
- Grains
- Soda
- Processed foods
- Certain dairy products
- Meats, fresh and processed
How to Make Your Body Alkaline
Now that we know how harmful it is to have a body pH that’s on the acidic end of the scale, here are 5 steps to alkalize your body:
1. Add More Vegetables to Your Diet
Aside from cutting out acid-producing foods and drinks, aim to add more greens to your diet! It’s as simple as making the conscious effort to make healthier choices throughout the day.
Try your best to add some greens to each meal and to eliminate processed foods entirely from your diet.
If you’re out grabbing a bite, choose a salad instead of fries as your side! Making better decisions when it comes to food will have a remarkable impact on your overall health and well-being.
Here is a list of foods and drinks that are either neutral or have an alkalizing effect according to Healthline:
- Herbal teas
- Soy, for example tofu, soybeans, miso
- Unsweetened yogurt and milk
- Avocados
- Nuts and seeds
- Beans and lentils
- Certain fresh vegetables, such as potatoes
- Certain whole grains, for instance quinoa and millet
2. Drink More Water
Keeping your body hydrated ensures that your body is functioning at its best. Not only is drinking more water great for your overall health, it’s also linked to enhanced performance when it comes to both physical activity and brain power. Not only will you perform better, but you’ll likely experience an increase to your energy level and improvements to your mood and concentration.
Compared to regular drinking water, alkaline water has a crisp, refreshing taste. According to Chatelaine, the molecules in alkaline water will leave you more hydrated because they are smaller than the molecules in regular water.
The DYLN Bottle makes it easy for you to make alkaline water anywhere you’d like. The stainless steel bottle is eco-friendly and easy to use. It also comes in a variety of fun colors which will get you excited about drinking water and to carry it along with you everywhere you go!
Make it easier for yourself to drink more water by keeping a full bottle within your reach throughout the day!
3. Swap Out Your Daily Dose of Caffeine for Tea
We all know that eliminating soda and other sweetened drinks from your diet will do wonders for your health. But did you know that coffee may also have an effect on your acid-base balance? Too much caffeine contributes to excess acidity!
When it comes to getting your caffeine fix, swap your usual cup of morning coffee for a healthier option, such as herbal tea! Green tea is a great alternative to coffee because it is highly alkaline.
4. Avoid Refined Sugar
When it comes to eliminating foods that are high in acidity, sugar is the first thing on the list of top foods to avoid! Reduce your intake of refined sugar by using healthier sweeteners or just by cutting it out altogether.
Eliminate all the drinks that are loaded in sugar and other artificial sweeteners. Just drink water instead. Give your water an extra kick, by adding lemon to it!
5. Exercise More!
In addition to making healthier dietary choices, it’s just as important for you to get that workout in! Stretching and moving around helps keep the lymph system flowing and can aid in reducing the buildup of acid in your body.
It’s suggested that our bodies are less acidic when there are fewer toxins in our system. And your body releases toxins when it sweats! Exercise also helps to counteract the acidity in our bodies and to alkalize the blood.
A Happier, Healthier Life Begins with Your Diet
Now that you know how to alkalize your body, you can get started on your journey to living a happier and healthier life. By incorporating a plant-based or alkaline diet into your lifestyle, the rewards and health benefits are plentiful!
To create your own alkaline water, take a look at the DYLN Bottle.
