What’s the big deal about alkaline diet food? What makes a food acid or alkaline? What is the best way to be sure that I’m including an adequate amount of these foods in my diet to create an optimal internal pH? The article you are currently reading will respond to these frequently asked questions about the alkaline diet.

To start with, the phrase “alkaline diet food” has the same meaning as “alkalizing food” and “alkaline-forming food.” Innumerable people also use the word “alkaline diet food” to describe foods that enhance the body’s alkalinity. Nevertheless, I like to avoid the term “alkaline diet food,” because it can often be confusing.

To give you an example, all varieties of vinegar are acidic when their pH is measured in the laboratory. Most types of vinegar, such as acetic vinegar, also have an acidifying action on the body. However, apple cider vinegar actually makes the body more alkaline. As you can see from this example, it is an error to suppose that all acid foods have an acidifying consequence on the body, or that all alkaline foods cause the body to become more alkaline. Consequently, I like to employ the expression “alkaline diet” to refer to foods that have an alkalizing effect on the body.

In response to the second question, the aspect that makes a food alkaline-forming is the presence of alkalizing minerals. These minerals include calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. While all those minerals are essential for wellness, potassium has the greatest consequence on pH.

It is interesting to note that our ancient ancestors consumed more potassium than modern humans do, because of their high intake of whole produce. At the same time, they consumed notably less sodium. The average hunter-gatherer in all probability consumed something like 700 mg of sodium each day. In contrast, the typical American eats four to eight times that quantity. This being the case, despite the fact that sodium is an alkalizing mineral, it would be a bad idea to attempt to increase your body’s alkalinity by heavily salting your food.

As a healthier alternative, you need to focus on maximizing your consumption of potassium-rich fruits and vegetables. This will assist in alkalizing your body while at the same time it will lessen your likelihood of hypertension and water retention by improving your sodium-potassium ratio.

The author answers questions about health and nutrition for the Alkaline Diet Blog. Visit today to learn more about alkaline diet food.

Tags: Nutrition

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