Alkaline Diet

A person’s acidity or alkalinity can be measured according to the pH scale. Any substance below 7.0 is acidic, whilst anything with a pH above 7.0 is alkaline. The ideal pH range for the human body is between 7.35 and 7.45. With modern life style a lot of people have a disbalance between their acid and alkaline indicators, gravitating towards more acidic side. Acidosis is a condition in which body chemistry becomes imbalanced and overly acidic, particularly body fluids. Symptoms associated with this condition include insomnia, water retention, arthritis, migraines, chronic low blood pressure, constipation, bad breath, burning sensation in the mouth, sensitivity of the teeth to vinegar and acidic fruits. Moreover, diabetes, kidney failure, overconsumption of aspirin can further deplete the body’s alkaline base making it more acidic.

Alkaline diet meal plans must consist of no less than 50% raw foods. Raw foods maintain the correct acid-alkaline balance within the body. They are also richer in nutrients than their cooked counterparts and as a result are assimilated much easier into the body. Fresh fruits and particularly citrus fruits dramatically reduce acidosis. However, if you do not want to adopt strict raw diet, eating lots of fruits and vegetables cooked will help pH to become more alkaline.