Alkaline Forming Foods For A Balanced And Healthy Diet

In this article, we discuss the benefits of Alkaline-Forming Foods. In previous posts, we have explained the importance of creating the correct pH levels within our bodies to promote an environment in which diseased cells, viruses, bacteria, and fungi are unable to thrive.

pH is the scale used to describe how acid or alkaline a substance is, measured from 0 – most acidic – to 14 – most alkaline. The ideal pH for the human body is around 7.4, so slightly alkaline. 

At this level, our bodies can function most effectively and have the best chance of fighting off diseases.

When our pH levels are out of balance and drop below 7.4, our system becomes more acidic – this is known as acidosis – and forces our body to extract essential vitamins such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and sodium from vital organs, bones, and teeth to attain a correct pH. This natural response to a high pH can cause short-term and long-term problems and lead to the onset of serious disease.

Alkaline Foods, Degenerative Diseases, and Cancer

Diseased cells thrive and multiply within an acid environment, mainly where Oxygen levels are out of their normal range. Some research has found that people with certain chronic illnesses have higher body acidity.

The Dangers of Acidosis

Acidosis can manifest in many ways and can be identified by some of the following symptoms and illnesses.

• Reduced ability to absorb vital minerals and other nutrients – shown by vitamin deficiencies.
• Reduced energy
• The beginnings of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, tuberculosis, high blood pressure, and many forms of cancer.
• Signs of premature aging such as wrinkles, poor eyesight, and memory loss.
• Symptoms like anxiety, diarrhea, diabetes, headaches, hyperactivity, insomnia, nervousness, weight gain, rapid heartbeat, and hypertension.

Understanding Alkaline Foods and Alkaline-forming Foods

When we say alkaline or acid food, we refer to its levels of acid or alkaline before being digested and processed by the body.

What we are interested in are the alkaline-forming foods. Paradoxically, some foods may be acidic in their natural state but trigger an alkaline state.

List of Alkaline Forming Foods

The good news is that by incorporating alkaline-forming foods into our daily diet, we can eliminate acidosis and create a healthy environment where the disease is unlikely to form.

The alkaline-forming food list below includes many of the most common foods that are highly alkalizing and will help put you on the right track in obtaining that perfect pH balance of 7.4. It is also important to note that raw foods are generally more alkaline-forming than cooked foods. 

Note that these lists refer to the alkalizing potential of foods in the body, not their initial pH.

Fruit

Highly Alkalizing

Blackberries, cantaloupe melons, dried figs and dates, grapes, honeydew melon, kiwi fruit, lemons, limes, mango, papaya, passion fruit, pears, pineapples, raisins, tangerines, watermelon.

Moderately Alkalizing

Apples, apricots, avocados, ripe bananas, bell peppers, blackberries, blackcurrants, currants, gooseberries, grapefruit, guava, nectarines, oranges, peaches, persimmons. 

Low Alkalizing

Unripe bananas, cherries, coconut, raspberries, tomatoes.

Neutral 

Blueberries, plums, prunes, rhubarb.

Vegetables

Highly Alkalizing

Alfalfa grass, alfalfa sprouts, asparagus, barley grass, collard greens, dandelions, endives, sorrel, watercress, wheatgrass. 

Moderately Alkalizing 

Beets, broccoli, butternut squash, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, sweetcorn, green beans, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, parsnips, pumpkins, red radish, spinach, string beans, sweet potatoes, turnips, zucchini/courgette.

Low Alkalizing

Jerusalem artichokes, Brussel sprouts, cucumbers, eggplant/aubergine, green cabbage, leeks, mushrooms, okra, olives, onions, peas, cabbage, white radish.

Neutral

Globe artichokes, horseradish, lentils, lima beans.

Protein

Almonds, chestnuts, millet, tempeh, tofu, whey protein powders.

Dairy

Buttermilk, cottage cheese, milk, whey.

Algae and seaweed

Spirulina, chlorella, hijiki, wakame, nori.

Oils

Flaxseed, cod liver, olive, canola, avocado. 

Sweeteners

Maple syrup, honey, stevia.

Drinks

Fresh fruit or vegetable juice, ginger tea, ginseng tea, green tea, herbal teas, mineral water. 

Minerals

Calcium, cesium, magnesium, potassium, sea salt, sodium.

Herbs and spices

Cayenne, chilies, chili, pepper, chives, cinnamon, curry, garlic, ginger, herbs, miso, mustard, tamari.

Nuts and seeds

Almonds, brazil, cashews, chestnuts, flaxseeds, macadamia, pumpkin and squash seeds, sesame seeds.

Common Alkaline Food Questions

What percentage of my diet intake should be alkaline?

As a guide, your diet should consist of 60% alkaline-forming foods and 40% acidic forming foods. If you need to recover your pH balance, it is advisable to have an intake of 80% alkaline-forming foods. 

Why eat alkaline foods?

Adopting a diet plan that incorporates a high level of alkalizing foods makes our bodies function more efficiently and prevent or fight disease.

Can you eat acid and alkaline foods at the same meal?

Yes, you can. It’s important to understand that some acidic foods are still crucial to our diets and need to be consumed to maintain a balanced diet with all the necessary nutrients.

Are Lemons Alkaline or Acidic?

Lemons are acidic in their raw state but have an alkalizing effect on the body due to their high potassium, sodium, and magnesium content.

How do I know if my alkaline diet or balance is correct?

The most important thing is to make sure that you check your pH levels regularly. This can be done using simple pH testing strips that can be purchased on the internet or from your local pharmacy. 

Can an alkaline diet help with acid reflux/GERD?

Acid reflux occurs when the bottom of the esophagus opens, causing the acids in the stomach to rise into the gullet (esophagus). This results in an uncomfortable burning sensation, commonly known as heartburn.

By incorporating more alkaline-forming foods into our diets, we can reduce the acidity levels in the body and, in many cases, alleviate acid reflux.

Can an alkaline diet prevent cancer?

Yes, it can help. Terminally ill patients, in most cases, have a very high level of acidity in the body. A body with the correct pH level is more likely to be able to fight off various diseases.

Can an alkaline diet help during pregnancy?

As heartburn and indigestion are common during pregnancy, a correct pH balance is essential to help relieve these uncomfortable symptoms and help promote a healthy environment for both mother and baby.

Can an alkaline diet help me to lose weight?

As an alkaline-rich diet will include far less sugary food, a calorie-controlled alkaline diet can likely help with weight loss.

An alkaline diet and correct pH level also help speed up the metabolism by ensuring proper oxygenation of the cells. This means that the metabolism can work more efficiently in burning fat cells.

If you have any questions or thoughts about the issues raised, please comment below! For a more personalized assessment, please contact the Budwig Center. 

You can also join the Budwig Center community on either Facebook or Twitter.

For further information on alkaline foods and information on the Budwig Diet, CLICK HERE to download our free guide.

Additional reading:

• Starve Cancer With The Keto-Budwig Diet
• How To Make Your Own Natural Vitamin C
• Download The Budwig Guide Today

 

Article Updated: 4/8/2020