Alkalinity and Food Related Inflammation

I think many of us learned in about pH in school and I used paper strips to test the chemical levels in the pool when I was a lifeguard. What I didn't know for so long, was the effect food has on the pH balance of our bodies. The big deal is that our human bodies are naturally alkaline and that's how we thrive; however, western culture revolves around an acidic diet, and this acidic diet is creating inflammation in our bodies. Check out my previous blog post to see how inflammation might be affecting you.

Similar to the jar of coins I talked about earlier, I've heard alkalinity described as a savings account. We were born with a 'savings' of alkalinity; when we run out and become more acidic, inflammation occurs and begins to cause health problems. We have to work to rebuild the savings account. 

 "A healthy body has an adequate reserve for neutralizing normal acid forming body functions such as the lactic acid built up during exercise and for metabolizing food. If you are not eating foods that replenish your alkaline reserves, it is like constantly withdrawing from a dwindling savings account without ever making deposits. "

The pH scale ranges from 0 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline), with our bodies falling right above average at 7.4 (more alkaline). 

Several years ago, I eliminated meat, eggs, and dairy from my diet for a variety of reasons and experienced incredible benefits and so much healthier over all. Now that I realize all of these foods are acidic,  I see why eliminating them helped so much; it made room for more alkaline foods. 

The most acid forming foods include:

  • meat 

  • dairy 

  • eggs 

  • refined sugar

  • caffeine, coffee in particular (crying on the inside) 

  • alcohol

  • wheat (grains in general tend to be acidic)

  • processed foods

Another thing to keep in mind and that will change person to person are food sensitivities and difficulty with digesting certain foods. 

There are tons of alkalizing foods (the majority of fruits/vegetables). I’ve created this list based on the most commonly listed items I’ve seen across my search.

  • berries

  • citrus

  • melons

  • avocados

  • bananas

  • leafy greens

  • sweet potatoes/potatoes

  • asparagus

  • broccoli and cauliflower 

  • celery

  • cucumber

  • carrots

  • beets

  • pumpkin seeds, cashews, and almonds

  • quinoa

  • lentils

  • tofu/tempeh

  • green and herbal tea

*Beans tend to be slightly more acidic than neutral, however, as a protein source, they are much cleaner than animal proteins as they are lower in saturated fat, non-carcinogenic, higher in micronutrients, typically more alkalizing than meat, and unlike meat, are loaded with fiber! Not to mention, meat has a carbon footprint of over 1,300% higher than beans (#healthyconscience).

*I’ve seen many people warn against consuming nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants); however, I’ve never noticed a direct correlation with my inflammation and tend to tolerate them well. This article helps explain why nightshades are likely fine/beneficial even, to consume, even if you suffer with inflammation. Of course, it doesn’t matter what the internet says if it doesn’t work for you personally, so always listen to your body and test things out for yourself.

Basing your diet around alkaline foods and eating acidic foods in moderation will prevent inflammation from forming & help manage existing inflammation in your body. If you're ever questioning if a food is helpful or harmful to you, just look up the pH.

Happy healing!

Madeline

 

Madeline Appelpsoriasis, autoimmune