The alkaline diet is popular and highly recommended by physicians, physical therapists, nutritionists, and dieticians because it works wonders for the body. When we talk about ‘acid-forming’ and ‘alkaline-forming,’ we are looking at how much acid the stomach has to produce to digest food. If acidic, or under pH 7.0, the body will gradually deplete mineral levels from bones and muscles, pulling sodium bicarbonate from the mouth, magnesium from muscles, and calcium from bones, for example. The purpose of eating alkaline foods is so the body doesn’t have to work hard to support its pH 7.365 level. The body’s self-regulation of temperature, blood volume, and oxygen levels, or homeostasis, supports a balance of extracellular fluids.

The most exact method of monitoring blood pH is with pH strips easily available at a chemist or pharmacy. The packaging shows simple instructions, has a color chart, and is inexpensive. Just hold a strip under your urine stream several times a day and compare it to the color chart. In the morning, you may see a slight increase in acidity showing acid production of the previous day; but an afternoon reading should be more alkaline, and an evening reading should be even higher, depending upon your food choices during the day. This is an easy way to watch your eating habits as the day progresses. It shows results at once, without going to a medical clinic for testing.

Your success in making alkaline-eating a lifestyle will be a reward in itself; weight loss is a bonus. Taken slowly, steadily, and moderately, substituting alkaline for acidic foods becomes second nature. The best way to ensure your body maintains homeostasis is by sticking to an 80/20, alkaline/acid ratio to correct and improve absorption of vitamins and minerals. Eat just until your stomach is 80% full, leave 20% for digestion. (The best way to determine how full the stomach is, just eat until you’re no longer hungry, never eat until you’re uncomfortable.) Arrange a plate of 80% vegetables, 20% meat, grains, or starches. And 80% of the plate should be alkaline forming, with only 20% acid forming. By following this rule, you can say goodbye to fatigue, bloating, acne, heartburn; even anxiety and depression!

Innumerable people have had success integrating alkaline eating with their personal lifestyles. Following are tips from individuals just like you and from medical professionals who have personally taken this challenge. What has worked for them should inspire you to begin the journey to a healthier, more active lifestyle. Be patient with yourself and allow a month to feel the full benefits of eating alkaline, but it’s possible to notice improvements in just a few days. Giving up weighty meals, sugary sweets, and foods injected with antibiotics and preservatives should be a no-brainer. Don’t wait until an irreversible health scare forces you to step up to take charge of the quality of your life.

Let’s start with the easiest way to alkalise, with apple cider vinegar with “the mother” (sediment), the only vinegar that is alkaline-forming. Its antiseptic quality cleanses the digestive tract. Stir 2 Tbsp. of raw ACV in a glass of water both morning and night. The stomach produces almost no acid to digest it. How simple is that? Also, drink 2 to 3 quarts of filtered alkalised water daily. Alkalisers can be greens, lemons, pH drops, or mineral drops, varied for a balanced intake of nutrients. The human body is 70% water and must be replenished often throughout the day. Since water has neutral pH, it neutralizes food acids to propel the body towards an alkaline state.

Try the following recipe as a substitute for creamy, high caloric dressings in your refrigerator that are weighing you down. Salad Dressing: Mix 2 garlic cloves (chopped), 2 Tbsp. ACV, 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, 1 Tbsp. raw honey or agave, 1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, 1/3 cup water, 1 tsp. dried basil leaves, dash cayenne pepper, dash cumin powder and sea salt or Himalayan salt to taste.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade! Add lemons to everything! Start the day with warm water and lemons to alkalise yourself first thing. Then, mix two quarts of lemon water using the juice of two lemons in two quarts of filtered water. Keep it on hand to rehydrateevery hour, and finish it by bedtime. Swap caffeinated beverages for herbal ones. Echinacea, mint, dandelion root, lemongrass, green, and ginger teas are all thirst-quenching alkaline alternatives.

Whip up green vegetable juice drinks in a blender. Nutritionist Vicki Edgson blends watercress, kale, apple, cucumber and basil with water. Oven bake chicken breast doused with fresh lemon juice and serve with a plate full of alkaline vegetables such as steamed spinach, avocado or peas. Alkaline doesn’t mean bland. Experiment with fennel, cumin, cinnamon and coriander. Swap dairy for organic soy products.

A holistic attitude will exponentially increase the rewards of an alkalised diet. Sleep, laughter, and unconditional love are alkaline-forming activities that lead to peaceful mealtimes. Gratitude for the gift of life, good health, and love all contribute to joy. No expensive exercise equipment or gym membership required.

These simple-to-execute substitutions will become habits in a few weeks and can get you started on the right path to health. If you fall off the wagon, just get back to the diet as soon as possible. If you would like to learn more about how to incorporate an alkaline diet into your lifestyle, contact us. Dr. Allie will inspire you to embrace your life.