🥑 The Alkaline Diet

– The Alkaline Diet focuses on consuming foods that are believed to raise the body’s pH level to make it more alkaline instead of acidic. Studies have shown this type of diet can reduce all types of issues, including cancers. It primarily focuses on consuming 70 percent fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, while limiting meat, dairy, processed foods, and sugar.

By eating foods that promote an alkaline environment in the body instead of an acidic environment, studies show we can achieve better health and prevent illnesses. My favorite alkaline foods are: sweet potatoes, almonds, avacado, water with a dash of Celtic salt. Also, all fruits and veggies are alkaline, best cooked for easy digestion. Noteworthy options are leafy greens, broccoli, cucumber,  lemon, nuts and seeds and legumes like lentils. Apples are also an amazing option for energy that alkaline.

Alkaline foods are those that have a pH level above 7, which means they are less acidic. Here is a bullet point list of some alkaline foods, starting with those that are considered the most alkaline:

THE GOOD STUFF (alkaline):

1. Lemons: Although acidic on their own, lemons have an alkalizing effect on the body when metabolized.
2. Spinach: This leafy green is rich in minerals and has an alkaline effect.
3. Kale: Another alkaline leafy green that is packed with nutrients.
4. Cucumbers: These hydrating vegetables are highly alkaline.
5. Broccoli: A cruciferous vegetable that helps maintain an alkaline balance in the body.
6. Avocado: This creamy fruit is alkaline and a good source of healthy fats.
7. Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, and green bell peppers are all alkaline options.
8. Celery: A low-calorie, alkaline vegetable that’s great for snacking.
9. Carrots: These root vegetables are mildly alkaline and rich in vitamins.
10. Almonds: Almonds are an alkaline source of protein and healthy fats.
11. Cabbage: This cruciferous vegetable is alkaline and versatile in cooking.
12. Beets: Beets are moderately alkaline and offer various health benefits.
13. Zucchini: A low-calorie, alkaline vegetable that’s easy to cook with.
14. Watermelon: This hydrating fruit is alkaline and refreshing.
15. Asparagus: Asparagus is an alkaline vegetable packed with nutrients.
16. Sweet Potatoes: These starchy vegetables are mildly alkaline.
17. Radishes: Radishes are a crunchy, alkaline option.
18. Green Beans: A mild, alkaline vegetable that’s easy to prepare.
19. Cantaloupe: This sweet fruit is alkaline and a good source of vitamins.
20. Quinoa: This whole grain is alkaline and a source of complete protein.

How Meat, Eggs and Dairy stack up…
Here they are in order of how alkaline they are:
🥚 Eggs: Slightly acidic, though more neutral compared to most meats.
🧀 Goat Cheese: A little less acidic than cow’s milk cheese, but still acidic.
🍶 Cottage Cheese: Less acidic than hard cheeses, but still on the acidic side.
🐟 Fish (Salmon): Lean fish like salmon are less acidic than meats, but still slightly acidic.
🧀 Mozzarella: A soft cheese, less acidic compared to aged cheeses.
🧈 Butter: Less acidic than most dairy products due to its fat content, but still slightly acidic.
🧈 Ghee: Clarified butter with minimal lactose, slightly less acidic than regular butter.
🍗 Chicken Breast: Lean meat, slightly less acidic than red meats.
🦃 Turkey: Lower in fat, thus a bit less acidic than beef.
🧀 Cheddar Cheese: Aged cheeses like cheddar are more acidic due to their fermentation process.
🧀 Feta Cheese: Tangy and acidic, especially compared to softer cheeses.
🐑 Lamb: Fairly acidic due to its fat content.
🥩 Beef: More acidic, especially with fattier cuts.
🐠 Fish (Tuna): More acidic compared to leaner fish like salmon.
🍖 Pork: Highly acidic, especially processed types like bacon or ham.
🧀 Parmesan Cheese: One of the more acidic cheeses, being aged and hard.
🥛 Cow’s Milk: Acidic due to lactose and proteins, more acidic if processed.

LIMIT OR REMOVE (acidic):

Acid-causing foods are those that can contribute to increased acidity in the body. These foods are often associated with a higher acid load due to their composition. Here’s a bullet point list of some acid-causing foods, starting with those that are considered the most acid-forming:

1. Soda and Carbonated Beverages: These are highly acidic due to their carbonation and added acids.
2. Candy: Most candies, especially those with sugar and artificial ingredients, can be acid-forming.
3. Processed Snack Foods: Chips, crackers, and other processed snacks are often acid-forming.
4. Fast Food: Many fast food items are high in saturated fats and processed ingredients, contributing to acidity.
5. Red Meat: Beef and pork are considered acid-forming foods.
6. Dairy Products: Dairy, like cheese and yogurt, can be acid-forming.
7. White Flour Products: Products made from refined white flour are often acid-forming.
8. Sugar: Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to acidity.
9. Processed Meats: Bacon, sausages, and other processed meats are acid-forming.
10. Artificial Sweeteners: Some artificial sweeteners can be acid-forming.
11. Fried Foods: Fried foods are often high in unhealthy fats, contributing to acidity.
12. Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages, especially hard liquor, are acid-forming.
13. Caffeine: Excessive caffeine consumption from coffee, energy drinks, and some teas can be acid-forming.
14. Canned and Packaged Foods: Many canned and packaged foods contain preservatives and additives that can be acid-forming.
15. Processed Condiments: Ketchup, mayonnaise, and other processed condiments can be acid-forming.
16. Artificial Flavorings: Foods with artificial flavorings often contain acids that contribute to acidity.
17. Sweets and Pastries: Baked goods high in sugar and refined flour can be acid-forming.
18. Margarine and Hydrogenated Oils: These fats are often used in processed foods and are more acid-forming than healthy fats.
19. Ice Cream: Ice cream is a dairy product that is often high in sugar and can be acid-forming.