About The Alkaline Lifestyle
Embrace The Alkaline Lifestyle
The Alkaline Lifestyle is more than just a dietary choice; it’s a holistic approach to health, focusing on balancing the body's pH through mindful eating, hydration, and lifestyle practices. Living alkaline is rooted in the idea that reducing excess acidity and promoting alkaline-producing habits may improve overall health, vitality, and wellness.
What is the Alkaline Lifestyle?
At its core, an alkaline lifestyle aims to promote an internal pH level that’s more alkaline than acidic. The pH scale, which ranges from 0 to 14, measures acidity and alkalinity, with 7 being neutral. Our body works best when blood pH stays slightly alkaline, around 7.35 to 7.45. Factors like stress, processed foods, sugary drinks, and pollution can increase acidity in the body. By adopting the alkaline lifestyle, we aim to support our body's natural pH balance and potentially enjoy a range of health benefits, including increased energy, improved digestion, and a stronger immune system.
The Role of Diet in an Alkaline Lifestyle
One of the key components of the alkaline lifestyle is eating alkaline-forming foods. These foods naturally help the body reduce acidity and maintain a balanced pH. Below is a list of foods that can make a big impact:
- Fruits: Lemons, limes, avocados, and grapefruit may taste acidic but are alkaline-forming once metabolized. Berries and bananas also offer a nutrient-rich, alkaline boost.
- Vegetables: Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, Swiss chard, cucumbers, celery, and broccoli are all alkaline-rich foods. These greens are also loaded with essential vitamins and antioxidants that support overall health.
- Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds are not only good sources of healthy fats but also alkaline-forming.
- Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and black beans offer plant-based protein while helping to balance pH levels.
- Herbs and Spices: Ginger, garlic, cayenne pepper, and turmeric are known for their alkalizing and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting both pH balance and wellness.
Tip: Try to aim for a daily balance where 70-80% of your diet consists of alkaline-forming foods and 20-30% acidic foods.
Hydration: The Importance of Alkaline Water
Water is crucial in maintaining pH balance, flushing out toxins, and keeping cells hydrated. Drinking natural alkaline water with a pH of around 8 to 9.5 can help counteract dietary acidity. Naturally created alkaline water, typically sourced from springs, picks up essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium as it filters through rocks, creating a naturally alkaline state. The other more convenient way to drink high quality alkaline water, is the use the Alkanatur Alkaline Ionised Water jug or the Aquarius Alkaline Ionised hydrogen water system.
Benefits of Alkaline Water:
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Enhanced Hydration: Alkaline water has smaller, clustered molecules that are more readily absorbed by the body, leading to better hydration.
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Supports Detoxification: The minerals in alkaline water help the body neutralize acids and eliminate toxins, aiding kidney function and overall detoxification.
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Improves Bone Health: According to a study published in Bone in 2009, the minerals in alkaline water may support bone density and reduce the risk of bone loss.
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Better Digestion: Alkaline water helps neutralize excessive stomach acidity, which may benefit those with acid reflux, as suggested by a 2012 study in the Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology.
Incorporating Alkaline Water Daily:
- Drink a glass of alkaline water first thing in the morning to support hydration and kickstart your metabolism.
- Drink a glass of water 15 mins before meals and before bed time.
- Sip throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and balanced, especially when eating acidic foods.
- Typically you need to drink 1 Lt of water for every 22 kg of body weight.
Additional Practices for an Alkaline Lifestyle
In addition to diet and hydration, other lifestyle practices can help reduce acidity and encourage a balanced pH.
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Regular Exercise: Movement increases circulation, promotes detoxification, and reduces acidity caused by stress. Yoga, walking, and other moderate activities can help maintain pH levels.
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Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Chronic stress can increase acidity in the body. Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and even laughter can help manage stress and support pH balance.
- Deep breathing is one of the most effective ways to alkalise your body.
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Limit Processed Foods and Sugars: Processed foods and refined sugars are highly acid-forming. Minimizing these in your diet can prevent unnecessary acidity and enhance your overall health.
Scientific Backing for the Alkaline Lifestyle
The alkaline diet and lifestyle are backed by emerging research, with studies suggesting potential benefits:
- A 2018 study in The Journal of Environmental and Public Health explored the potential benefits of an alkaline diet in reducing chronic diseases and found promising results.
- In Bone, a study demonstrated that alkaline diets may help improve bone health by reducing calcium loss, which can be caused by excessive acidity.
- Nutrition Journal (2012) highlighted that alkaline water may help with acid reflux, showing that high-pH water neutralizes stomach acid and pepsin.
Making the Alkaline Lifestyle Work for You
The alkaline lifestyle isn’t about strict rules but rather making small, consistent changes to support your body’s natural balance. Start by incorporating a few alkaline foods each day, swap out sugary drinks for natural alkaline water, and practice stress-reducing activities to give your body the balance it needs.
By embracing the alkaline lifestyle, you’re taking a proactive approach to wellness that may improve energy, digestion, and immune health—all leading to a more vibrant, balanced life.
If you would like to know more, don't hesitate to give us a call to learn more.