It’s true what they say: your gut really is like a second brain. So, when it’s off balance, it can seriously affect your mood, digestion, and energy. The good news is that it’s pretty easy to keep your gut in tip-top shape. A first step? Try adding more alkaline-promoting foods to your diet.
Most alkaline-forming foods can be considered superfoods, not just for their ability to help our body maintain a healthy pH balance, but also due to their nutrient density. By eating alkaline-promoting foods we can effectively battle the acid we consume in things like caffeine, alcohol and some processed food. The most alkaline-forming foods are often plant-based and have been shown to have a multitude of healing properties.
Here is a list of some of our favorite alkalizing foods, all of which are delicious and versatile or try our Greens Blend Alkalize & Detox that is thoughtfully crafted with 7 alkalizing farm fresh organic super greens, 1 serving of wholesome fruits and veggies, plus over 12 cleansing ingredients for the healthy elimination of toxins for pH balance and detox!
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are most alkaline when they are uncooked, but contain many nutrients, both raw and uncooked. They are a great source of vitamin C, digestive enzymes, and a good source of vitamin B6, which is often difficult to find![1] Eat sliced tomatoes as a snack with a bit of pink sea salt or mix into your favorite salad or omelet.[1]
Almonds
Almonds make a fantastic alkaline-forming snack or addition to any recipe. They are high in healthy fats, which also makes them both filling and nutritious. The high magnesium content of almonds is what makes them alkaline-forming.[2]
Spinach
Most leafy green vegetables are alkaline-forming in the body, but spinach is one of our favorites because it’s so versatile. Even those who don’t love greens will often enjoy spinach because of its mild flavor. Spinach is rich in chlorophyll, vitamin K, vitamin A and so many more… it would take us all day to list them all![3] Try spinach in your morning green smoothie or in an omelet or salad.
Parsley
Parsley is a highly alkalizing food that’s also excellent at cleansing the kidneys and assisting with digestion.[4] Consume parsley in juice or as a nutrient-dense ingredient in many different dishes from soups to chilis to salads!
Lemon
Lemons are definitely known to be one of the most alkalizing foods out there. They are excellent for healthy detox, assisting with digestion, and support the liver in eliminating toxins from the body.[1] Enjoying a glass of lemon water every morning is a fantastic habit to work into your routine that will help you feel great throughout the day.
Jalapeño
Not only are jalapeños alkaline-forming, but most peppers, mild to spicy help our bodies maintain a healthy pH level. For those who enjoy a punch, jalapeños are a fantastic addition to an alkaline diet, can help support the endocrine system and prevent free radicals in the body.[6]
Garlic
Garlic is an anti-inflammatory superfood that rates very high on the alkaline scale. Garlic has been shown to prevent disease, increase immunity and acts as a powerful anti-bacterial in the body.[5]
Avocado
Avocado is a powerhouse of both nutrients and deliciousness. Avocado contains a ton of healthy fats in addition to being alkalizing, anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy.[3]
Basil
Heading into summer, basil is definitely one of our favorite alkalizing ingredients. High in vitamin A, K & calcium, basil has also been shown to be high in flavonoids, which have antioxidant effects.[7]
Red Onion
Lightly cooking onions in a bit of healthy fat might increase the level of alkalinity of onion, but consuming them raw is also a fantastic choice as onions have a variety of nutritional benefits in addition to being alkaline-forming. Onions are high in vitamin C and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects.[7]
[1]McClees, Heather. “Acid to Alkaline: Naturally Acidic Plant-Based Foods That Alkalize the Body”. One Green Planet. 19 March 2016. Web. 31 May 2016.
[2]Campbell, Meg. “Which Nuts are Alkaline Forming?” LiveStrong.com. 9 Jan 2014. Web. 31 May 2016.
[3]Ross. “The 7 Most Alkaline Foods”. LiveEnergized.com. Web. 31 May 2016.
[4]Jacobs, Craig. “The Healthiest Choice: Top 10 Alkaline Foods for your Diet”. VividLife.com. 5 May 2010. Web. 31 May 2016.
[5]Coles, Terri. “Benefits of Garlic: 11 Healthy Reasons To Eat More Of This Smelly Superfood”. The Huffington Post.17 June 2014. Web. 20 April 2016.
[6]“Top 10 Alkaline Foods List for a Healthy Diet!” AlkalineDietBlog.com. Web. 31 May 2016.
[7]“74 Alkaline Foods to Naturally Balance Your Body”. Bembu. Web. 31 May 2016.
