How would you like to eat and live in such a fashion that helps reduce the ageing of your body? And, how about maintaining a healthy weight and reducing your risk of heart disease, arthritis, gout, dementia, diabetes and cancer? Or perhaps you or a family member are already dealing with one of these health problems and would love to reduce the symptoms? Many people believe that you have to live like a monk to keep truly healthy and this is not quite correct. Certainly having some monk-like qualities may help, but it all comes down to a little simple maths. |
Certain foods and lifestyle practices can create a more acidic environment in your body. When this occurs, your body will age more quickly and be far more susceptible to developing disease. Excess acidity will also increase inflammation and pain in your body. And, you are much more likely to carry extra weight and feel fatigued and foggy headed. If you already have arthritis or an autoimmune condition, for example, excess acid-forming foods may trigger a flare-up of symptoms. And, eating more alkalising foods can help reduce your symptoms. In fact, keeping a good balance of alkalising to acid-forming foods in your diet makes your body stronger. There is a very simple ratio to set you well on the path to achieving a more alkaline state. For the fit and well, ensure that at least two-thirds of your plate at each meal is filled with lovely fresh alkalising vegetables and foods, including some raw vegies and the remainder of your plate can include acid-forming foods. The good news is you don’t have to give up favourite foods as it’s all about getting the right mix. Many acid-forming foods are vital for good health, such as protein-based foods which are essential for cell repair. The people who especially need to watch acidity levels are those with inflammatory conditions, autoimmune conditions, arthritis, gout, inflammatory bowel disease, dementia/Alzheimer’s, cancer, and those who frequently get infections or who are prone to respiratory congestion. For these people, fill your plate at least three-quarters with alkalising foods. | Your mental state also affects acidity in your body because excess or chronic stress is acid forming, as is watching violent TV shows and movies and listening to angry music. Sitting at the computer or using “iThings” until late at night, creates light toxicity and will increase your body’s acidity. It’s important to nurture your body and mind through balanced eating, visual aesthetics, calming music and relaxation or meditation to increase alkalinity in the body. Exercise along with deep breathing is also highly beneficial and ideally enjoyed on a daily basis. As your body tends to purge excess acid when you’re asleep, be sure to have enough good-quality sleep. In general we are sleeping less than we did 30 years ago. Aim for at least seven to eight hours sleep each night. You may still be wondering what kinds of meals you could eat to increase your body’s alkalinity. To make things a little clearer, we have included some simple food lists and menu suggestions so you can plan your improved approach to your food and lifestyle. Keep in mind the best ratio to simplify things. When using cookbooks, look for recipes that use lots of vegetables or increase the vegetable component to balance the remaining ingredients. For sweeter foods, use a very small amount only of evaporated cane juice, raw honey or brown rice syrup in place of regular sugars. When you take steps to alkalise your life you will feel and look more youthful, energetic and vibrant. Who could ask for more? |
Alkalising foods Fresh vegetables Freshly made vegetable juices Fresh fruit Sprouts Herbal tea Green tea Raw unblanched almonds Chestnuts Coconut Organic soy products Millet Quinoa Evaporated cane juice (small quantity) Raw honey (small quantity) Brown rice syrup (small quantity) Green tea Ginger tea Organic apple cider vinegar Extra virgin olive oil, flax oil, coconut oil, macadamia oil Spirulina, wheat grass, barley greens Menu Suggestions | Acid-forming foods Meat and poultry Fish and seafood Eggs Dairy foods Hard cheeses Processed or deli meats Grains and grain-based products such as wheat, rye, barley, oats, rice, spelt, buckwheat, cornmeal Legumes Alcohol Coffee and tea Chocolate All other nuts Sugar and sugary foods / drinks Processed honey Maple syrup Fructose Ice-cream Artificial sweeteners, preservatives and colours | Alkalising activities Exercise Meditation Deep breathing Laughing Quitting smoking Stress management Relaxing music |
Breakfast *Fresh fruit, natural organic yoghurt or coconut yoghurt and flaked almonds *Berry, whey or vegan protein smoothie based on unsweetened almond milk or coconut water *Millet, coconut, almond, pepita and buckwheat muesli with soy or almond milk *Omelette or poached eggs with tomato, onion, spinach, avocado and asparagus | Lunch *Chunky vegetable, herb and lentil soup *Chicken, spinach, rocket and roasted capsicum salad *Nicoise salad (tuna, potato, cos leaves, green beans, olives, egg) *Roast vegetable, rocket, sprout, chickpea or salmon and quinoa salad | Dinner *Stir-fried Asian greens with prawns *Small serve spinach and ricotta gluten-free ravioli with a large mixed salad *Steamed fish and asparagus with spiced eggplant and spinach *Tamari roast pumpkin with tofu and greens *Roast duck with green mango salad and stir-fry broccolini |
Snacks
*Small handful unblanched almonds
*Fresh berries and a dollop of natural or coconut yoghurt topped with mixed seeds
*2 pieces fresh fruit and 1-2 small squares dark chocolate
*Vegetable sticks with hummus
*Fresh green vegetable juice or green smoothie (not too much fruit)
*Small handful unblanched almonds
*Fresh berries and a dollop of natural or coconut yoghurt topped with mixed seeds
*2 pieces fresh fruit and 1-2 small squares dark chocolate
*Vegetable sticks with hummus
*Fresh green vegetable juice or green smoothie (not too much fruit)