Eat more alkaline foods to maintain body balance: The body's acid-base balance and dietary regulation

44. Eat more alkaline foods to maintain body balance.

Human blood pH is generally between 7.35 and 7.45, which is considered slightly alkaline. However, only a very small number of people are in this state. Most men have a pH below 7.35, which is considered acidic. Their bodies are in a state between illness and health, which is medically known as a sub-healthy state.

Compared to those with an alkaline body constitution, people with an acidic body constitution often experience memory decline, fatigue, lower back and leg pain, and difficulty concentrating. Medical examinations often fail to reveal any specific problems. If left untreated, these symptoms may develop into illnesses over time. A pH level below neutral 7 often indicates serious illness; below 6.9 can lead to a vegetative state; and below 6.8 can result in death.

Characteristics of acidic body constitution

An acidic body constitution can easily lead to constipation, ulcers, and other problems. An increase in oxygen levels in the body can cause qualitative changes in the body, and diseases will naturally follow.

Physical symptoms include fatigue, obesity, lethargy, and tiredness.

An acidic body constitution also has a significant impact on intelligence, as IQ is closely related to the pH level of the cerebral cortex. A more alkaline cerebral cortex generally correlates with higher intelligence, while an acidic cortex tends to result in lower intelligence.

Excessive stomach acid can cause acid reflux, stomach pain, and in severe cases, even stomach ulcers.

If bodily fluids are highly acidic, an acidic substance will be produced. This substance will travel throughout the body and form crystals when it reaches the joints, often leading to gout-like joint diseases.

Human body acidity and alkalinity and exercise

After strenuous physical activity, people often experience muscle soreness, lower back and leg pain, intense thirst, and sometimes extreme fatigue. At this time, some people indulge in large amounts of chocolate, others drink coca-cola, or eat large quantities of meat, fish, or chicken. However, these individuals are unaware that such consumption only exacerbates fatigue and muscle soreness. This is because these foods are acidic, making the body more acidic.

Which foods are alkaline?

The foods we consume daily can be broadly categorized into alkaline and acidic foods. From a nutritional perspective, a proper balance of alkaline and acidic foods is essential for maintaining good health.

Acidic and alkaline foods:

(1) Slightly alkaline foods: apples, red beans, tofu, cabbage, rapeseed, cabbage, potatoes, pears.

(2) Moderately alkaline foods: tomatoes, soybeans, strawberries, bananas, dried plums, egg whites, spinach, lemons, etc.

(3) Strongly alkaline foods: tea, grapes, kelp, wine, persimmons, citrus fruits, carrots, cucumbers.

(4) Slightly acidic foods: peanuts, white rice, seaweed, beer, chocolate, octopus, green onions, and macaroni.

(5) Moderately acidic foods: bacon, ham, pork, chicken, beef, eel, wheat, bread.

(6) Highly acidic foods: cheese, egg yolk, white sugar, desserts, halibut, tuna.

Most men don't understand the acidity or alkalinity of food, believing that foods that taste sour are acidic. However, the acidity or alkalinity of food cannot be determined solely by taste. The acidity or alkalinity of food refers to whether the inorganic salts in it are alkaline or acidic. The acidity or alkalinity of food depends on the ratio of the types and amounts of minerals it contains: sodium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and calcium produce an alkaline reaction in the body; sulfur, chlorine, and phosphorus produce an acidic reaction.

Alkaline foods mainly include seaweed, fruits, vegetables, sprouted beans, grains, and nuts.

Recommended alkaline foods

Vegetables. The vast majority of vegetables, especially leafy greens, are alkaline foods. These foods are rich in minerals and vitamins, providing essential nutrients to the body. The fiber in vegetables improves digestion and keeps the gut healthy. Therefore, they are ideal for neutralizing acidic foods like starches and meats in the body and can also boost metabolism.

Apples. Fruits are among the easiest foods to digest, and they also act as excellent internal cleansers. Among fruits, apples are the best alkaline food, effectively improving acidic constitutions and maintaining acid-base balance. Eating apples can neutralize acidic substances in the body in the shortest time, enhancing immunity and resistance. Furthermore, apples easily create a feeling of fullness, thus reducing food intake and achieving weight loss goals.

Nowadays, many people travel by car, drastically reducing their physical activity. Over time, this can easily lead to the accumulation of acidic substances in the body, causing an acidic constitution. It is recommended to participate in more physical activities in sunny conditions, which can help eliminate excess acidic substances from the body through sweat.