Alkaline Diet Theory

• According to the Department of Chemistry at Washington University, our bodies should have a pH level within the range of 7.4 to 7.8. On the pH scale of zero to 14, anything below 7.4 indicates acidity and 14 is highly alkaline. An imbalance is caused by highly acidic foods, including processed foods, caffeine and foods that convert to sugars or are sugar-based. Having these foods as your primary dietary sources depletes the body of much-needed minerals and vitamins, making you more susceptible to illness and disease.
  
  

Avoiding Chronic Disease

• Lack of proper nutrition is believed to contribute to chronic disease prevalent in our society. If your body is too acidic, the kidneys start to pull nutrients and minerals from your body, making you more susceptible to illness and disease. While on an alkaline diet, you should keep track of your pH levels and whether the foods you eat are alkaline or acidic. By using pH test strips, you can monitor your level of acidity, which will help you avoid the lack of energy, excessive production of mucous, congestion, frequent colds and the flu, irritability, ovarian cysts and headaches that are common when the body is too acidic and lacks necessary nutrients.
  
  

Hydration

• Our bodies are composed of up to 70% water. Water helps move nutrients to different parts of the body and empty the body of waste products. If the body is not properly hydrated, it can become acidic quickly and is no longer able to function. Drinking water, which is alkaline, will help reduce the acidity of your body and remove toxins that have built up as a result of an acidic diet and not staying hydrated. Coffee, tea or beverages that are not clear water do not count toward your daily water intake.
  
  

Paying Attention to Our Diet

• You can increase awareness of what foods you eat by charting food consumption and determining whether a food is high in alkaline or acidity. Acid-forming foods that are commonly consumed include meat, eggs, dairy products, processed foods and chemical sweeteners. By making a shift in your thinking and awareness, it is possible to start making more healthy food choices so your diet is balanced and energy is increased.
  
  

Portions and Alkaline Balance

• Your diet should consist of 20 percent acidic foods and 80 percent alkaline foods while your body restores itself to an optimum pH level. The food portions can be shifted to 40 percent acidic and 60 percent alkaline in order to maintain the proper pH level and to ensure that the body does not become overly acidic or alkaline.