For a very long time, foods have been divided into alkaline and acidic. An optimal alkaline environment allows the body to develop and function normally. Acid, in turn, on the contrary, can disrupt metabolism and lead to diseases. digestive system. Products that contain alkali are well absorbed by the body and help strengthen it. Eating alkaline foods helps normalize stomach acidity and saturate the body with vitamins and minerals.
Alkaline diets - effective weight loss without harm to health
There are many alkaline diets. Their diet includes large number fruits and vegetables that do not contain any emulsifiers or food additives. Vegetables and fruits effectively increase the alkaline environment, which speeds up digestion and has a positive effect on bone tissue. Alkaline foods effectively neutralize the effects of acids. A large amount of acids are supplied to our body by meat, butter and eggs. Some people may want to avoid consuming foods with high content acids
High Alkaline Foods
- Fruits. Almost all fruits have high level alkalis. They can be eaten as a separate dish or as a snack. The most alkaline fruits are citrus fruits, peaches, pineapples, apples, bananas, mangoes and grapes.
- Vegetables. Vegetables should be consumed raw and only in rare cases can they be cooked. Cabbage, garlic, peas, asparagus, onions, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and corn contain a high level of alkali and a large amount of vitamins.
- Nuts. They are not only rich in alkali, but also in proteins. Among the nuts, almonds can be distinguished, which have a slight alkalizing property. You need to eat nuts without salt.
- Oils. Medium alkaline oils include avocado and coconut oils. You can eat ghee in small quantities.
Foods rich in alkali help normalize acidity levels and quickly lose weight. Alkaline diets help with lack of energy, frequent colds, problems nervous system, headaches, diabetes mellitus and bone fragility. However, when big arrival alkali will accumulate in the body. When there is an excess of it, the absorption of nutrients is disrupted, allergies appear, acne and intestinal problems.
In order to avoid health problems, you should worry about the normal pH level. You should not completely give up acidic foods, as our body also needs them. Nutrition should be varied and proper. When eating 50 grams of meat, you need to eat about 150 grams of vegetables.
The diet must include foods that contain calcium and magnesium. These minerals regulate pH levels. Chastnosti.com magazine advises to give up fast food and carbonated drinks, which do not provide any benefit. Proper and healthy nutrition helps maintain health, so your diet should contain both acidic and alkaline foods.
Acids and alkalis are an integral part of the human body, so it is very important that this very “part” is present in sufficient quantities in the body.
And products will help fill the deficiency of certain substances.
We’ll talk further about what role alkalis and acids play in the body, as well as what products they can be obtained from.
Acids and alkalis
Today, many nutritionists and herbalists say that a number of diseases are caused by a violation of the acid and alkali content in the body. Thus, increased acidity disrupts the functioning of the most important systems of the body, which becomes completely defenseless against attacks by microbes and bacteria.
In turn, a balanced pH environment (or acid-base balance) ensures the full course of all metabolic processes, thereby helping the body effectively fight various diseases.
To maintain normal acid-base balance (or ABC), it is necessary to consume about 80 percent of alkaline foods and, accordingly, 20 percent of acidic foods daily.
Interesting fact! Yogis also divided food into acidic and alkaline, and they recommended adhering to a diet according to which one part of acidic foods should be at least two parts of alkaline. After all, it is the alkaline internal environment that contributes to the health of the body, ensures the most efficient functioning of life, while reducing the need for proteins. But excessive consumption of acidic foods leads to the development of many diseases and premature aging.
In general, violation of the CSR leads to the following violations:
- decreased immunity;
- reducing the ability of cells to regenerate;
- stomach disorders;
- frequent headaches and joint pains;
- development allergic reactions;
- metabolic disorders.
In this article we will not delve into near-medical discussions regarding the mechanisms that regulate the balance of acid and alkali in the body. Let's just say that average The pH is 7.40 (the pH level can be measured using special test strips).
So, let's move on to consider the following questions:
- What are the dangers of high acidity?
- What does excess and lack of alkali lead to in the body?
- how to normalize acid-base balance?
What are the dangers of high acidity?
Poor nutrition (namely, excessive consumption of acidic foods) and poor water balance leads to so-called acidification of the body, which impairs the transport of oxygen to organs and tissues.
But that’s not all: with increased acidity, minerals are poorly absorbed, while some of them (for example, calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium) are completely eliminated from the body. As a result, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases increases many times, and immunity decreases.
In general, increased acidity (this condition has the official medical name - acidosis) is manifested by the following disorders:
What does excess and lack of alkali lead to in the body?
If there is an excessive intake of alkali into the body, it accumulates in order to further participate in the process of neutralizing the acid (a person consumes 2 times more than the amount of acid that he is able to process). If the body lacks alkali, it will have to “fight” the acid through vital minerals absorbed from bones and tissues.
But still, an excess of alkali in the body (the scientific name for this condition is alkalosis) threatens no less serious complications than its deficiency.
Disorders caused by alkalosis:
- deterioration in the absorption of minerals from food, which leads to the rapid penetration of toxins from the gastrointestinal tract directly into the blood;
- appearance acne;
- liver dysfunction;
- bad smell from oral cavity;
- development of allergies;
- exacerbation of existing chronic diseases;
- constipation and other intestinal problems.
Important! Alkalosis is an extremely rare phenomenon, although very dangerous, since it is quite difficult to treat and correct. The main reason for the development of alkalosis is the excessive use of drugs that contain alkali.
How to normalize acid-base balance?
1. Maintain an optimal water balance: for example, daily you should drink about 30 ml of clean, slightly alkaline water per 1 kg of body weight.
2. Eat properly and balanced: for example, for 100 g of meat (this product is classified as “sour” food) there should be about 300 – 400 g of vegetables, which are mostly alkaline foods.
3. Include in your diet foods rich in calcium and magnesium, which are minerals that regulate pH balance (more information about foods containing these minerals is discussed in the article “Minerals in Food”).
4. Minimize the consumption of junk food, among which the leading positions are occupied by chips, carbonated drinks, sweets, and fast food.
5. Regularly cleanse the body of accumulated waste and toxins, for which once a week it is enough to arrange fasting days(1 – 2 days), during which you should consume exclusively kefir or vegetables.
Important! As we have found out, increased acidity leads to accelerated degeneration processes and premature aging of the body. An interesting fact is that all toxic substances present in our body are in the form of acids, to prevent the accumulation of which, as well as to neutralize them, it is necessary to include foods containing alkali in the diet. Therefore, it is extremely important to know which foods contain acids and which contain alkalis?
What foods contain acids?
The acid necessary for normal metabolism is provided to the body primarily by protein foods (for example, meat, fish, cheese, cottage cheese, legumes, grains). Natural coffee and alcoholic beverages also supply acids.
In addition, acids are contained in the following products:
- seafood;
- yogurt;
- Brussels sprouts;
- artichokes;
- eggs (especially whites);
- asparagus;
- sugar and by-products;
- pasta and confectionery;
- vegetable oils;
- canned products;
- lemonade;
- oil;
- nuts;
- seeds;
- polished rice;
- solid fats;
- plums (pickled and dried);
- green bananas;
- cornflakes;
- cream;
- grape nectar;
- starch.
What foods contain alkali?
Alkaline foods that reduce acidity generally contain a lot of water and very little protein.
Alkaline products include:
- lemons;
- green;
- radish;
- beets;
- turnip;
- cucumbers;
- carrot;
- horseradish;
- celery;
- garlic;
- cabbage different varieties;
- avocado;
- citrus;
- currants;
- cherry;
- grape;
- dried fruits;
- pepper;
- tomato;
- potato.
In general, all fruits (both dried and fresh) and many vegetables are alkaline foods.
Important! There are so-called “neutral products” containing both alkalis and acids. Such products are butter and vegetable oils, dairy products.
Interesting facts
- A balanced diet is a diet that combines acidic and alkaline foods.
- Products such as flour, brown rice, and other grains in their natural form are moderately acid-forming products, which after heat treatment or cleaning become more acidic.
- Almost all grains and legumes, all types of meat, as well as eggs and fish are acidic foods, while almost all fruits and vegetables are alkaline.
- Citrus fruits are initially classified as sour foods due to their sour taste, but their effect in the body is still alkaline, which is why they are classified as alkaline foods.
- Fresh (or raw) milk is an alkaline product, while heated or boiled milk is an acidic product. In addition, products derived from milk are also sour.
Omega acids
Omega fatty acids belong to the class of essential fatty acids, since they are not synthesized in the human body (with the exception of monounsaturated omega-9 acids), and, therefore, their only source is food.
The unsaturated fats most in demand by the body are omega-3 (or linoleic acid), omega-6 (or linolenic acid) and omega-9 (or oleic acid).
The benefits of omega acids
- formation and protection of all body cells;
- participation in the synthesis of both protein and hormones;
- maintaining a normal balance of cholesterol in the blood;
- elimination of inflammation;
- normalization of blood sugar;
- stimulating the development of brain molecules.
A lack of omega acids leads to dry skin, brittle nails, constipation, high blood pressure, joint pain, memory impairment, and in the worst case, schizophrenic disorders.
Interesting facts! The complex of omega-3 and omega-6 acids is also called vitamin F). But experts do not classify omega-9 acids as essential substances, but in vain, because for their production the body requires certain conditions, one of which is normal metabolism (this condition is almost impossible to fulfill in a life full of stress and poor nutrition).
So, let's look at the benefits of each of the listed omega acids: special attention paying attention to which foods will help fill their deficiency in the body.
Omega-3 fatty acids
The benefits of omega-3 acids
- The production of so-called tissue hormones, which take part in many processes occurring in the human body.
- Ensuring the formation cell membranes, which ensures proper functioning of the brain, nervous and reproductive systems.
- Providing the body with energy.
- Slowing down blood clotting.
- Preventing the development of diseases such as atherosclerosis and hypertension by maintaining in good condition all blood vessels.
- Improving heart function.
- Ensuring the proper functioning (and in children, the formation) of the nervous system and brain.
- Strengthening the immune system.
- Prevention of the development of allergic diseases.
- Strengthening the musculoskeletal system.
- Regulating digestion.
- Elimination of inflammation.
- Removing toxins, which prevents early aging and the development of cancer.
- Regulates fat metabolism, which helps fight excess weight.
- Acceleration of the wound healing process.
- Regulation of emotional background.
Excess omega-3 acids
Excessive levels of omega-3 acids in the body threaten the following disorders:
- development of hypotension;
- irritability and increased anxiety;
- general weakness;
- weak muscle tone;
- disruptions in the functioning of the pancreas;
- increased bleeding of wounds.
Lack of omega-3 acids
A deficiency of these acids leads to acne, itching and dandruff.
In addition, the following violations may occur:
- depression;
- memory impairment;
- joint pain;
- constipation;
- cardiovascular disorders.
Omega-6 fatty acids
The benefits of omega-6 acids
- Reducing the negative manifestations of PMS.
- Strengthening hair and nails.
- Maintaining skin elasticity.
- Prevention of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
- Reducing the manifestation of allergies.
- Prevention of premature aging.
- Elimination of foci of inflammation.
- Normalization of reproductive function.
- Decreased levels of sex hormones.
Important! Lack or deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids leads to the fact that omega-6 acids from beneficial become harmful, namely:
- contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and other heart diseases;
- increase the manifestations of hypertension;
- promote the development of inflammatory processes and allergic reactions;
- trigger skin aging mechanisms;
- provoke the appearance of acne and dermatitis;
- contribute to the development of late toxicosis.
Therefore, it is extremely important to adhere to a certain proportion between these acids, which is 5:1, where 5 parts are for products containing omega-6 acids, and one part is for products with omega-3 acids.
Excess omega-6 acids
Excessive consumption of foods containing omega-6 acids can cause:
- weakened immunity;
- increased blood pressure;
- disruption of the cardiovascular system;
- development of inflammatory processes.
Lack of omega-6 acids
With a deficiency of omega-6 acids, a person feels constant fatigue, he is predisposed to depression, not to mention memory loss, hair loss, the development of nervous diseases, weakened immunity, high blood pressure and obesity.
Omega-9 fatty acids
The benefits of omega-9 acids
- Preventing the accumulation of cholesterol.
- Maintaining optimal weight.
- Strengthening the immune system.
- Strengthening blood vessels.
- Promoting hormone synthesis.
- Normalization of metabolic processes.
- Prevention of blood clots and the development of diseases such as cancer and diabetes.
- Improving the digestion process.
- Elimination and prevention of constipation.
- Memory improvement.
- Supplying the body with energy.
- Maintaining healthy skin, hair, nails.
Lack of omega-9 acids
A deficiency of omega-9 acids leads to joint pain, the development of arthritis and arthrosis, drying out of the mucous membranes, digestive disorders, memory impairment, increased blood pressure, depression and weakened immunity.
What foods contain omega acids?
Omega-3 in foods
The daily intake of omega-3 acids is about 1 – 2.5 g (in the presence of certain diseases, the norm of omega-3 acids may change).
Food sources of omega-3 acids:
- sea fish (halibut, trout, salmon, herring, mackerel, cod, tuna);
- black and red caviar;
- seafood;
- meat livestock;
- domestic eggs;
- vegetable oils;
- seeds;
- nuts;
- legumes;
- leafy greens;
- soybeans and by-products;
- melon;
- fish oil;
- wheat and oat germ;
- cabbage of different varieties;
- zucchini.
Important! During heat treatment (especially during frying), omega-3 acids are greatly destroyed, so it is advisable to consume vegetables and fruits in fresh or steam it. If we talk about fish, then the healthiest fish is considered lightly salted.
Omega-6 in foods
The daily intake of omega-6 acids for adults is 8–10 g.
These fatty acids are present in the following foods:
- cold pressed vegetable oils;
- raw sunflower seeds;
- sesame;
- maque;
- pumpkin seeds;
- sprouted wheat;
- eggs;
- pork lard;
- butter;
- pine nuts;
- pistachios;
- sea fish;
- red meat.
Important! A large amount of omega-6 and omega-3 acids is found in breast milk, and these acids are present in it in an easily digestible form, for this reason it is important to breastfeed the baby for as long as possible.
Omega-9 in foods
Sources of omega-9 fatty acids include:
- unrefined vegetable oils;
- fat (both pork and beef);
- tofu;
- nuts of different varieties;
- cod oil;
- avocado;
- seeds;
- pork;
- poultry meat.
Important! Omega-9 acids have a fairly high chemical stability, that is, they do not oxidize during storage and heating, which cannot be said about omega-3 and omega-6 acids, which are easily oxidized and, therefore, acquire carcinogenic properties.
Oxalic acid
Conventionally, oxalic acid is divided into organic and inorganic. In the first case, this acid, supplied by fresh vegetables and fruits, is a substance valuable for human health, which supplies the body with microelements such as iron and magnesium necessary for hematopoiesis. In addition, organic oxalic acid stimulates sluggish bowels.
Benefits of Organic Oxalic Acid
- Normalization of digestion.
- Helping stop bleeding.
- Relieving inflammation.
- Activation of the activity of internal organs (especially the liver).
- Promoting the formation of bile.
- Improvement of intestinal activity.
But oxalic acid in inorganic form is a substance that enters the body with boiled vegetables and fruits. Thus, during the heat treatment of vegetables, this acid combines with free calcium, forming oxalic acid salts (oxalates), which contribute to the formation of kidney stones, the development of articular rheumatism and arthritis. In addition, oxalates destroy teeth and bones, and also negatively affect sexual function in men. But “the devil is not as terrible as he is portrayed,” and therefore, with moderate consumption of boiled vegetables containing oxalic acid, you will not face any of the above violations, because this acid is easily excreted from the body in the urine.
Excess oxalic acid is manifested by the following symptoms:
- weakness;
- abdominal cramps and indigestion;
- burning of mucous membranes;
- nausea.
In severe cases, difficulty breathing and disruption of the cardiovascular system may occur.
What foods contain oxalates?
First of all, as mentioned above, oxalates are found in cooked vegetables and fruits.
Oxalic acid salts are also present in vinegar, mustard, chocolate, fatty meats, sweets, wine berries, cookies, jam, dough products, ice cream.
What foods contain oxalic acid?
The harmless amount of oxalic acid salts is 50 mg per 100 g of food.
The leaders in the content of this acid are:
- greens (sorrel, rhubarb, spinach, as well as celery and parsley);
- cocoa;
- coffee;
- chocolate;
- beet;
- lemon and lime (especially the peel);
- cannon;
- buckwheat;
- almond;
- cashew.
In addition, oxalic acid is found in the following products:
- pepper;
- ginger;
- carrot;
- culinary poppy;
- tomatoes;
- chicory;
- raspberry;
- strawberry;
- green beans;
- cabbage;
- cucumbers;
- apricots;
- bananas;
- currant;
- eggplant;
- mushrooms;
- lettuce leaves;
- legumes;
- pumpkin;
- apples;
- gooseberry;
- blackberry;
- potato;
- mango;
- pomegranate;
- oranges;
- radish;
- nuts;
- wheat germ;
- corn.
Phosphates
Speaking about salts of oxalic acid, one cannot fail to mention phosphates, which are salts and esters of phosphoric acids.
Today, phosphates are ubiquitous in human life, because they are found in detergents, foods, medications, and also in wastewater.
Phosphates are used as moisture-binding agents in the processing of meat and fish.
In addition, salts of phosphoric acids are used in the confectionery and dairy industries: for example, phosphates loosen dough and impart uniformity to cheeses and condensed milk.
Briefly the role of phosphates in food industry can be boiled down to the following points:
- an increase in the water-binding and emulsifying abilities of muscle tissue proteins (as a result, elastic and juicy sausage “flaunts” on our tables, and all these qualities are due not to the high quality of the meat itself, but specifically to the presence of phosphates in meat products);
- reduction in the rate of oxidative processes;
- promoting color formation in meat products (phosphates provide beautiful pink sausages, frankfurters, balykov and wieners);
- slowing down fat oxidation.
But! There are certain established standards for the content of phosphates in food products, which cannot be exceeded so as not to cause serious harm to health.
Thus, the maximum permitted phosphate content per 1 kg of meat and fish products is no more than 5 g (in general, this figure varies between 1 and 5 g). However, often unscrupulous producers of meat and fish products violate these standards. For this reason, it is better to consume meat and fish dishes prepared by yourself, minimizing (or better yet, eliminating) the consumption of store-bought meat and fish products.
Phosphates present in many products (sweets that contain large amounts of dyes and flavor enhancers are especially dangerous) provoke the development of the following reactions:
- skin rashes;
- disturbance of mental reactions (we are talking about hyperactivity and impulsiveness in children, weakened concentration, excessive aggressiveness);
- disturbance of calcium metabolism, which leads to fragility and brittleness of bones.
Important! If an allergy to phosphates occurs, you should avoid foods containing additives such as E220, E339, E322, since these substances can provoke severe reactions within 30 minutes.
What foods contain phosphates?
As mentioned above, phosphates are present in meat and fish products, canned seafood, processed cheese, canned milk, carbonated drinks.
In addition, phosphates are present in many sweets.
Purines and uric acid
Purines (despite the fact that they are classified as harmful substances, which provokes the development of gout) are the most important compounds that are part of all living organisms without exception and ensure normal metabolism. Moreover, purines are the basis for the formation of nucleic acids, which are responsible for the storage, hereditary transmission and implementation of information (remember that nucleic acids are the well-known DNA and RNA).
When cells die, purines are destroyed with the further formation of uric acid, which acts as a powerful antioxidant that protects our blood vessels and prevents premature aging.
But as soon as the level of uric acid in the body is exceeded, it turns from a “friend” into an “enemy”, since, accumulating in the kidneys, joints and other organs, it leads to the development of gout, rheumatism, hypertension, osteochondrosis, urolithiasis and kidney stones. In addition, excess uric acid weakens the activity of the heart and contributes to blood thickening.
Therefore, it is extremely important to control the level of uric acid in the body, and for this it is enough to monitor your diet, which should not be oversaturated with foods containing large quantities of purines.
What foods contain purines?
Important! Average daily intake of purines for healthy people those who do not have problems with the kidneys, which are responsible for removing excess uric acid from the body, is 600 - 1000 mg. At the same time, products of plant origin containing a large amount of purines are not dangerous to health, since they are suppliers of organic acids that help eliminate excess uric acid directly.
The highest purine content is found in the following products:
- yeast;
- veal (especially tongue and thymus);
- pork (especially heart, liver and kidneys);
- dried white mushrooms;
- anchovies;
- sardine;
- herring;
- mussels;
- cocoa.
Moderate amounts of purines are found in the following foods:
- bovine lungs;
- bacon;
- beef;
- trout;
- tuna;
- carpe;
- cod;
- seafood;
- poultry meat;
- ham;
- lamb;
- perch;
- rabbit meat;
- venison;
- lentils;
- pike;
- sprats;
- mackerel;
- beans;
- halibut;
- dry sunflower seeds;
- scallop;
- zander;
- chickpeas;
- raisins sultanas.
The least amount of purines is present in the following foods:
- barley;
- dry peas;
- asparagus;
- cauliflower and savoy cabbage;
- broccoli;
- meat products;
- flounder;
- oatmeal;
- salmon;
- canned mushrooms;
- peanut;
- spinach;
- sorrel;
- leek;
- cottage cheese;
- eggs;
- bananas;
- apricot;
- prunes;
- dried dates;
- pumpkin;
- sesame;
- sweet corn;
- almond;
- hazelnut;
- green olives;
- quince;
- celery;
- grape;
- walnuts;
- plum;
- asparagus;
- tomatoes;
- bakery products;
- eggplant;
- cucumbers;
- peaches;
- strawberry;
- pineapple;
- avocado;
- radish;
- apples;
- pears;
- kiwi;
- beet;
- boiled potatoes in their skins;
- raspberry;
- cherry;
- sauerkraut;
- red currant;
- carrot;
- gooseberry.
Tannin
Tannin (this most useful substance has another name – tannic acid) has a beneficial effect on the human body, namely:
- eliminates inflammatory processes;
- helps stop bleeding;
- neutralizes the effects of bee stings;
- helps heal various skin diseases;
- binds and removes waste, toxins and heavy metals from the body;
- neutralizes negative impact microbes;
- strengthens blood vessels;
- eliminates gastrointestinal disorders;
- prevents the development of radiation sickness, as well as leukemia.
What foods contain tannins?
Important! It is advisable to consume products containing tannins (and any other tannins) on an empty stomach or between meals, otherwise they bind to the proteins of the food itself and therefore do not reach the mucous membranes of both the stomach and intestines.
Food sources of tannins:
- green and black tea;
- thorn;
- pomegranate;
- persimmon;
- dogwood;
- quince;
- cranberry;
- strawberries;
- blueberry;
- black currant;
- grape;
- nuts;
- spices (cloves, cinnamon, cumin, as well as thyme, vanilla and bay leaf);
- legumes;
- coffee.
Important! The appearance of a feeling of viscosity in the mouth when eating a particular product indicates the tannin content in it.
Creatine
Benefits of creatine
- Significant increase in muscle mass.
- Accelerating the rate of recovery after intense physical activity.
- Removing toxins.
- Strengthening the cardiovascular system.
- Reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
- Promoting cell growth.
- Improving brain function, namely enhancing memory and thinking.
- Accelerates metabolism, which promotes fat burning.
If we talk about the dangers of creatine, then with moderate consumption of products containing this substance, no side effects will be observed, which has been confirmed by many studies.
But! Ingesting creatine in excessive doses can lead to the development of obesity, as well as overload of systems and organs responsible not only for the absorption, but also for the processing of various food components.
Important! Creatine is produced by the human body itself from amino acids, but still a certain part of it must be supplied with food.
What foods contain creatine?
Creatine is extremely sensitive to heat, so during the heat treatment of products, a significant part of it is destroyed.
Basic food sources creatine:
- beef;
- pork;
- milk;
- cranberry;
- salmon;
- tuna;
- herring;
- cod.
Aspirin
Aspirin (or acetylsalicylic acid) is a derivative of salicylic acid.
The benefits of aspirin are undeniable:
- Preventing the formation and so-called adhesion of blood clots.
- Stimulating the formation of a large number of biologically active substances.
- Activation of enzymes that break down proteins.
- Strengthening blood vessels and cell membranes.
- Regulating the formation of connective, cartilage, and bone tissue.
- Preventing vasoconstriction, which is an excellent prevention of the development of heart attacks and strokes.
- Relieving inflammation.
- Elimination of febrile conditions accompanied by an increase in body temperature.
- Relieving headaches (aspirin thins the blood and, consequently, reduces intracranial pressure).
Important! As is known, with long-term use of aspirin in tablet form, various side effects, therefore (in order to avoid various complications) for preventive purposes it is better to consume products of plant origin containing acetylsalicylic acid. Natural products do not cause any serious complications.
What foods contain aspirin?
Acetylsalicylic acid is found in many fruits and vegetables. All the products listed below must be included in the menu of older people and those who suffer from hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.
Main food sources of aspirin:
- apples;
- apricots;
- peaches;
- gooseberry;
- currant;
- cherry;
- strawberry;
- cranberry;
- raspberry;
- plum;
- prunes;
- oranges;
- cucumbers;
- tomatoes;
- grape;
- raisin;
- melon;
- sweet pepper;
- seaweed;
- kefir;
- garlic;
- cocoa powder;
- red wine;
- beet;
- citrus fruits (especially lemons).
Fish oil also has powerful aspirin-like properties.
Ecology of consumption: Over the past few years, the alkaline diet has become very famous, especially among those who are health conscious and want to create a healthy diet. This diet is quite easy to follow.
Over the past few years, the alkaline diet has become very famous, especially among those who are health conscious and want to create a healthy diet. This diet is easy to follow and only requires a few minor changes to your daily diet.
Above is a table of the distribution of products according to the degree of alkaline element content. On the left are the higher pH foods. The lower the product, the lower the alkali content and products with an acidic content close the table.
What is the alkaline diet?
To understand the essence of the diet, you need to imagine a scale with alkali and acid at opposite ends. There are substances that are between alkaline and acidic - they are called neutral substances. The scale for measuring alkali content varies from 0 to 14. If the pH is above seven, then the substance is considered alkaline, below seven - acidic. If the pH is seven, then the substance is neutral.
pH is the "hydrogen value". pH defines “the change in electrical resistance in the body between negative and positive ions.” Positive ions are acid-forming particles, and negative ions are involved in the formation of alkali. pH is a measure of the activity of interactions between ions.
What pH level is needed for the body?
The optimal level of alkali in the body is around 7.4. It's enough to maintain better conditions for the healthy functioning of the body. Values of 7.36 and 7.44 are also acceptable.
Blood effectively plays the role of transporting oxygen and other nutrients, subject to a certain pH level in the body. Deviation from the permitted pH level can cause significant harm to humans. The key to success is the right balance between alkaline and acidic content.
Our body has alkaline reserves that are used when the balance is imbalanced towards acidity. However, they are not unlimited, and they should be replenished with the help of various food products. Excess alkali is reserved for future neutralization of acids.
Why do people lose their alkaline balance towards acidity?
It's not just nutrition that upsets the balance and causes the need for alkali. Almost all tissues in our body are alkaline, but many of them are capable of producing acid that must be neutralized. Our muscles, our nutrition and breathing fight this.
Problems of excessive acidity
Most modern consumers consume high-acid foods such as meats, grains, refined oils, carbohydrates and sugar. At the same time, they forget about the need for alkaline nutrition. In the body, these foods can produce about 100mEq of acid per day, but humans can only process half. Without alkali, the body releases vital minerals to suppress acidity.
What foods should you eat to maintain your alkaline balance?
The highest levels of alkali can be observed in fresh vegetables and fruits.
Why is lye so important?
Excess acid and lack of alkali can lead to serious health problems. When there are not enough elements in the body to reduce the acid balance, the body begins to take them from the bones and vital tissues. This is very harmful and entails a decrease in the body’s immunity, as well as the ability to regenerate, which leads to various diseases.
Increased acidity can lead to headaches, acne, upset stomach, decreased immunity, joint pain, and seasonal allergies. Possible weight loss or excess weight.
In the acidic environment of the digestive tract, various bacteria and cancer cells can develop, but all this can be avoided thanks to alkali. All organs are influenced by pH levels, including the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, thyroid, intestines, and so on.
Top 7 High Alkaline Foods
First place - lemons. Lemons contain a huge amount of alkali. And this is a great reason to start your day with a glass of warm water with freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice.
Second place is greens. Greens are an excellent source of alkali, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals.
Third place - root vegetables. Radishes, beets, rutabaga, carrots, horseradish and turnips can have a very beneficial effect on your body.
Fourth place - cucumbers and celery. They are on the list of the most alkaline foods. Help quickly neutralize acids and normalize digestion.
Fifth place - garlic. Garlic is not only a source of alkali, but also extremely important product to maintain immunity. It has high antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Sixth place – cruciferous vegetables. Among them can be counted white cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and broccoli.
Seventh place - avocado. Avocado helps normalize the acid-base balance and also contains a large amount of vitamins, fatty acids and amino acids.
According to some celebrities, doctors and self-proclaimed health experts, the alkaline health system eliminates the need for any medical treatment. According to scientific research, everything is much more complicated. Although an alkaline environment does in fact promote health, it should not be considered a panacea for all ills. Try the alkaline health system, and you can decide for yourself how effective this diet is.
Steps
Alkaline diet
- Alkaline water will not harm your body, so give preference to such water.
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Include a variety of alkaline foods in your diet. The above tips are the fundamental principles of this nutritional system. In addition to the products mentioned above, include the following options in your diet:
- nuts and seeds: almonds, chestnuts, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds;
- protein sources: tofu, soy, millet, tempeh, whey protein;
- spices and seasonings: sea salt, chili pepper, curry, mustard, ginger, cinnamon, stevia;
- dried fruits: dates, raisins, figs.
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Reduce your intake of oxygen-containing foods. While many people avoid meat, dairy and eggs immediately when they start following an alkaline diet, there are a number of other foods that should also be eliminated. In addition to meat, dairy and eggs Eliminate the following foods from your diet:
- grain products: pasta, rice, bread, cereals, crackers, spelled and so on;
- processed foods: sweet/fatty snacks, sodas, desserts, jams, jellies, etc.;
- some fruits and vegetables: store-bought juices, blueberries, coconut flakes, olives, plums, prunes.
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80/20 is the formula for success with an alkaline diet. This means that 80 percent of your diet should be alkaline and 20 percent acidic. You don't have to eat only alkaline foods if you're following this diet. Stick to an 80/20 ratio in your diet; 80% of the foods should fit into your alkaline diet plan, the remaining 20% can be “off-limits” foods.
- You can choose the products for your diet yourself. For example, you can try planning each meal so that about 20% of your calories come from alkaline foods. Alternatively, you can try sticking to this diet most of the time, taking a “break” only every fifth meal.
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Don't fall into the trap of scammers. Often, scammers claim that in order to properly follow an alkaline diet, it is important to buy special (usually expensive) products. This is a scam. When creating a menu, be guided by the list of products mentioned above. Buy regular products from stores instead of dubious substitutes.
Lifestyle
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Try to minimize stressful situations. Stress is either a cause or a consequence of high acid balance. However, this connection has not been confirmed by science. However, it is safe to say that living a stress-free life is healthy life. If you try to reduce the level of stress in your life, you can prevent the development of many diseases, such as heart disease.
Rest after your workout. Classes physical exercise extremely important for good health. However, if you experience muscle pain after exercising in gym, reduce the intensity of your workouts, as intense exercise can cause lactic acid to build up in your muscles. Reduce the intensity of your workouts if you begin to experience muscle pain. The body needs time to remove lactic acid breakdown products and restore damaged tissue; If you do not give the body enough time to recover, painful spasms cannot be avoided.
- If you're following an intense workout schedule, try working different muscle groups on different days. This is necessary so that each group has the opportunity to relax. For example, if you work your upper limb muscle group on Monday, you can work your lower body on Tuesday.
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Limit your use of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine and drugs. Nutritionists say that these substances increase acidity. This may be true, but when it comes to caffeine, this statement sounds very dubious. Nevertheless, this advice is worth listening to - surely following this rule will have a beneficial effect on your health. You may face serious health problems by consuming the above-mentioned substances.
Common Misconceptions
Don't believe the claim that lye cures all diseases. Some nutritionists believe that an alkaline diet can prevent serious health problems such as cancer. There's no less for now Not There is scientific evidence for this statement. If you have serious health problems, Not Consider the alkaline diet a panacea for all ills. Get qualified medical help.
- As confirmation of the above hypothesis, nutritionists cite the fact that some Cancer cells grow faster in acidic solutions. However, these studies were conducted in test tubes and not in the human body. Agree, there is a huge difference between conditions in a test tube and in the human body. Therefore, it is impossible to say with complete certainty how a cancer tumor will behave in an alkaline environment in the human body.
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Drink alkaline water. Doctors and nutritionists advise drinking a lot of water. Nutritionists who recommend the alkaline diet recommend drinking alkaline water. Some research suggests that alkaline water may help slow bone loss, but more research is needed to confirm this.
This was a real discovery for our editors! As it turns out, many foods that people are used to eating create an acidic environment in the body, which slows down metabolic processes. That's where it's from overweight, premature aging and many unpleasant diseases. The only salvation is restoration of acid-base balance and healthy harmony in the entire complex system called the “human body”.
“So Simple!” prepared for you list of alkaline foods, the use of which will turn you into a healthy and happy person.
Alkaline foods
- Lemon
Lemon is truly an amazing fruit! It would seem, how can such an acidic product reduce the acidity of the body? It's all about pH. Its level (which is 9.0) makes yellow citrus most alkaline product. This is a powerful cold remedy viral diseases and heartburn not only helps fight high acidity, but is also a natural antiseptic.Lemon is an indispensable product for cleansing the liver. This seems like a great reason to start your day with a glass of warm water with a slice of lemon.
- Swiss chard
Swiss chard is one of the most alkaline foods, its leaves are rich in vitamins, proteins, fiber and mineral salts. The plant helps normalize blood sugar, enhances brain activity and restores vision. Swiss chard is incredibly healthy for your cardiovascular system, so feel free to add a bunch of chard to your summer salad! - cucumbers
Cucumber is one of the most ancient vegetable crops. This alkaline product helps to quickly normalize the digestion process and neutralize the acidic environment. In addition, this simple vegetable consists of 90% water, which makes it very useful for improving the condition of facial skin. - Radish
Eating radishes helps normalize intestinal motility, reduces cholesterol levels, activates metabolic processes, improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system and helps fight skin diseases. Interestingly, radishes are most beneficial to eat in their pure form, and not in salads. - Celery
Celery is also on the list of the most alkaline foods. He is able to slow down aging process, improve water-salt metabolism, stimulate the secretion of gastric juice and normalize blood sugar. The root and leaves of the plant contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential oils. - Garlic
This aromatic product is not only a source of alkali, but also an important link in maintaining immunity. It has high antimicrobial properties, and its spicy aroma will brighten any dish. - Beet
A very familiar product for us, and also useful! All the vitamins, minerals and fiber contained in the vegetable have a beneficial effect on the body, giving youth and health. - Avocado
This green, oily fruit helps normalize the acid-base balance; it is rich in vitamins, amino acids and monounsaturated fatty acids, which strengthen the cardiovascular system. Great product! - Melon
Melon has an amazing pH value of 8.5. The use of melon is indicated for urolithiasis, kidney diseases and colds. The juicy pulp of the aromatic fruit lifts your spirits and helps overcome insomnia and stress. Add this product to your diet and you won't regret it.Watermelons, by the way, are no less useful, because they contain a huge amount of fiber and water. And besides, they are an alkaline product.
- Buckwheat
If you still only eat rice, you probably haven’t tried buckwheat! Its nutritional properties will provide you with energy for the whole day. Love buckwheat, and your cardiovascular system will certainly thank you with excellent health. - Banana
Banana is an amazing fruit. This magnificent energy source contains a huge amount of pectin and starch, which have a beneficial effect on the digestive system.The pulp of the fruit contains vitamins, iron and endorphins, so bananas can not only energize you, but also lift your spirits. Due to their low protein and salt content, bananas are very beneficial for those who suffer from kidney disease.
- Chicory
This alkaline product not only perfectly replaces coffee, but also has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Chicory contains inulin, which lowers blood sugar levels. And pectin, which chicory is rich in, helps satisfy the feeling of hunger and pacify the appetite. - Berries
As it turned out, in addition to a huge amount of vitamins and microelements, juicy berries contain fiber and antioxidants necessary for intestinal function, which can slow down the aging process of the body. Both tasty and healthy! - Broccoli
This variety of cabbage is rich in vitamins and microelements that are necessary for healthy kidney function, as well as for the normal functioning of bone and connective tissue. - Pineapple
Native South America rich in vitamins A and C. It helps overcome sore throat, pneumonia, arthritis, prevents the development of atherosclerosis and accelerates the healing process of wounds. Pineapple juice It is recommended to use to strengthen memory and for kidney diseases. Pineapple almost does not contain protein, but rich in dietary fiber and fiber. - Grape
Thanks to its generous composition, this delicious berry helps strengthen the immune system and reduces the risk of oncological diseases, helps normalize blood pressure and get rid of joint pain.Grapes are very beneficial for the nervous system, help cope with stress and normalize sleep. The main thing is that grapes help slow down the aging process and rejuvenate the body!
- Brussels sprouts
Eating Brussels sprouts is recommended for atherosclerosis, coronary disease, constipation, diabetes, allergies and even to get rid of insomnia. Since cabbage contains a lot folic acid , it is very useful for pregnant women. This vegetable also helps to get rid of excess weight. - Mango
The sweet pulp of the fruit contains vitamins, minerals, fiber and pectin. This aromatic fruit is a natural antidepressant, because it helps relieve stress and improve mood. With a minimum of calories and protein, mango is an ideal food for those who want to part with extra pounds. It seems like you couldn’t imagine a tastier diet! - Spinach
Such a combination of vitamins and microelements beneficial for the human body is not found in any greenery. A healing properties spinach has long been valued by supporters healthy eating. Diabetes and asthma, anemia and oncology recede before spinach. If you add this simple product to your diet, the health of your skin, hair and teeth will certainly improve. - Quinoa
Due to the content of a huge amount of proteins, its nutritional properties can compete even with animal products. Quinoa has a general strengthening effect, cures gout and radiculitis, and helps in the treatment of hemorrhoids and cancer.Quinoa seeds help remove toxins from the body and normalize digestive processes. And, it would seem, a weed!
- Alfalfa sprouts
The composition of alfalfa sprouts is unique. They contain a huge amount of vitamins, amino acids, minerals and chlorophyll- a powerful catalyst for all biochemical processes that occur in the human body. Alfalfa improves blood composition and increases hemoglobin.It has a strong alkalizing effect, reduces cholesterol levels in the blood, normalizes the activity of the cardiovascular system and prevents aging. The main thing is that this is delicious and useful product available all year round!
- Flax seeds
Flax seeds are a very alkaline food, containing huge amounts of fiber and vitamin E. And its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the symptoms of hot flashes in women. during menopause. - Papaya
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