Did you know an underlying metabolic acidity is a factor to many autoimmune and degenerative diseases?! Alkaline balance is very important for overall health. When we have metabolic acidosis, it can have a severe impact on our health including interference with cell metabolism, impaired energy production, increase in free radical production, loss of bone mineral, loss of muscle mass, a reduction in growth hormones, and the development of kidney stones. The restoration of an alkaline state is essential to overall bone health, proper immune system function, and overall cellular health. Our bodies function at their best in an alkaline environment. Our standard American diet and toxic exposures all around us unfortunately contribute to a great deal of acid in the body.

Our bodies can utilize alkaline-forming foods to help buffer acids. Many of these can be obtained by eating a diet rich in healthy oils (good fats), fruits, and vegetables. When alkaline-forming foods are metabolized, they have the ability to accept hydrogen ions which reduce the acid load and in turn restore alkaline balance in the body.

Recommendations for alkaline-forming foods include:

Coconuts, coconut oil, olive oil, blueberries, apples, grapefruit, avocado, avocado oil, olives, lemons, blackberries, limes, strawberries, raspberries, watermelon, cucumbers, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, mustard greens, kale, winter squash, asparagus, eggplant, summer squash, zucchini, cod liver oil, onions, flax oil, celery, collard greens, endive, broccoli, and cabbage.