Alkaline drinks are a good way to maintain a healthy pH balance. Many foods that we regularly consume are too acidic, and this can lead to digestive problems and discomfort, this can be a sign a more alkaline diet is needed. By replacing acidic drinks like soda with some of these alkaline beverages, it may be possible to change your pH level and calcium level for the better.
Herbal tea comes in a number of different forms. Essentially, it can be made from any herb or spice that can be brewed in hot water, allowing for infusion. Some of the more common varieties are peppermint, which aids digestion, lemon, which is very good for lowering levels of acidity, and chamomile, which relieves tension. Traditionally very popular throughout the far east, herbal tea is fast growing in popularity in North America and western Europe.
Wheatgrass is made from the seeds of the wheat plant. It is generally sold as a juice or as a concentrated powder to be diluted. It is also commonly sold at juice bars, or in health food shops. Wheatgrass is grown through the winter and harvested in early spring; it is then dehydrated and sold. There are numerous claims about the health benefits of wheatgrass, most notably that it aids digestion and detoxification or detox of the body.
Lemonade is a mixture of fresh lemon juice, water (sometimes carbonated) and sugar. Freshly squeezed lemon juice has the effect of lowering levels of acidity within the body. Interestingly, in its natural form lemons are acidic; once they enter the body, however, they become alkaline. This apparent contradiction has left many people unsure about whether they can have lemons in a pH scale balanced diet. Nutritionists have since clarified that lemons have the effect of reducing acidity.
Vegetable juice helps to maintain a strong pH balance and is very healthy. Using a juicer on vegetables is a good way to take in a lot of vitamins and nutrients at one time, and eating raw vegetables is a good aid to prevent indigestion. Most vegetables can be juiced, but some combinations can provide a better flavor balance than others; cucumber, carrots and celery work well together. Green vegetables are an important ingredient in any juice, as they are among the most nutritious vegetables. Some vegetables like spinach can also offer antioxidants that help prevent diseases including cancer.
Dietary wellness can be the first step in maintaining bone health, preventing heart disease, providing comfort through chronic disease, and beginning to lose weight. Overall health can be benefitted by eating plant based and super foods, veggies such as lentils can be used instead of acidic foods or proteins. Alkaline foods can be found and incorporated into everyday life through smoothies using several alkalizing ingredients like almond milk, hydrating coconut water, some fruit juices, or green tea. Prioritize drinking water, alkaline water being preferable and take supplements as needed or recommended by a doctor or dietitian to maintain a healthy body ph level.
Based in London, Ben Moresby has been writing since 2002. His eHow articles cover topics in culture, current affairs and travel. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from the University of East Anglia (UK).