Chronic acidity has become a common health problem for most people. The major contributors to this issue include environmental toxins, excess sugar intake, medications, and too much caffeine in the body. Although not serious, chronic acidity has been linked to serious medical conditions, including cancer.
On the plus side, simple lifestyle and dietary changes can make a world of difference in turning off these triggers and restoring the pH balance in your body.
1. Drink plenty of water.
There’s no question water is the essential liquid for proper body
function. Sufficient water intake not only supports all body systems,
but it also eliminates excess toxins. According to health experts, you
should aim at drinking half your body weight in ounces per to maintain
proper function of all body systems. In other words, someone weighing
130 pounds, should drink 65 ounces of water. For optimal alkalizing
results, add some lemon as lemon water is highly alkaline and provides
vitamin C, which stimulates digestion.
2. Support your lymph.
Proper lymphatic function is vital for body detoxification. A number of
methods are extremely beneficial for stimulating the lymphatic system
such as exercising daily, dry brushing, and practicing breathing
techniques and forms of yoga. In addition, basing your diet mostly on
whole foods, focusing on self-care, and reducing stressors in your life
can all lead to alkalized blood flow in your body.
3. Swap coffee for herbal or green tea.
Unlike coffee, green tea is highly alkaline. As an alternative, you can opt for jasmine, sencha, or matcha.
4. Replace sugar with stevia, coconut sugar, or small amounts of honey.
There’s no doubt, sugar is one of the most acidic foods. What’s even
more worrying is that it’s found in almost all commercial food and
drinks. Alternative sweeteners including stevia, coconut sugar, or honey
are much more beneficial.
5. Add a salad or add greens to every meal.
Unlike sugar, leafy greens are highly alkaline and rich in oxygen. You
can add them to your salad, smoothie or you can opt for liquid
chlorophyll to mix with your water. Nutritionists also recommend
drinking fresh green vegetable juices as often as possible.
6. Try oil pulling.
Oil pulling has a long history as an effective natural treatment for
oral health. It’s actually an ancient Ayurvedic practice that cleanses
the mouth, balances acids, and eliminates bad breath. Swishing with 1
tablespoon of raw organic coconut oil every day for 15 to 20 minutes is
highly recommended.
7. Chew your food.
Many are unaware that digestion actually starts in the mouth, and taken
that the saliva is highly alkaline, chewing your food properly before
swallowing it makes a big difference.
8. Sweat (or bathe) it out.
Sweating is a natural process through which the body gets rid of toxins.
And, the fewer toxins in your systems, the less acidic your body is.
There are a number of methods to promote more sweating such as infrared
saunas, steam baths, and hot yoga classes. Soaking in Epsom salt baths a
few times a week is highly beneficial too.
9. Move your body.
Regular exercise or any physical activity supports acid elimination from
the body. It also keeps the lymph system flowing and creates more
alkaline blood.
10. Sleep and de-stress.
Last, but not least, stress is another major contributor to cellular
acidity. The body depends on restorative practices such as going to bed
early, meditation, hot baths or simply going for a walk to restore the
mind-body connection.