Having a more alkaline diet = health and longevity!

Did you know that diseases thrive best in an acidic environment.  Vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the body results in its fluids becoming more acidic and can greatly increase the aging process causing degenerative "dis-ease" such as cancer, arthritis, weight gain and even allergies. 

Scientific studies have stated that degenerative illness can be caused by acidic levels in the body thus allowing viruses, bad bacteria, parasites and fungi to thrive and grow.  Balancing our bodily systems back into a alkaline state will help us fight these disease causing ailments and slow the aging process.  Alkaline producing foods can easily be included to form part of your diet and where possible should be substituted for most of the acid foods you're already eating. 

Below is a basic list of alkaline producing foods you should consider adding to your shopping cart.

Alkalizing Protein: Almonds; Chestnuts; Tofu (fermented) and Whey Protein Powder.

Alkalizing Vegetables: Alfalfa; Beets; Broccoli; Cabbage; Carrot; Cauliflower; Celery; Chard Greens; Cucumber; Dandelions; Edible Flowers; Eggplant; Garlic; Green Beans; Green Peas; Kale; Lettuce; Mushrooms; Onions; Peas; Peppers; Pumpkin; Radishes; Rutabaga; Sea Veggies; Spinach; Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes.  Basically most all vegetables are alkaline producing, especially the dark green ones so keep that in mind.

Alkalizing Fruits: Apple; Apricot; Avocado; Banana; Blackberries; Cantaloupe; Cherries; Currants; Dates; Dried Figs; Grapes; Grapefruit; Honeydew Melon; Lemon; Lime; Nectarine; Orange; Peach; Pear; Pineapple; Raisins; Raspberries; Rhubarb; Strawberries; Tangerine; Tomatoes; Tropical Fruits and Watermelon.  Although you'd think fruit was acidic, our bodies actually convert it into an alkaline state.

Alkalizing Sweetener: Stevia. (Also commonly known as sweet leaf or sugar leaf, it is widely grown for its sweet leaves. As a much healthier sugar substitute, Stevia's taste has a slower onset and longer duration than that of sugar.)

Alkalizing spice and herbs: Cinnamon; Curry; Ginger; Mustard; Chili Pepper; Sea Salt; Miso and all herbs.

Other Alkalizing products: Apple Cider Vinegar; Molasses; Probiotic Cultures; Green Juices; Veggie Juices;
Fresh Fruit Juice and even Mineral Water.  You can also buy alkaline water that is pH altered to help restore levels in the body.

If you're wondering what foods are more acidic producing, check out this list: Corn; Lentils; Olives; Canned Fruits; Wheat Bran; Oat; Oats (rolled); Oatmeal; Rice (all); Rice Cakes; Wheat; Pasta; Crackers; Flour; Black Beans; Chick Peas; Kidney Beans; Lentils; Soy Milk; White Beans; Almond Milk; Butter; Cheese; Cashews; Legumes; Peanuts; Pecans; Walnuts; Bacon; Meats; Fish; Lamb; Seafood; Turkey; Avocado Oil; Butter; Lard; Safflower Oil; Sunflower Oil; Sugar; Beer; Spirits; Hard Liquor; Wine; Catsup; Cocoa; Coffee; Vinegar; Soft Drinks; Aspirin; Pesticides; Herbicides; Tobacco; Beer and even coffee.

Now remember, just because some foods are more acidic than alkaline doesn't mean it's necessarily bad for you as these foods have many other benefits; it's all about "balance".  So, if you are conscience of what you are eating and drinking, you can avoid becoming to acidic or even too alkaline for that matter.  Take everything into consideration and consult your physician if you're thinking about diet and lifestyle changes.

Having a healthy body, mind and spirit can greatly slow the aging process as well as effect how you look and feel both inside and out!  So eat right and exercise!

About the Author:
Lucy Dente has been in the beauty and wellness business for over 7 years and is a contributing author and publisher of www.beautyondemand.com.  Find all sorts of information on beauty advice, beauty tips, beauty tricks and more.