Our diets these days include a large proportion of processed food, fast food, and also food high in salt, sugar and spices. Consumption of such food, however, can lead to reduced production of gastrin, a hormone which stimulates production of stomach acid. Lower production of stomach acid causes acid reflux. It also doesn't help our stomach to properly breakdown the food we eat. And as a result, we end up not getting enough vitamins and minerals. It can also make one more prone to viral infections.
This acid reflux can be fixed by including alkaline food in your diet. It can be done by looking for foods that contain enzymes and probiotics. Including alkaline food in your diet is not only a way to be healthy and make sure you get all nutrition, but your key to a slim waist. Going alkaline will help you say goodbye to bloating. “Vegetables are alkaline and low in calories keeping you full for longer. This automatically makies us eat lesser grains and proteins and help us lose weight,” says Mumbai-based nutritionist Naini Setalvad
“A slight dip or rise in the acid-alkaline level balance can cause mayhem and have dangerous repercussions especially, if the acidic levels are high. This is one of the root causes of diseases. It takes a toll on the skin, lungs, liver, kidney and the digestive system causing constipation, allergies, inflammation, arthritis and multiplying cancer cells as all of this grows in an acidic state where the carbon dioxide in our body increases and oxygen depletes. That is why the acidic-alkaline balance is vital. So, feed your body with seasonal alkalising fruits and vegetables, so that it can properly maintain this balance. This balance can be achieved with 75 per cent alkaline foods and 25 per cent acidic foods,” says Naini.
She goes on to tell us how to make sure we include adequate alkaline foods in our diet. “The simplest way to achieve this is by seeing to it that 50 per cent of your diet is vegetables and fruits as most of them are alkaline. Breakfast, lunch and dinner must have vegetables in form of juices, salads, soups and cooked vegetable.” However, she warns us not to go overboard with alkaline foods as some acidity is required in our bodies, so that parts like the vagina, skin and the bowel can keep unfriendly bacteria away.
Here are some alkaline foods you can include in your diet.
Basil: Basil, a common herb used in Italian cooking, has anti-inflammatory properties. Besides this, it is a good source of vitamin E, vitamin A, riboflavin, niacin and zinc.
Beetroot: Besides possessing alkaline qualities, beetroot is a good source of manganese, potassium, iron and vitamin C. It is also low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Carrot: Carrot is a great source of Vitamin A and beta carotene. It is also a great source of dietary fibre, vitamin C and vitamin K.
Zucchini: Belonging to the squash family, zucchini is high in water content and hence is a great food to include in your diet if you want to beat bloating. A great source of vitamins C, B6 and folate, it also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger: The ginger root has many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds like gingerols, beta-carotene, capsaicin, caffeic acid, curcumin and salicylate. A known ingredient for home remedies, it also contains vitamins B6 and C.
Mint: Mint is a good source of vitamin A, besides having anti-inflammatory properties, when had in tea form.
Radish: Radish is a great source of vitamin C and dietary fibre. It also is a good source of essential minerals like potassium, manganese, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorous, sodium, copper and zinc.
Snow peas: Snow peas or sugar snap peas are a good source of riboflavin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium, and a very good source of dietary fibre.
Some more alkaline foods are maple syrup, melons, grapes, papaya, kiwi, blueberries pears, raisins, dates, figs, okra and sweet potato.
Reducing acid levels also means cutting down on coffee, alcohol, meat and fast food. Most of your diet will be vegetarian. It also means including a lot of salads in your diet and sleeping for eight hours each day. Internationally, celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Elle Macpherson and Gwyneth Paltrow are known to follow alkaline diets.
