Many of us are starting to find out about the staggering rewards of the alkaline diet. Scientific studies suggest that foods which have an alkaline-forming effect on the body can maximize bone health, promote healthy muscles, maximize energy, and help with numerous health issues.

Even though our ancient ancestors consumed a diet that was mostly alkaline-forming, we modern humans primarily eat acid-producing foods. This shift has taken place because hunter-gatherers had a high intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, whereas most people today eat mostly meat, dairy foods, processed grains, and sugar, all of which are acid-forming.

Experts disagree about how much of our diet should be alkaline-forming, but it is commonly said that around 70 percent of our foods should be alkaline-producing, with the remaining 30 percent consisting of nutrient-dense acidifying foods. Remmeber that your body’s acid-alkaline balance is can be affected by many factors. Air pollution, smoking, and emotional stress are all acid-producing. So if you are feeling stressed-out, you may need more alkalizing foods than you would if you were in excellent health.

Just What Is an Alkaline Diet Food?

When foods are digested, they leave a residue, or “ash,” much as if they had been burned in a fire. An alkaline diet food is a food that primarily consists of alkalizing minerals after it has been assimilated. These alkaline-producing minerals include calcium, magnesium, and most of all, potassium. Because the best sources of potassium are fresh fruits and vegetables, these foods are not surprisingly stressed on the alkaline diet.

On the other hand, acid-forming foods tend to be high in the acid-producing minerals sulfur and phosphorus. These minerals are especially found in certain amino acids which make up the protein in meat and dairy foods. These sulfur- and phosphorus-rich amino acids are essential for health, but only when consumed in the right proportion to other types of food.

The best part about alkaline diet food is that it’s delectable. With the correct plan, you can alkalize your diet without a lot of hassle or expense. And while processed food saps your body of health, alkaline diet food makes you feel vigorous and energized.