10 Awesome Ways to Alkalize Your Body

The human body is full of complexities (and even some mysteries!). A jumble of tissues and organs + hundreds if not thousands of complex processes happening simultaneously, all working to somehow keep us alive and well. Our bodies are working hard day and night, and definitely deserve a little support. One of the most common threads in terms of disease is acidosis; disease is almost always accompanied by an acidic state within the body. Things like poor nutrition, a lack of movement, dehydration, and even chronic stress or worry can contribute to acidity within the body. Tipping the body towards alkalinity serves as a perfect foundation for better health and vibrancy.

Here are 10 tips on how to do it!

Green Up!

The most alkalinizing foods are ones which contain high levels of minerals and chlorophyll - such as green leafy vegetables and green superfood powders like Amazing Algae, which can be added directly to smoothies or sprinkled over salads. One of the best ways to flood your body with chlorophyll is through green juice. Making this a daily habit alone will be transformative. 

Aim for High Raw

Raw foods are full of water, fiber, alkalinizing minerals, and enzymes. These foods help our entire digestive system function at its peak, and help prevent dehydration. When processed foods are replaced with fresh foods, this automatically helps move us into a more alkaline state. 

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

A build up of toxins can create acidity within our tissues, and the best solution is dilution; you've got to flush them out! Far too many of us suffer from chronic dehydration without even realizing it. Instead of shooting for a certain number of ounces, let your body guide your - your urine should be light or clear. Be especially careful to replenish yourself on days that you exercise and sweat.  

Move Your Body and Breathe Deep

Proper oxygenation leads to a more alkaline state. Activating our bodies through movement that gets the heart pumping will in turn help pump the lymphatic system (which flushes out toxins). Even on days when a workout is just not going to happen, you can still focus on oxygenation through deep abdominal breathing, preferably in some fresh air. 

Trade Out Coffee For Tea (at least some of the time...)

Coffee is a hard habit to break, we know, but it is important to be mindful of its effects on the body. Most coffee is acidic. Try swapping out that espresso or latte (at lease part of the time) for yerba mate or matcha green tea - both provide a boost of energy with less acid, and are absolutely delicious. If you can't fathom life without it, cold brew/cold pressed coffee is also known for being less acidic. 

Limit Sugar (especially the refined stuff)

We all know an excess of sugar is detrimental to our health in more ways than one, but many aren't aware that it is also acidifying. You don't have to swear off sweets completely! Try swapping out all refined sugars for more natural alternatives like raw honey, coconut sugar, yacon syrup, and dates, and be mindful of the amount of sugar you're consuming. Keep in mind that upping the level of dark greens and non-sweet green juices in your diet will help curb sweet cravings and also buffer acidity. 

Eat Plant Based Proteins 

Animal proteins tend to be more acidic than plant based options. By choosing more plant based sources you will help your body maintain alkalinity while also meeting your body's needs for sufficient protein (hello gains!). There are so many amazing sources from legumes, hemp seeds, raw nut butters, blue green algae, chia seeds, sprouts, fermented organic soy like tempeh, dark leafy greens, vegan protein powders, etc. 

Supplement with Probiotics and Enzymes 

Enzymes and probiotics both work to keep digestion working tip-top, and help ensure that our food is broken down fully with optimal nutrient absorption and assimilation. Our pancreas is responsible for producing most digestive enzymes, so supplementing helps lend this hard working organ some much needed support. When our digestion is working at its peak, our pH is more balanced, and our our entire health improves.

Begin the Day with a pH Tonic

Try making yourself a daily health-promoting tonic every morning by mixing the juice of 1/2 lemon and 2 Tbs raw apple cider vinegar with a glass of warm (not hot!) water. Drinking lemon water in the morning in particular is incredible for a variety of reasons - it jumps starts digestion, helps flush toxins, is great for the skin and the liver, and helps balance pH. Even though both lemon and ACV contain naturally occuring acids, once metabolized by the body they actually promote alkalinity.

And Lastly...Watch Your Thoughts

Negative thinking habits, chronic stress, and worry can absolutely be toxic and acidic to our system. Our minds and our bodies work together, not separately. What we think in our mind, our body can hear and is constantly responding. Positive thinking, along with managing stress in a healthy and balanced way will help ensure that all of your other efforts to to stay alkaline can have maximum impact.