The Alkaline Diet, or alkaline foods are something you have probably heard of. And with so many diets and “buzzwords” going around, it’s hard to know which are worth investigating further. At Kis Kitchen I strive to not only arm you with healthy foods, but I think I can arm you with some useful knowledge as well. 

Why is an Alkaline Diet Important?

Without getting too technical, it is a diet that contains foods that are not acidic. Seems simple right?

The pH in our body should remain consistently balanced (neutral), or even leaning on the side of being alkaline. The build up of acidity can cause inflammation, which leads to health issues like nutritional deficiencies, cancers, heart disease, and the list goes on. There are even studies that have shown cancer cells cannot live in an alkaline environment. Overly acidic diets can also lead to inflammatory bowel disease and crohn’s disease. 

This does not necessarily mean that if your body is consistently acidic you will become ill, but it certainly increases the likelihood, and prevention is the key. 

 The 6 Best Alkaline Foods to Include

We all love lists, so here’s one I compiled of the most practical additions of alkaline foods you can include in your diet:

1. Arugula is not only a delicious addition to any salad, but it is an alkaline food. If you are unfamiliar with arugula, it is very high in calcium and vitamin A.
2. Avocado is a delicious and versatile food that is easily added to salads. It is commonly made into guacamole, and is often added to sandwiches. This creamy green fruit manages to make its way onto nutritional lists everywhere. 
3. Carrots are often added to soups, stew, salad, or dips. Carrots are delicious both raw and cooked, and I’m sure they are already a staple in most households.
4. Cumin is a spice largely used in Kis Kitchen for its health benefits and delicious flavour. Cumin can easily be added to your spice rack for versatility if it isn’t already there. 
5. Eggplant is another delicious staple used in Kis Kitchen. This beautiful vegetable is so versatile, there are so may different recipe options to choose from. 
6. Spinach is an alkaline powerhouse that is full of vitamins and antioxidants. Spinach is likely already being used in your household cooking and salad making. 

This is a very short list of what you may already have in your home, but the list of alkaline foods is hundreds long. I’m sure there are even some surprises in there! Did you know that lemons and limes are alkaline? Many people think lemons are acidic because of their sour taste, when in fact they are alkaline. 

 Overall Alkaline 

You don’t really need a list while you shop though. It is easy to think about alkaline foods being most vegetables, fruits, nuts, herbal teas, and seeds. There are some exceptions, but they are so few that you can enter the grocery store ready to shop confidently. 

To make things more clear, acidic foods are most grains, meats, beans, dairy products, fish, and processed foods. 

Let’s Find The Balance

You don’t have to go to the grocery store and fill your cart with alkaline foods only. A good general rule of thumb is a combination of 60-80% alkaline foods, and 20-40% acidic foods. When out, choosing fresh foods rather than fast food is a healthier option, and a better way to stay on track nutritionally. In addition, pesticides are acid forming, so choose organic foods when possible. Find a list of foods better bought organic here. 

Awareness is The Key

Whether you are living a healthy lifestyle, or fighting illness, there is no better defence than awareness, then action. Doing the research and finding out what works for your body is something that should never be dismissed. Talk to someone who specializes in clean eating, speak to those who have healed themselves through diet and exercise, use google. Whatever it is you need to do to feel and look your best is the right path for you. 

The beauty of an alkaline diet is that it isn’t a weight loss plan, it’s not a traditional type “diet”. Choosing mostly alkaline foods is simply a healthier awareness of what you are putting in your body. Chances are, you already have a large number

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Thank you so much for visiting! I hope you have found some valuable information, if so, I’d love to hear about it! Please feel free to share this post with anyone who might benefit, and comments are always welcomed and appreciated. 

I look forward to connecting with you next time!

And be sure to check out why you should order your family’s next meal courtesy of Ki’s Kitchen  

From our kitchen to yours,

Love + Peace

Kiran 

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Kiran

I was inspired by my loved ones to reach out to people who have Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes and other debilitating illnesses. I learned to prepare food for people who need to consume a certain diet, in order to stave off their symptoms and/or help fight their illness, but have neither the physical strength, capability nor time to cook for themselves.

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