Alkaline foods seem to make their way into every conversation about health. Why do they matter and should you be eating them? Many people in the United States have highly acidic bodies, and this acidity is linked to climbing rates of bone loss, weight gain, cancer, gastric disorders, and chronic inflammation. This is directly related to high protein diets, smoking cigarettes, alcohol consumption, and the intake of processed foods and medications. All of these things upset the natural pH balance, which is not good for your overall health.

While methods of self-care, including acupuncture, exercise, and meditation, can enhance overall health, diet is ultimately one of the most important things to focus on. Diet dictates your mood, brain health, muscle function, bone health, joint mobility, and pretty much everything else in the body. Most people go on autopilot and forget to consume foods that are alkaline. This is important because most of the foods in the Western diet are highly acidic. The average person is concerned with convenience and not actively focusing on healthy fats, legumes, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Acid/Alkaline Balance

The body is an incredible specimen and regulates pH in very narrow ranges. The different organs and systems in the body are kept within certain pH ranges, and fine-tuned mechanisms are in place to adjust the pH to healthy levels if necessary. The body can release calcium from bone to adjust pH level, which may be a contributing factor to growing rates of osteoporosis.

Why Alkaline Foods Matter

There is a very simple answer to this: the body’s internal design was not meant to process the foods in the Standard American Diet. The internal environment needs a diverse mix of nutrients to stay healthy, and one of the best ways to do this is to consume alkaline foods. The goal should be to have each meal contain 75% alkaline-producing foods and 25% acid-producing foods to maintain a healthy acid/alkaline balance. Fruits and vegetables balance the protein intake, which is exemplified in the Mediterranean diet. To help you on your quest to consume alkaline foods, we’ve detailed the best ones below.

Lemons

People often associate lemons with acidic foods because they contain citric acid, but they have an alkalizing effect when ingested. Not only do they encourage healthy digestion, but they also aid the liver with eliminating toxins from the body. Start your day with a glass of warm water with the juice of half a lemon in it to propel the body into an alkaline state.

Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, romaine lettuce, watercress, chard, turnip greens, and collards fall under the leafy greens umbrella. These greens are typically loaded with iron, folate, copper, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, K, and B. Leafy greens have been known to protect against certain cancer cells, decrease inflammation, and reduce the risk of heart disease by improving blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Peppers

Whether you go for jalapenos or bell peppers, Anaheim peppers or poblanos, most peppers are alkaline forming. Peppers work to reduce excess acidity in the body to inhibit free radical damage. They also contain carotenoids and other antioxidants, which have been known to decrease the risk of age-related conditions like dementia.

Wheatgrass

While wheatgrass may not be the most appetizing food on this list, it is one of the most nutrient-dense foods to consume. Did you know that wheatgrass contains 102 minerals that are naturally found in soil? Well, it does, and it is also rich in chlorophyll, vitamins, phytonutrients, and antioxidants. Wheatgrass has been known to reduce gastro-intestinal problems, cleanse the liver, increase red blood cell count, and stimulate thyroid hormone production. Don’t consume more than a couple ounces of wheatgrass per day, though, in order to avoid stomach troubles.

Asparagus

Many people suffer from fluid retention, and this is a common reason for weight gain. Additionally, the continued consumption of acid forming foods can make it difficult to release water weight. Asparagus is an alkaline-forming food that helps to decrease fluid retention and lower inflammation, and it works to promote healthy digestion!

Amaranth

This is one of the few grains that has alkaline properties. Containing all nine essential amino acids, amaranth contains a lot of protein and is perfect for vegans or vegetarians. Since most breakfast cereals are high in sugar and sodium, swap those cereals with amaranth to increase alkalinity and your fiber intake.

Red Onion

While eating raw red onion is a great way to reap its nutrients, lightly sautéing red onion in a healthy fat (like coconut oil or avocado oil) can increase the level of alkalinity. Onions are naturally rich in vitamin C and have been praised for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

As you can see, the regular consumption of alkaline foods can help decrease the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and certain cancers. Boost your alkaline levels to ensure a healthier body.

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Kidney stones, while uncomfortable, are more and more common these days, affecting about 1 in 11 Americans. Although they are more prevalent in men, women can also develop kidney stones. Having kidney stones is no walk in the park. In fact, it can be very painful, so let’s take a look at what they are and naturally remedies to help treat them.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones, which are small, hard mineral deposits in the kidneys, are made up of unprocessed minerals and acid salts, which form when urine becomes over concentrated with them. They are more likely to form in those who don’t regularly drink a lot of water. It is important that kidney stones leave the body because they can cause further infection and discomfort if they remain inside.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

The leading cause of kidney stones is the lack of water or being constantly dehydrated. The body needs water to balance the pH level in the kidneys. If the person lacks water, then the uric acid in the urine cannot be diluted, making the pH level in the kidneys very acidic. The highly acidic environment helps the formation of kidney stones.  They can also form if the urine has more crystal forming compounds than the fluid in the urine can dilute.

8 Natural Remedies To Help Kidney Stones

Lemon & Olive Oil

An easy and effective remedy is drinking cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix 2oz of each together and drink it straight, following it up with a 12oz glass of distilled or alkaline water. After 30 minutes, mix the juice of half a lemon and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 12oz of distilled or alkaline water. Drink this solution. Repeat this process once every hour until your symptoms improve.

Drink Water…A Lot of It

Hydrate, hydrate, and hydrate some more. When you have kidney stones, it is important to continually replenish the body with enough fluids to flush out the minerals and other substances that cause stones to form. If your urine is dark, then you need more water. If your urine is clear, then you are drinking enough water. It is recommended to drink 8-10 8oz glasses of water every day. You can also drink half your body weight in ounces to ensure you are properly hydrated for normal functions. If you weigh 150lbs and divide that by 2 to get 75, you should be drinking at least 75oz of water per day.

Eat Watermelon

Watermelon is a great natural remedy because the potassium in it can help treat kidney stones that are comprised of magnesium phosphates, calcium, and carbonates. Potassium is an essential mineral for proper kidney health. Additionally, watermelon contains a lot of water, which helps to flush kidney stones out of your system.

Kidney Beans

Aside from resembling the shape of kidneys, kidney beans are beneficial for most kidney problems. Remove fresh beans from inside the pods and boil them until they are tender. Strain the liquid into a pot, allow it to cool, and then strain it into a pot again. Drink this liquid a few times throughout the day to help relieve symptoms of kidney stones. Don’t keep the liquid for more than 24 hours because it will lose its healing properties. You can eat the beans in a salad or soup.

Pomegranate Juice

Pomegranate juice and pomegranate seeds may help prevent the formation of certain types of kidney stones. Drink one or two servings of pomegranate juice every day to help relieve symptoms of kidney stones. Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants and that can help protect the body from damaging free radicals.

Drink Wheatgrass Juice

Wheatgrass juice, which is rich in chlorophyll, is a great natural remedy for treating kidney stones. You can also mix wheatgrass juice with 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of fresh basil juice for maximum healing benefits.

Change Your Diet

It can be beneficial to cut out energy drinks, soda, processed foods, alcohol, meats, and dairy products because these unhealthy foods can contribute to the growth of kidney stones. It is optimal to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, in addition to nuts and seeds, to help alkalize the body and promote overall health.

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Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble member of the B-complex vitamin family. It is one of very few vitamins that contain essential minerals that are beneficial to women during pregnancy.

Vitamin B12 Benefits

Vitamin B12 has many benefits to the body including:

• Healthy metabolism of nerve tissue
• Maintaining iron levels in the blood
• Improves memory and concentration
• Regulates the formation of red blood cells
• Maintenance of the nervous system
• Cell formation
• Cell longevity
• Utilizes fats, carbohydrates and proteins
• Maintains fertility in women

Vitamin B12 has also been reported to reduce the risk of cancer, lessen the severity of allergies, protect against allergens and toxic elements and boost energy levels. The energy-boosting properties of B12 have caused the vitamin to become increasingly popular recently. Vitamin B12 shots are now available through doctors as a way to boost energy levels.

Deficiencies in Vitamin B12

Having a deficiency in Vitamin B12 can be very harmful to the body. A deficiency is usually unlikely, but most commonly results from an inability to absorb the vitamin. This is mostly seen in the elderly or those with digestive disorders.

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency are:

• Anemia
• Menstrual problems
• Mental deterioration
• Chronic Fatigue
• Constipation
• Trembling
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Eye disorders
• Hallucinations
• Memory loss
• Spinal cord degeneration

Since Vitamin B12 helps prevent anemia, maintain fertility and alleviate menstrual problems, the vitamin is highly beneficial to women.

Natural Sources of Vitamin B12

Nature is sufficient in providing everything we humans need for nutritional purposes, including Vitamin B12. Natural, organic versions of vitamins are always preferable to synthetic versions. They are easier for the body to digest and absorb.

Many green plants contain high levels of Vitamin B12 and are naturally energizing. Look for these foods to add to your diet in order to get adequate amounts of Vitamin B12:

• Wheatgrass
• Watercress
• Alfalfa
• Spinach
• Parsley
• Spirulina
• Blue green algae
• Hiziki
• Wakame
• Irish moss
• Kelp
• Nori

Seaweeds are the most nutritious foods you can consume, as they contain everything we need to sustain life. They are full of minerals, trace elements, amino acids, vitamins, oxygen and chlorophyll.

Dherbs Solutions

Dherbs offers several formulas that provide natural, organic Vitamin B12:

• B-Vitamin Complex
• Electric Greens Combo
• Thyroid Aid

Thank you for reading!

This article is compliments of Dherbs.com

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