Greens are a major alkaline food, which is why salads packed with vegetables can help balance pH.
If your blood's pH, the measurement of its acidity or alkalinity, is too acidic, this cannot be good for your health. In fact, the typical American diet, rich in protein, grains and other largely acid-producing foods, can lead to mild metabolic acidosis that you can relieve by eating potassium-rich alkaline foods such as fruit and vegetables, according to a study reported in "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." Eating healthy alkaline foods will help balance out the acidity.
Leafy Vegetables
Leafy vegetables are a major alkaline food source. Stick with greens like cabbage, lettuce, watercress, spinach, kale and Brussels sprouts. When you eat these raw, such as in a salad, you'll get the most alkaline benefits, but you can also prepare them however you want and still get some benefit.
Other Vegetables
Salad greens and other leafy greens aren't the only vegetables that fall into the alkaline family. Others include carrots, cauliflower, artichokes, peas and green beans, as well as cucumbers. Pair these with a leafy vegetable, say, in a fresh salad or stew, to add some extra punch to their beneficial alkaline properties.
Seasonings
Certain seasonings and herbs have also been found to help balance out your blood's pH levels. Green herbs like parsley, cilantro and basil all have alkaline properties. Other seasonings and herbs include oregano and garlic. For the most benefit, consume these herbs at their freshest. Tiny herb gardens are easy to maintain, and you can find grow-your-own-herbs kits at most gardening stores, or you can buy these herbs fresh from a local market.
Alkaline Fruits
If you like sweet flavors, try eating alkaline fruits. Grapefruit and watermelon are two options, and mixed together can make for an even sweeter treat. Lemons and limes are also alkaline fruits, and add flavor to food. Add a lemon or lime slice to your water, or put some in your water filter, to make water more alkaline and also add some flavor.
Seeds
Seeds are a great source for alkaline foods. Common ones include sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Stick with unsalted seeds to get the true health benefits. Flaxseeds are also a good source and provide fiber as well. Try adding seeds to a fresh salad, or eating a handful as a healthy alkaline snack.
