15 Strategies for Maintaining Alkalinity in the Body

Are you craving some advice on how to make your body more alkaline, or raise your pH levels? You're in luck! Here, we're spilling the tea on the ins and outs of alkalizing your bod, and sharing our top 15 tips to help you reach that sweet, balanced alkaline state.

But first, let's discuss why pH balance is crucial for your health, and what factors contribute to an imbalance in your body.

Two main culprits are responsible for acidic bodies:

Our eating habits, filled with acidic foods like soda, coffee, meat, chocolate, and processed flour and sugar.
Stress levels and how we manage it. Stress and unhealthy coping mechanisms can throw off your body's acid-base balance.

So now you may be wondering, "If I eat healthier and reduce my stress, will that make my body more alkaline?" While it's not always a straightforward yes, understanding the pH levels in your body will help you make the right choices for your health.

The pH scale measures the acidity or basicity of a substance, and ranges from 0 to 14. An optimal pH is crucial for one's health, with human blood being slightly alkaline, typically 7.35 - 7.45. Testing your pH levels is straightforward with pH test strips, available at your local pharmacy or online.

Simply dip a strip in your saliva or urine first thing in the morning, and hold it for 15 seconds to get a reading. Keep in mind, an acidic environment in your body can result in many negative health consequences, such as decreased ability to repair damaged cells, increased susceptibility to fatigue and illness, and higher chances of tumor growth.

To help you combat acidity and reach a more alkaline state, here are 15 tips that'll have you feeling revitalized and balanced in no time.

Test Your pH Levels Regularly - Utilize pH strips to regularly check your body's acid-base balance, allowing you to adjust your diet accordingly.
Start Your Day Right - Start every morning with a tall glass of water, enlivened with a squeeze of lemon. Lemon drinks offer an energy boost, helping your body kickstart metabolism for the day.
Green Up Your Diet - Focus on incorporating more dark and green vegetables into your meals for a healthier, alkaline body. Mix it up by exploring new veggies and preparing them in fun ways, and make sure to have them readily available. If you need a helping hand with meal planning, check out this helpful service!
Move Your Body - Regular exercise helps maintain and restore your body's neutral pH equilibrium in tissues, as well as in blood and cellular fluids. Aim for at least one form of exercise each day, whether it's walking, dancing, gardening, or swimming, and remember, the more you exercise, the better your overall health will be. If you need a little motivation, try an app like Aaptiv!
Limit Your Alcohol Intake - Alcohol messes with your kidneys' ability to maintain essential substances like phosphate in your blood, negatively impacting your body's metabolism. Stay mindful of your alcohol consumption, and consider switching to water or tea to stay hydrated and avoid acidifying your body.
Use Natural Baking Soda - Add a teaspoon of natural baking soda to water and drink it first thing in the morning for an easy (and less than tasty) way to alkalize your body. Keep in mind that this drink may upset some digestive systems, so consult with a medical professional before making it a routine.
Cut Back on Acidic Foods - Limiting acidic foods can help manage your pH levels and promote overall well-being. food products like processed cakes and breads, pasta, rice, oats, and cold cuts, as well as beverages like milk, caffeinated drinks, and drinks with artificial sweeteners.
Opt for Alkaline Water - Stay hydrated with alkaline water, which can help counteract the acidity in your body. Besides the numerous health benefits of alkaline water, it helps to neutralize the acid in your body by boosting its pH level. If you struggle to find alkaline water, consider purchasing an alkaline water pitcher for added convenience.
Take Multivitamins - Certain vitamins included in a multivitamin (such as vitamins A and C) can assist your body in maintaining a balanced pH level while also boosting your immune system and supporting healthy cell growth.
Incorporate Mindfulness and Stress Management - Studies show that emotional state impacts a person's pH levels. Stress can lead to an increase in cortisol, so work on recognizing your emotions and responding helpfully to reduce its negative effects on your body. Building a mindfulness practice can help you become more aware of your emotions and cope with stress more effectively, both of which contribute to maintaining a balanced pH level.
Focus on Consuming High-Alkaline Foods - Incorporate more fresh fruits, nuts, legumes, and vegetables into your diet. Examples include green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, broccoli, and fruits such as avocados, lemons, and berries. If you need help choosing alkaline foods, consult this helpful list by Ross Bridgeford.
Stay Aware of Your Sugar Intake - Sugar is everywhere, but it's crucial to be aware of its hidden presence in everyday foods for optimal health. Foods full of sugar, such as soft drinks, candy, and cakes, are very acidic, so limit your intake for a healthier body.
Limit Your Caffeine Intake - Caffeine is often found in coffee, teas, and other drinks meant to provide energy. While it may initially boost your mood, caffeine can increase acidity in your body, so opt for water or decaf tea instead.
Reduce Your Stress Levels - Stress significantly impacts pH levels, as increased stress leads to higher levels of cortisol. Become more aware of the sources of your stress and practice methods of de-stressing, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, to reduce your body's overall stress levels and promote better, more balanced pH levels.
Practice Healthy Habits - Focus on creating and maintaining healthy habits daily, such as mindful eating, regular exercise, and adequate hydration. The small changes will help create a healthier pH environment throughout your body, improving your overall well-being.

By incorporating these simple tips and living a balanced lifestyle, you can make your body more alkaline, improving your health and vitality. And for even more daily healthy habits, check out these resources:

33 Health Goals to Achieve
44 Top Daily Healthy Habits Recommended by Experts
53 Simple Healthy Habits to Improve Your Quality of Life
How to Increase Your Lung Capacity: 4 Exercises to Try Today
4 Necessary Weight Loss Habits For Anyone Who Wants to Lose Weight

Engaging in regular mindfulness practices and reducing stress levels, as emotional state has an impact on pH levels, helps maintain a balanced pH level in the body.
Adopting a healthier diet rich in alkaline foods such as dark and green vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, legumes, and high-alkaline foods like avocados, lemons, and berries helps to promote overall well-being and alkalize the body.
Consuming a balanced diet, focusing on nutrient-dense foods, and utilizing science-based resources to develop a meal plan can further support a healthy pH balance and overall health, as found in this helpful service and more articles on health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, and nutrition.