Our body strives to maintain balance. Optimum health depends on the correct balance of acid and alkaline particles in the blood and cellular fluids. This balance is designed to be at a pH of 7.365, which is slightly alkaline.
The Western diet, along with stress, can cause a drop in pH and, in turn, make your body more acidic.
Consumption of certain foods and staying hydrated can help restore a balanced environment and is an integral part of the body's post-exercise repair process.
You can restore pH balance by:
- Eating an abundance of alkaline-forming foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables like broccoli, carrots, onions and melons.
- Eating foods rich in chlorophyll, such as asparagus, all leafy greens, parsley, dill, sprouts and zucchini.
- Hydrating throughout the day to decrease lactic acid build up from physical exertion. Add to your water lemon, lime and grapefruit slices, which are all highly alkaline-forming.
- Reducing your stress levels through exercise.
What's your nutrition quick tip? Leave it in the comments or email your tip to nutrition editor Nicole Reino.
More: Stress-Relief Solutions
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