If you paid attention in chemistry class in school, you will be familiar with the concept of acid and alkali. If not, here's a brief refresher: Acids are aqueous solutions with a pH less than 7.0, whereas alkalis have a pH greater than 7.0, with water being the neutral component with a pH of 7.0. In layman's words, acids have a sour taste and are corrosive, whereas alkalis are substances that neutralise acids.
During digestion, our stomach secretes gastric acids, which aid in the breakdown of food. The stomach has a pH balance that fluctuates from 2.0 to 3.5, which is highly acidic but required for digestion. However, due to an unhealthy lifestyle and eating habits, the acidic level in the body can go crazy, resulting in acidity, acid reflux, and other gastrointestinal problems. Most urban inhabitants' everyday diets contain high levels of acidic foods such as burgers, samosas, pizza, rolls, cheese sandwiches, sausages, bacon, kebabs, colas, doughnuts, pastries, and so on, which might disrupt the acidic equilibrium in the stomach in the long run. When these items are broken down, they leave behind residues known as acid ash, which is the primary cause of your stomach problems.
Alkaline meals are essential for achieving balance. We should have a balanced meal with a nice mix of everything, as all experts and doctors have been recommending for years, rather than restricting ourselves to only a single category of food items. As a result, alkaline foods assist to mitigate the dangers of acidity and acid reflux, providing some relief. To promote a balanced diet, most traditional Indian meals include alkaline food products. If you've ever had a traditional Assamese meal, you'll know that it always opens with a dish called Khar. Khar also refers to the dish's major component, an alkali collected from the peels of a banana variety called as Bhim Kol. The peels are dry roasted and kept before being soaked in warm water to produce a brownish filtrate that is then used in cooking. The meal can be created with a variety of ingredients, but the most popular is Amitar Khar, which is made using raw papaya. If you've been eating a lot of red meat, processed foods, and junk food, it's time to add some alkaline foods to your diet. Here is a short list on alkaline foods to get you started.
1. Citrus Fruits
Contrary to popular assumption, citrus fruits are rich in acidity and have an acidic effect on the body. Instead, they are the best source of alkaline foods. Lemon, lime, and oranges are high in Vitamin C and are believed to aid in detoxification, as well as offer relief from acidity and heartburn.
2. Root Veggies
Alkali-rich root vegetables include sweet potato, taro root, lotus root, beets, and carrots. They are the finest cooked with a sprinkle of spices and other ingredients. They are frequently overcooked, which causes them to lose all of their deliciousness. If you pay attention while cooking, you will fall in love with root vegetables as you learn to incorporate them into soups, stir-fries, salads, and other dishes.
3. Tofu
Milk and other dairy products are acidic to the digestive tract. Tofu is made from soy milk and so has an alkaline pH. To avoid acid reflux, avoid paneer and replace it with tofu.
4. Nuts
Do you like to snack on nuts when you're hungry? They not only provide excellent fats but also have an alkaline effect on the body. However, because nuts are high in calories, they should be consumed in moderation. Incorporate cashews, chestnuts, and almonds into your everyday diet.
5. Ginger, Garlic And Onion
Onion, garlic, and ginger, three of the most significant ingredients in Indian cookery, are also excellent flavour enhancers. You can also add garlic to your morning toast, grated ginger to your soup or tea, freshly sliced onions to salads, and so on.
6. Green Leafy Vegetables
The majority of green leafy vegetables are said to have an alkaline influence on our bodies. Our elders and health experts do not always encourage us to include greens in our daily diet for no reason. They contain important minerals that the body requires to perform various activities. Incorporate spinach, lettuce, kale, celery, parsley, arugula, and mustard greens into your diet.