The pH balance of nutrition

Acidic foods? Alkaline foods? What does that mean and how does it affect our health? The short answer is that there are many health benefits to alkaline forming foods and in order to avoid disease and health imbalances, acid forming foods should be kept to a minimum. Alkaline foods help us to avoid disease and symptoms such as poor nutrient absorption, fatigue, poor skin and hair health, osteoporosis, lowered immunity and free radical damage.

Alkaline versus acidic

A food that leaves an alkaline ash once it has been processed by the body is considered alkaline, whereas acidic foods leave an acidic ash. Therefore, a lemon, which tastes acidic, would not be classified as an acid food for it has a very alkalizing effect on the body.

Alkaline foods are usually ones that are high in the minerals calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, manganese and iron, as these minerals bind to acids in the body. Included in the list of alkaline foods are the following: leafy greens, fresh fruits and vegetables, fresh vegetable juices, sea vegetables and a variety of herbs. Examples of acid foods are: eggs, meat, grains, legumes, and most nuts and seeds.

The general consensus in the quest to achieve a healthy pH balance is to follow the 80/20 rule. Consume 80 per cent alkaline and 20 per cent acidic to reap the health benefits of an alkalized body.

Sources of alkaline foods

So how do we get these mineral rich foods into the bodies of your little ones? Offer fresh fruit or veggies for a snack and avoid processed boxed foods which are more acidic as a result of the processing and refining. On the contrary to modern day processing, traditionally prepared foods such as naturally leavened breads or fermented vegetables will become more alkaline as a result of their preparation methods. This is also true for grains and legumes that have been sprouted.

Check out these great alkaline-filled recipes for toddlers...

Alkaline-filled recipes

Celery smoothie

For digestive reasons, celery is a vegetable that combines well with fruit. It is very high in silicon and helps to renew joints and bones. It's a good source of calcium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, molybdenum, phosphorus, vitamins A, B1, B2, & C.

Ingredients

4 very ripe kiwis
1 ripe banana
3 stalks celery
filtered or alkalized water

Directions

Simply throw all ingredients into a blender, blend well and serve! Ratio is 60 per cent ripe organic fruit, mixed with about 40 per cent organic green vegetables.

Spinach fruit smoothie

Spinach is another very alkaline super food and I love to pick it fresh from the garden for my morning smoothie! It is rich in blood cleansing chlorophyll and an excellent source of vitamin K and A, as well a number of those alkalizing minerals!

Ingredients

½ cup fresh squeezed orange juice
½ cup water
½ cup frozen blueberries
1 cup spinach
½ banana

Directions

Place all in a blender and blend until smooth. Add extra blueberries for a cooler version.

Tricia Sedgwick is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN) in Vancouver, B.C. She spearheaded the multicultural edible garden project called “The World in a Garden,” which connects community to the roots of their food. Tricia is also the creator of Seeds of Plenty - organic baked goods with a sprouted twist! Additionally, she is available for nutritional consulting with a focus on integrative wellness. For more information please visit www.seedsofplenty.com or contact her by e-mail tricia@seedsofplenty.com.

B.C. archives | AB archives

toddler veggies

Sponsor Link:

Yoga and Wellness Weekend in Whistler for Parents-to-Be

Expectant parents – take a weekend to relax and recharge before baby arrives! Join us July 10 to 12 at Whistler’s Summit Lodge and Spa for daily yoga, nature walks, nutrition classes, partner yoga and more. Book now - Early Bird rates beginning at $399 (per couple). More information: newmotheryogaandwellness.com or 1-917-370-7288.