What exactly does it mean to alkalize? Why is it important to maintain health? Basically, disease, including cancer, thrives in an acidic body. Just like your body needs to maintain a specific temperature, it must also maintain a pH which is slightly higher than 7, which means it is slightly alkaline. A diet rich in animal protein and lacking in greens and veggies is the main contributor to an acidic environment in the body, but stress and toxic living environments are also factors. You can test your pH balance with strips you can by at the health food or drug store and following the instructions on the package.
pH Balance and the Body:
- Blood has a pH between 7.35 and 7.45 ~ the body must stay within this range to stay healthy.
- When the body is too acidic we are at risk of developing disease, our energy levels drop and the immune function suffers.
- When we are in acidic state, the body uses vital nutrients and minerals to alkalize which can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Health issues associated with acidic pH include:
- Free radical oxidation (premature aging)
- Inadequate absorption of essential vitamins and minerals
- Low bone density / Osteoporosis
- Poor skin and hair health
- Weight gain (increased cortisol which lays down abdominal fat)
- Internal toxin build-up
- Frequent colds, flu and headaches
3 most acid forming substances:
- Animal protein – meat, dairy
- Refined sugar – including white table sugar and all it’s friends like high fructose corn syrup
- Refined grains – white flours
3 Simple ways to alkalize every day:
- Start your day with a glass of filtered water with 1/2 lemon
- Eat greens every single day
- Eat a more plant based diet
On an acid/alkalize chart Umeboshi, which is a pickled plum, is one of the most alkalizing foods. This Asian superfood has been translated as “plum,” but is actually a species of apricot. It’s many health benefits include detoxifying the liver, being a natural digestive aid and having anti-ageing properties. You can buy them whole or in a paste form at the health food store. They can be quite pricey but a little goes a long way!
Carrot and Daikon Radish Ribbon Salad with Citrus Umeboshi Dressing
3 carrots
1 small daikon radish
1 cup red cabbage
2 big handfuls baby spinach
1 handful fresh cilantro
Dressing:
2 tsp umeboshi paste
3 Tbsp olive oil
2 oranges (1/3 cup juice + ½ tsp zest)
1 lime, juiced (1 Tbsp)
½ lemon, juiced (1 Tbsp)
¼ tsp dried ginger root or ½ tsp fresh ginger root, grated
How to make:
Wash vegetables first and peel if using non-organic produce. Using a good quality vegetable peeler, make long ribbons by peeling the whole vegetable (carrot and daikon) I used rainbow carrots in the salad that is pictured, that’s why they look purple! Slice cabbage very thinly.
Slice spinach thinly and chop cilantro.
To make the dressing, either combine all ingredients in a blender and buzz until smooth. When you zest the orange, only use the orange part as the white pith tends to be very bitter.
Toss salad with dressing and allow to marinate for 5 minutes.
Makes 2 main dish salads or 4 side dishes.
