සම්භන්ධ වෙන්න

What is ‘alkaline’?
The word ‘alkaline’ refers to the water’s pH level.  This pH level is a number that measures how acidic or alkaline, a substance, is on a scale of 0-14. Something with a pH of one would be highly acidic, while substances with a pH of 13 would be extremely alkaline. Fitting into this equation is normal drinking water, which is generally in the center with a neutral pH level of seven. Alkaline water is generally a notch or two above regular water with pH levels of eight or nine. Advocates of alkaline water firmly believe that drinking it can neutralize the acid in one’s body. A hidden fact about the alkaline effect which most people don’t know is that by neutralizing acid levels in the body it indirectly contributes towards the prevention of illness and disease. 

Acidic bodies and disease

Research has proved over and over again that disease and illness thrive in acidic environments. Simply put, if your system is acidic, your risk of illness is higher. However, if your system is alkaline, it means your body has a better chance of fighting illness allowing you to lead a relatively active and productive life. This is the mantra amongst medical experts and health-conscious individuals everywhere today.
Patients who are diagnosed with serious illnesses like cancer, diabetes and heart disease are generally put on strict alkaline diets consisting of well-known alkaline foods to eliminate acids and help speed up the healing process. Considering today’s fast-paced lifestyle and unhealthy diet trends, many people are living with acidic systems without even knowing it. Diet is a key contributor towards this problem however stress, lack of exercise and certain medications can also raise acid levels in the body. 

How diet contributes to acidic systems

Diet plays a major role in creating acid inside the body. Chilie-laden spicy food, fried foods and fast food which is loaded with artificial sugar, salt, saturated fat and preservatives are the reason many people are living with acidic systems and falling ill regularly. Fast food in particular is made up of non-natural substances and ingredients which heighten the taste of food but in truth is extremely harmful to the body. Consumption of alcohol can also lead to acid build up.
Closer to home, our very own Sri Lankan diet could be considered a classic example of spicy and oily food. Comprising mainly of various forms of starch such as rice, bread, string hoppers, rotis and accompaniments like curries, fried and tempered dishes and sambols, Sri Lankan food is essentially made with chilie, spices and oil. Although our local cuisine is undisputedly delicious, it is high in its acidic nature and if not prepared and eaten carefully, can cause acid in
our systems. 

Medication and acid

Today we live in an era of over-the-counter medications and quick fixes for various ailments. Rarely do people find the motivation and the time to make long-term lifestyle changes or seek natural remedies. Instead they have come to rely on medications to manage illnesses or physical conditions and by doing this they are compromising their overall physical well-being. People on long-term medications to control certain types of diseases as well as those who fall ill suddenly and require medications like antibiotics, are also susceptible to acidic bodies.

Lack of exercise and stress

Here is another important factor that is indirectly responsible for acid build up. Adequate exercise promotes a healthy digestive system which is key to good health. Lack of exercise can make your internal functions sluggish and allow acid build up. Today it has come to light through reliable research that stress is directly connected to certain diseases and here again it is through acid build up in the system. People today lead fast-paced lifestyles. They overwork their systems, push their limits and don’t get adequate sleep. These are all stress building factors which can affect one’s health in the long run.
Taking all this into consideration, it pays to alkalinize our systems by eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, fish and of course, plenty of water to flush out toxins from the body. And of course, we must not forget to fit in some form of exercise and take a break once in a while. 

Alkaline and non-alkaline foods

It’s as simple as visiting your grocery store or supermarket to identify foods in these two categories.
Common alkaline foods include beets, broccoli, pumpkin, carrot, cauliflower, celery, cabbage leaves (kale) cucumber and cabbage, ginger, garlic, beans, lemons, lentils, lettuce, millet, mung gram, ladies fingers, olive oil, coconut, pomegranate, spinach, sweet potato.
Non-alkaline foods include meat, poultry, fish, alcohol, refined oils, wheat products, certain grains, sugary food such as sweets and cakes, carbonated soft drinks, tea and coffee.
Of course it’s impossible to eliminate all acidic foods from your diet but it pays to limit them and be aware of what you’re consuming. Maintaining a balanced diet but including more healthy food options is important.