Acid and Alkaline balanced diet.
It has been almost one year since I started my natural skincare business. I have met many people who have been suffering from skin care problems like Eczema, Psoriasis, etc. They have asked for my advice in what they can do to rectify their skin conditions. Through a lot of personal research I have done, I am confident to advise them to use my 100% natural & gentle skincare products instead of conventional drug store’s skincare products made with harsh chemicals. Yet, external treatment is not good enough to heal their skin completely.
The fact is that our body including our skin and hair is made by what we eat and drink everyday. I would like to share the information to help you to achieve beautiful skin and optimal health internally.
ACID AND ALKALINE BALANCED DIET
Beauty begins inside. Toxins in the blood, poor digestion or sluggish bowel movements are prime suspects if you have bad cellulite or skin problems or other health problems. If you want to have a healthy, lean body with beautiful clear skin, it is time to change to an alkaline diet with raw vegetables and fruit. Cut out sugar, chocolate, white flour, and processed foods. Since you are beginning from inside the body, and important internal fact is the chemical makeup, 80% alkaline and 20% acid. However, in direct opposition to this state people tend to eat 80% acid-forming foods and 20% alkaline-forming foods.
Foods such as lemon and apple cider vinegar are not acid-forming but alkaline-forming in the body. A general rule is that approximately 3/4 of your plate should be alkaline and 1/4 acid. If one meal is completely acid, i.e., a ham & cheese sandwich and coffee, make sure that the next two meals are 100% alkaline forming to balance the body.
To assist in your quest to go alkaline, here are some helpful hints.
ALKALINE-FORMING FOODS
VEGETABLES : All vegetables, including potatos, except brussel sprouts, are alkaline forming. Ideally, try to have two large vegetable salads a day. If you cannot, no worries. There is a better way. I personally recommend Green Smoothie which is simply blended with fresh leafy greens and fresh fruits with water. It is a lot easier to take all the vegetables & fruits nutrients when it is fluid.
TOP 8 most Alkaline vegetables : Spinach, Broccoli, Kale, Cucumber, Avocado, Celery, Bell Peppers, Lemon. (For more information, download the Acid and Alkaline foods chart at the bottom)
FRUIT : Fresh fruits cleanse our body. They should be eaten in the morning or at least two hours after a meal.
FATS AND OILS : Use only cold pressed oils. Sunflower, safflower, and olive oils are vital to the body. Unfortunately, oils found in the supermarkets are generally not cold pressed. Read the products information carefully.
SEEDS AND NUTS : Sunflower, sesame and pumpkin seeds together form a complete protein. Add the three seeds to natural, plain yogurt and the meal is complete. In regard to nuts, almonds are the only nuts that are alkaline-forming. They may be also added to yogurt or eaten as a snack. I personally recommend to make almond milk by yourself, as the almond milk at the supermarkets generally contains only small amount of almonds and has preservatives. It is easy to make. Put raw almonds and water in a mixer, turn on the mixer and filter it by a nut bag.
YOGURT (or any fermented foods) : Use plain, natural only. The culture in the yogurt helps to balance the flora and the good bacteria in the colon. The only fruit that you can add to yogurt is bananas. Fruit destroys the culture in the yogurt, as do sugar, maple syrup and honey.
SUGAR : Use both unpasteurized honey and maple syrup as they are the only ones which are alkaline-forming.
DRINKS : Water, fresh juices, green smoothie, herb teas and dandelion coffee are good cleansing alkaline drinks.
ACID-FORMING FOODS
GRAINS AND CEREALS : Gluten found in wheat, rye and oats can cause intestinal difficulties. Avoid pastries, biscuits, white flour, pasta and white rice. Eat within 20%, whole grain breads, such as spelt or rye bread, whole grain pastas such as buckwheat, spelt and whole grain rice.
PROTEIN : Although acid-forming, I do recommend having some meat, chicken or fish. It is important that it is of high quality, i.e., free range chicken instead of factory chicken. Beans and nuts can cover the animal protein. I personally make a beans soup or curry with lots of veggies frequently. If you are a vegan or vegetarian, you need to take Vitamin B-12 (make blood) by supplements, as normally animal protein can supply those vitamins.
DAIRY PRODUCTS : Cheese and milk, in addition to being acid-forming, are also mucous forming, so keep their consumption a minimum. Eggs should be used in moderation, no more often than four times a week. Use butter in moderation too.
DRINKS : Sugary soft drinks, coffee, decaffeinated coffee, tea and alcohol are all acid-forming.
AVOID : Salt, white sugar, processed foods, white flour, fried foods and anything in excess.
Download this Alkaline Acid Foods Chart for more information.