The transition to an alkaline diet can have a big impact on your skin as well as your overall health. The appearance of healthy-looking skin is one of the foremost signs of ageing well. An alkaline diet consisting of approximately 60 to 75% alkaline-forming foods can promote healthy ageing and protect the body and the skin from the effects of accelerated ageing.
What are the benefits of an alkaline diet?
Alkaline Diet – the primary way to ensure a proper acid/alkaline (pH) balance:
1. Increases the body’s mineral content and bone density
2. Improves protein synthesis and strengthens connective tissue and collagen
3. Preserves muscle mass and reduces ageing muscle loss
4. Increases energy production (ATP is dependent on pH)
5. Protects kidney and liver health while promoting detoxification
6. Encourages healthy microbiome and proper digestion
7. Promotes cardiac health, decreasing fluid retention and blood pressure
8. Increases mental clarity and energy in the brain
9. Buffers the oxidative damage caused from excess acid accumulation
What skin conditions can result from excess acid accumulation?
Acidosis (excess acid accumulation within the body) creates ideal conditions for the overproduction of inflammatory compounds. Inflammation is a majorunderlying cause of ageing. When inflammation is present, poor-quality skin (chapped, dry, cracked, infected) along with diseases of the skin, are readily noticeable signs. Inflammatory conditions which affect the integrity of the skin include rosacea, acne, psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. When the body receives adequate protective antioxidants, alkaline minerals, electrolytes, and other buffering agents obtained from food and nutrient-rich supplements, healthier ageing and glowing skin can be realized. Click here to access our Alkaline Forming Foods Reference Sheet and learn more.
How can you tell if your body is too acidic?
Perform an easy urine test using pH paper. The first-morning pH reading will determine whether the body was able to eliminate acids efficiently. It represents the pH reading for the previous 24 hours and is an indication of whether the body has adequate alkaline minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. If the urine pH is lower than 6.4, it may also indicate the potential for low oxygen levels, increased inflammatory markers and accelerated ageing.
Start Your Day the Alkaline Way!
Many consider the most easy, effective, and time-tested way to reach a healthy alkaline state is to hydrate with lemon-based drinks first thing in the morning and throughout the day. When combined with eating more fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and spices, lemon juice is the key to jump-starting your transition to vibrant health by neutralizing free radicals, releasing harmful acid toxins, and reducing inflammation. As super-alkalizing agents, lemons play an important role in cellular detoxification and the cellular energy production needed to stay on the positive side of ageing.
By RoseMarie Pierce, B.Sc.Pharm.
About RoseMarie Pierce: RoseMarie Pierce earned her degree in Pharmacy from Dalhousie University in 1972. After extensive studies in herbal and nutritional medicine, RoseMarie integrated these disciplinary practices with her pharmacy education to become Canada’s first Holistic Pharmacist. She is recognized as one of Canada’s foremost integrated health spokespeople.
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