Are you curious about how your diet affects your body's acidity? Alkaline diets, also known as low-PRAL diets, focus on reducing acid levels by eating lots of vegetables and fruits low in phosphorus and high in potassium. Balancing acid-producing foods (like proteins) with alkaline-producing ones (like fruits and veggies) can improve heart health, lower blood pressure and body weight, reduce cholesterol and protect against diseases.
The blog focuses on exploring how combining an alkaline diet rich in fruits and vegetables with plant protein supplements can synergistically support overall health, providing essential nutrients while promoting a balanced pH environment in the body. Using the best plant-based protein supplements ensures you're getting high-quality nutrients without increasing your body's acidity.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring the Surprising Side Effects of Acidic Diets
But first, let’s understand some of the side effects of acidic diets
Harms Bone Health
An acidic diet can harm bone health. When your body becomes too acidic, it absorbs more calcium from your bones to balance harmony. This process can lead to weakened bones over time and raise the risk of osteoporosis.
Muscle Loss
While the body pH is consistently towards the acidic side it might also cause muscle loss or sarcopenia. This breaks down muscle proteins, making your muscles weaker and affecting your overall health.
Increased Inflammation
Consistent acidic pH in your body can lead to inflammation by disrupting the balance. This increasing inflammation has been linked to serious health implications such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Pro Fact: Consuming 5-6 servings of fruits and vegetables in a day is preferring whole grains instead of refined grains. More than 80% of Indians aren't meeting their daily recommended intake of vegetables and fruits
Balancing Act: How Protein Influences Your Body's pH
The protein made from dairy is acidic because it contains amino acids like Cysteine and Methionine, which break down into acids in the body increase inflammation, and might contribute to multiple metabolic diseases and chronic conditions. Plant protein supplements, such as peas and rice, are processed into powder form. Here's a list of their pH characteristics:
- These supplements are derived from natural sources and undergo processing to enhance their protein content.
- They have a pH close to neutral, meaning they neither increase nor decrease the acidity of your body.
- For instance, pea protein isolate, often marketed as the best vegan protein powder for muscle gain, typically has a pH value between 6.5 and 7.0.
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Similarly, rice protein falls within the same pH range, as observed in studies
This neutral pH makes plant protein supplements a better choice for maintaining balanced acidity levels in comparison to other acidic options like whey protein.
Stay Balanced: The Power of Digestive Blends in Plant Proteins for Regulating Acidity
Natural digestive blends are often added to plant-based protein supplements to help maintain a neutral or alkaline pH. These blends typically include ingredients known for their digestive support and alkalizing properties, such as:
- Alkalizing Greens: Ingredients like spinach, kale, or alfalfa are rich in chlorophyll and minerals like magnesium, which can help counteract acidity in the body.
- Antioxidant-Rich Herbs: Plants such as ginger, turmeric, and licorice root not only aid digestion but also have anti-inflammatory properties that can support overall gut health and acidity balance.
- Fibre: helps regulate acidity by promoting beneficial gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids, which maintain intestinal alkalinity. Additionally, fiber aids in regular bowel movements reduces inflammation, and can bind excess acids in the digestive tract.
- Digestive enzymes: such as protease and amylase regulate acidity levels by breaking down proteins and carbohydrates more efficiently. This process aids digestion and reduces the production of acidic by-products during digestion.
End Note:
Incorporating an alkaline diet and plant-based protein supplements into your daily routine can help you achieve a healthier, more balanced body. Even small dietary changes, such as using organic plant-based protein powder or vegan protein supplements, can lead to significant improvements in your overall health and vitality. Choose the top plant-based protein powder or the best vegan protein supplements to support your health goals effectively.
Sources:
Effect of Acid or Base Interventions on Bone Health
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