8 Alkaline Foods that Help Reduce Inflammation

Alkaline foodsAlkaline foods and their role in reducing inflammation in the body has been a hot topic in recent years. A diet rich in alkaline foods helps reduces inflammation in the body. Everyone from Dr. Oz to Oprah has been buzzing about the negative effects inflammation can have on our bodies. Simply put, inflammation is a natural 'first-aid' response by our body - usually in response to trauma, stress and more. However, chronic inflammation can negatively impact your health. Experts like Dr. Oz seem to agree that one of the first ways to reduce inflammation is by assessing your diet and adding in alkaline foods and removing the acidic ones. Your goal is to increase the pH level of your body. Here are 8 foods and recipes to match that can help you do that.

Dr. Oz says, "Inflammation, a process meant to heal, can often become a danger; chronic inflammation causes heart attacks, stroke - and even cancer. How can you prevent this first-aid response from becoming a first-line attacker?"

Related: 20 healthy alternatives to your kid's favorite foods

The Scale. The acid -> alkaline scale goes from high to low. High pH foods are more alkaline than low pH. The food pH scale generally runs from 3.0-10.0.


Watermelon1. Watermelon
Watermelon is an alkaline superstar with a pH of about 8.8. Fresh, sweet watermelon is also low in calories and rich in vitamins A and C and lycopene.

Make Tofu Feta, Watermelon, and Basil Salad
Serves 4-5

Ingredients:

For salad
18 ounces firm tofu, drained/squeezed dry
2 cups fresh watermelon, cubed
1 cup fresh basil, shredded
spices: cayenne, black pepper
optional: 1-2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
garnish: basil leaves, EVOO drizzle over top, pepper

For tofu marinade
2 Tbsp white miso paste
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 Tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
1-2 Tbsp olive oil

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Directions:
- Prep your tofu - drain, squeeze dry with paper towel, slice into cubes.

- In a small glass, briskly stir your white miso marinade until the miso paste blends into the liquid. If you need to thin the dressing out a bit more you can either add water - or more lemon juice or vinegar. Whatever flavor you would like to lead your salad flavor profile with. I added a splash more rice vinegar to mine. But the recipe - as stated - works too. You don't want to add too much liquid and risk "sogging" up your tofu.

- In a large bowl, toss the tofu with the miso marinade. Place in fridge to chill and marinate for at least a half hour - overnight is best for optimal flavor infusion.

- Toss your tofu with your diced watermelon cubes and chopped basil. Add optional spices and nooch flakes. Top with pepper and optional drizzle of olive oil. Garnish with fresh basil.

Cantaloupe2. Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe melon is not only rich in vitamin A and potassium - but quite alkaline at about pH 8.5. Enjoy cantaloupe on its own or try it juiced in your juicer!
Make cantaloupe juice











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Alfalfa Sprouts3. Alfalfa Sprouts
Crunchy, zesty alfalfa sprouts are rich in vitamins C and K and they also have about 8.5 pH. Stuff these wonderful greens into a sandwich or sprinkle over top a salad.
Make a sprout-lovers' sandwich












Lime4. Lime
You might intuitively think that all citrus must be acidic. But even though a food is acidic outside the body doesn't mean it will have the same effect on the body when digested. Limes (and lemons) actually have an alkalyzing effect. Limes are pH 8.5. So squirt some in your water or over top your next salad or sandwich or toss some fruit in lime juice.
Make a tropical lime fruit salad








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Mango5. Mango
Mangoes are sweet, juicy, rich in vitamins C and A, potassium and more. Their pH is about 8.5. Pair mango with alkaline avocado for a super alkaline combo!
Make a gauco-mango bagel













Kiwi6. Kiwi
Kiwis are rich in vitamin C and carry a zesty, perky flavor. I love blending them into smoothies like this one. Kiwis carry a pH of about 8.6.
Make a kiwi basil smoothie













Related: 12 healthy snacks that hold the sugar but keep it sweet



Melon7. Melon
Melon in general is a very alkaline food - it is also usually rich in potassium, fiber, water (hydrating) and other nutrients. Melon has a pH of about 8.5.
Make a melon bowl











Lemon8. Lemon
Use fresh lemons to make a lemon beverage and you will be alkalyzing your body with every sip. Lemon carries a pH of about 9.0! It might seem strange that lemons are alkalyzing - but they are.
Make a pink lemonade frosty









Disclaimer: ALWAYS consult with a doctor about your personal wellness needs in regards to inflammation or any health or diet issue.

- By Kathy Patalsky
Follow Kathy on Babble

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