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One crucial aspect often overlooked in the pursuit of good health and well-being is the body’s pH balance. “Balancing the Gut: Why Do You Want to Be More Alkaline?” by Darin Ingels, ND, sheds light on the significance of maintaining an alkaline environment within the body. This article, featured on the website of The Autism Community in Action (TACA), not only explores the basics of an alkaline diet but also emphasizes its potential benefits for individuals, particularly children on the autism spectrum.

Understanding Alkalinity vs. Acidity

To appreciate the concept of an alkaline diet, it’s essential to grasp the fundamentals of pH, acidity, and alkalinity. Acidity is quantified on the pH scale, which ranges from zero to 14. A pH below 7 is acidic, while a pH above 7 is alkaline, with 7 being neutral.

Maintaining a balance between acidity and alkalinity within the human body is critical because various bodily functions operate optimally within specific pH ranges. For instance, some areas like the skin, stomach, bladder, and vaginal tract are naturally acidic to protect against external threats. Conversely, most other organs and cells function best in an alkaline pH environment, with an optimal body pH level of around 7.4.

The Benefits of Adopting an Alkaline Diet

Western diets are often laden with factors that tilt the body toward acidity, including excessive consumption of unhealthy fats, protein overload, insufficient fibre, and excessive sugar intake. This acidic environment can lead to inflammation and elevate the risk of various diseases and disorders. In contrast, an alkaline diet contributes to pH balance, reducing overall acidity.

Maintaining an alkaline environment offers many benefits, especially for individuals with autism. It can help alleviate inflammation, which is commonly observed in the brain, gut, skin, and muscles of autistic children. Furthermore, an alkaline diet hinders the proliferation of yeast and harmful bacteria, a common issue in children with autism, facilitating improved detoxification.

Dr. Darin Ingels notes that many of his patients have experienced significant improvements in their health and well-being by adopting an alkaline diet and detoxification regimen. This dietary shift can be a life-changing lifestyle choice, particularly for those dealing with autism. Identifying specific food allergies or sensitivities that might exacerbate symptoms is also essential.

Foods to Include in an Alkaline Diet

Interestingly, the pH of a food item itself doesn’t always correlate with its impact on the body’s pH. For instance, while fresh lemons, limes, and raw organic apple cider vinegar may seem acidic, they actually promote alkalinity when consumed.

Acid-forming foods to limit in an alkaline diet include animal proteins, sugar, coffee, juice, and processed foods. In contrast, alkaline foods, which should be emphasized, include leafy greens, root vegetables (especially radishes), broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, lemons, cabbage, and some peppers, such as cayenne.

For those considering an alkaline diet for their children, the following foods are recommended:

• Leafy green vegetables
• Most fresh fruits
• Fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut
• Plant-based protein sources
• Cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts
• Raw nuts and seeds
• Herbs
• Lemons
• Beans
• Peas
• Spinach
• Tomatoes
• Radishes
• Beets
• Cucumbers
• Garlic
• Avocados
• Olive oil
• Alkaline water
• Carrots
• Celery
• Green tea

Conclusion

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all diet for individuals with autism, embracing a healthy alkaline diet can yield positive outcomes for many patients. This dietary approach is simple and may represent a crucial step in enhancing the health and well-being of your child. Dr Darin Ingels’ article serves as a valuable resource, highlighting the potential benefits of an alkaline diet in the context of autism spectrum disorder and reinforcing the notion that diet can indeed be the foundation of good health.

Embracing an alkaline diet can be a transformative step in promoting health and well-being, particularly for individuals living with autism spectrum disorder. However, it’s essential to remember that a holistic approach to pH balance extends beyond just the foods we consume. Alkaline ionized water, readily attainable with the help of a water ionizer like the PRIME Water Ionizers, can be a valuable addition to complement your alkaline diet journey. This specialized water not only supports your body’s pH equilibrium but also provides optimal hydration and potential health benefits. By incorporating alkaline ionized water into your daily routine, you can further enhance the positive impact of your alkaline diet, setting the stage for improved health and vitality.