Lower The Body’s Acid Levels With These Simple Foods
Recent research indicates that incorporating an apple a day, along with a substantial amount of vegetables, might serve as a primary strategy for managing hypertension. The study underscores the significant role diet plays in overall health, showing that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables not only lowers blood pressure but also benefits heart and kidney health. While modern diets often include high levels of animal products that increase bodily acid, fruits and vegetables can help counteract this acidity.
Dr. Donald Wesson, the lead author of the study and a professor of internal medicine at the University of Texas at Austin, emphasized the issue with contemporary diets that tend to be high in animal products. “Modern diets typically include more meat than fruits and vegetables, leading to an acid-producing diet,” Wesson noted.
Published on August 6 in the American Journal of Medicine, the study involved 153 patients with primary hypertension and elevated blood acid levels. The participants were divided into three groups: one group added 2 to 4 cups of fruits and vegetables to their daily diet, another took sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) tablets, and the third received standard blood pressure treatments. They were monitored over five years.
The findings revealed that both dietary changes and baking soda tablets improved kidney function, but only a diet high in fruits and vegetables positively impacted both kidney and heart health. “Our conclusion is that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables should be the cornerstone of treatment for high blood pressure,” Wesson stated. “It should be the first step before considering medication.”
The study included fruits like apples, oranges, peaches, and raisins, and vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, eggplant, and lettuce. Raisins were particularly noted for their effectiveness in neutralizing bodily acid.
Wesson advised against using baking soda tablets without medical supervision. “I wouldn’t recommend taking sodium bicarbonate tablets without consulting a physician first,” he said.
Nutritionist Amy Kimberlain, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, offered practical advice for those looking to increase their fruit and vegetable intake. “Fruits and vegetables not only provide fiber but also add flavor. Choose ones you enjoy, and try different preparation methods,” Kimberlain suggested.
To ease the transition to a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, Kimberlain recommended:
- Trying a new seasonal fruit or vegetable each week.
- Adding vegetables to breakfast dishes like eggs.
- Incorporating fruit into oatmeal.
- Enhancing salads with a variety of vegetables.
- Roasting vegetables in advance for use throughout the week.
- Preparing homemade soups or stir-fries centered around vegetables.
- Keeping frozen fruits and vegetables on hand for convenience.
- Snacking on veggies with dips like hummus or yogurt-based dressings.
- Having pre-cut fruits and vegetables readily available.
Discussion about this post