Integrating Alkalinity & Exercise
In addition to eliminating foods that raise your body's acidity levels, the alkaline diet promotes a healthy pH balance by maximizing oxygen consumption, reducing stress, and experiencing relaxation. All of of these can be accomplished through a healthy combination of moderate cardiovascular, body resistance, and mind/body exercises.
The alkaline diet is supported by aerobic exercise because it delivers loads of additional oxygen to your body, which helps convert glucose to energy. Walking is a fabulous way to exercise, can be done almost anywhere, and allows you to focus on your oxygen intake as you move. Mild jogging, aerobic dance, bike riding, and swimming are also favorable. Stress is one of the quickest ways to raise your acidity levels, so be sure that the exercise you choose supports maintaining a no or low stress level.
Yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates are also very beneficial to the alkaline dieter, because of their natural demand for deep breathing. They also promote balance, flexibility, and strength without overworking the body by bringing it into an anaerobic state.
Anaerobic workouts are generally defined as short duration, high intensity exercises that require large bursts of energy in a small amount of time, resulting in pyruvic acid conversion into lactic acid. As lactic acid builds up, it changes the pH of the muscle tissues. This applies to those who enjoy plyometrics, sprinting, interval training, weightlifting, bodybuilding, and the like. You'll know you are working in an anaerobic state if you are breathing fast and hard, getting fatigued or feeling uncomfortable. Whether or not you are intentionally working anaerobically, I highly recommend that you combat the over-acidity caused by your workouts with a high consumption of fruits and veggies to replenish your carbohydrate/energy store to your muscles. Adding whey protein to your diet instead of acidic meats, poultry, and fish products will allow you to increase your protein consumption to meet the needs of the exercise while still promoting the alkaline diet.
Finally, remember to drink more water than you think you need! Stay away from sports and carbonated drinks, which are acidic.
In health,
Stephanie Read more...
13 Jan 2012
