By this time of year you will know if the new gym contract was money worth spent, and you will also know that the trending buzz word is detox. So what is the importance of all the water, green vegetables and health juices in the detox fad?
A detox not only removes the toxin build-up of the past year/s, but it’s also a great way to restore the pH balance in our blood and in our overall system. Too much acidity in the body will impact our teeth, muscles, joints, bones, kidneys, liver, lungs, and digestive system and may lead to arthritis, fibromyalgia and osteoporosis. Many health experts say an acidic system also provides an ideal breeding ground for cancer.
The pH value is how we measure acidity and alkalinity in our blood or food and drinks, namely:
- pH 0-7 is acidic,
- pH of 7 is neutral and
- pH 7-14 is alkaline.
The body is able to maintain a healthy pH balance via the respiratory system (lungs) – for example if the blood pH drops too low then increased breathing will expel additional CO2, or excretion may take place via the renal system (kidneys and bladder).
So how acidic are the drinks we like to consume? Sodas, fruit juices, flavoured waters and sports drinks have a pH three or less, alcohol starts at around pH four or less and coffee is coming in at around pH five or less.
The least acidic drinks include water, unsweetened green teas and rooibos tea, while milk is slightly less acidic with a pH of around six.
In general, pure water should have a neutral pH of seven. However the pH of surface water systems and groundwater systems can range between six and eight and a half.
To improve alkalinity in sparkling and still water, alkaline salts such as sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate and potassium citrate can be added, or easier yet, include some alkaline fruits or vegetables and improve flavour at the same time.
So next time, why not try adding these alkaline fruits to liven up your water: apples, grapefruit, peaches, pineapple, cherries, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, kiwi, melons, tangerines, figs, mangoes, papayas, lemons and limes.
Herewith a great alkaline detox recipe from SodaStream – the world’s number one sparkling water maker.
Sparkling Fruity Apple Cider Vinegar and Green Rooibos Tea Detox
Apple cider has a pH of 7.35 to 7.45 and is great to detox – it also aids weight loss, strengthens the immune system and can assist with alleviating heart burn. Aside from being packed with vitamin C, lemons/limes are also a great source of B-complex vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and fibre. This is great for one’s skin and breath, and also aids weight loss and digestion, and reduces inflammation and heartburn.
Ingredients
- 1 litre boiling water
- 2 green or rooibos teabags
- 1 tablespoon organic apple cider vinegar
- Slices of any seasonal organic fruits such as apples, peaches, pineapple, strawberries, kiwi or tangerines. You can play around here with different flavour combinations
- Lemon or lime wedges
- Fresh ginger slices
Instructions
- Infuse tea with boiling water for five to 10 mins. Remove teabags and allow to cool.
- Carbonate tea infusion using a SodaStream.
- Add 1T of organic apple cider vinegar.
- Squeeze and then add sliced organic fruit, lemon/lime wedges and fresh ginger.
