Boost Your Immunity With Alkaline Foods: Your Guide To Monsoon Wellness

As much as the pouring raindrops and wonderful weather bring relief and joy, they also create an environment conducive to various infections and diseases. Strengthening our immune system becomes crucial during the monsoon to ward off potential health problems. An effective way to support our immune system is to incorporate alkaline foods into our diet. Alkaline foods are known for their ability to balance pH levels in the body and promote overall well-being. The good thing is that there are a variety of alkaline foods that can help boost your immunity during the monsoon season.

What is an alkaline diet?

All foods can be divided into acidic, neutral or alkaline. What we eat affects the pH value (the measurement of acidity or alkalinity) of our body. When food is digested, it can leave behind an acidic, alkaline, or neutral residue. Acidic residues can harm your health, but alkaline residues are beneficial in many ways, including immunity building.
According to the Clinical Oncology Journal, «Intuitively we would consider lemon acidic because it has a sour taste and the ability to eat away at our tooth enamel. However, once it has been metabolized by the body, lemon leaves the blood alkaline. This explains why a apparently acidic food can «become» alkaline in the body.»
Read also: Benefits of alkaline water: health benefits, how to make alkaline water and its side effects

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What are the best alkaline foods? Here are 8 foods that help build immunity:

1. Citrus:

Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges and grapefruits contain a large amount of vitamin C, which is known as a powerful antioxidant that helps strengthen the immune system. Stimulates the production of white blood cells, preventing infections and diseases. The alkalizing properties of citrus fruits help maintain a healthy pH balance in the body. Check out our list of foods high in vitamin C.

2. Berries:

Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, mulberries – berries are not only delicious, but they are also rich in antioxidants that promote immune health. They are low in sugar and high in fiber, making them a perfect choice for maintaining a healthy pH balance during the monsoon.

3. Green Leafy Vegetables:

Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, fenugreek leaves and kale are highly alkaline. These vegetables are also rich in vitamins A, C and K, as well as minerals such as iron and calcium. Including leafy greens in your diet can help boost immunity, improve digestion, and provide a number of other health benefits. Here are some must-have green leafy vegetables in your diet.

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4. Garlic:

Garlic has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments. It contains a compound called allicin, which has antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties. Adding garlic to your meals not only improves the flavor but also helps boost your immune system.

5. Onions And Tomatoes:

These two foods are essential ingredients used as the basis for most dishes. They also add their flavors and health-promoting alkaline properties to our food. Combined with antioxidants, onions and tomatoes help boost our immunity.
During the monsoon season, maintaining a strong immune system becomes vital to protect us from common infections and diseases. Incorporating alkaline foods into your diet can help you achieve this.

Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical advice. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for further information. NDTV assumes no responsibility for this information.