An important aspect of treating adrenal fatigue is correcting acidosis and balancing total body pH. An alkaline-based diet, alkaline water, and a powder are all things you can use to keep your body alkaline. Be sure to speak with your healthcare practitioner before changing your diet or adding any supplements to your program.
Alkaline diet
An alkaline diet is essentially a plant-based diet that's rich in fruits and vegetables that have an alkaline pH in the body. The idea is that some foods contribute to total body acidity, and other foods are more alkaline. Many vegetables and citrus fruits are more alkaline.
Although citrus fruits contain citric acid, they have an alkaline effect on the body after they're digested.
Alkaline water
Your body is over 70 percent water. The cells of your body are bathed in water, so the type of water you drink makes a difference. Consuming alkaline water has several benefits, including the following:
Increasing the mobility of the gastrointestinal tract and increasing nutrient absorption
Aiding in flushing toxins out of the body
Preserving kidney function over time
Decreasing total body inflammation by normalizing body pH
Strengthening bones, keeping them healthy, and helping to buffer the effects of acid buildup on the bones over time
When you buy alkaline water, look for water with a pH of 9 to 9.5. It should be mineralized; that is, the water should contain mineral salts that are found in bone, including magnesium and calcium. These alkaline salts serve as buffers to excess acid so your body doesn't draw the minerals from the bone itself.
If you want to buy an alkaline water system, talk with your healthcare provider about which system is right for you.
How much water should you drink? In general, unless you're on some sort of fluid restriction, aim to consume approximately 2 to 3 liters (2.1 to 3.2 quarts) of alkaline water per day. Common reasons your healthcare practitioner may prescribe a fluid restriction include congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and liver disease.
Greens powder
Test your pH first thing in the morning. Why? If your urine pH is low (that is, less than 6.5), you need to take something alkaline in the morning. Options include an 8-ounce glass of alkaline water, juice from fresh vegetables and fruits, and greens powder.
Many types of greens powders are available. The powder you choose should have a large amount of plant-based nutrients and antioxidant support. Two great greens powders are Barlean's Greens and Lifetime's Life's Basics Plant Protein with Greens.
The greens powder contains nutrients and antioxidants that are alkaline and can balance your pH. If your greens powder doesn't contain a scoop (or if you can't find it), then just add two heaping tablespoons to an 8-ounce glass of water and drink up.
A greens powder is also a great way to make up for those vegetables that you may not be eating. Taking a scoop of greens powder in the morning can compensate for those servings you're likely not consuming at lunch.