#20 What is an Alkaline Diet (Part 2)

“Scientists say your thoughts can change your biochemistry. So technically, being grumpy is a chemical hazard.” I’m a hazard to myself!

Yesterday I explored the basics of what an alkaline diet is — and how certain foods can make your body lean more acidic or more alkaline.

Today, I want to take it a little further, apparently, even your thoughts can affect your body’s internal environment.

It seems that bad thoughts — like chronic worry, anger, fear, resentment — can actually make your body more acidic, while good thoughts — like love, gratitude, and peace — can help your body stay more alkaline.
And since a more alkaline environment is linked to better healing, this could partly explain why a positive mindset is so important for health.

I found this idea really fascinating. It’s not just a “feel good” theory — there is scientific explanation behind it too.

One theory is that when you experience stress or negative emotions, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones trigger inflammation, increase oxidative stress, and generate acidic by-products in your cells.
On the other hand, positive emotions lower stress hormones, improve oxygen flow, boost digestion and immune function, and naturally support a more balanced (and slightly alkaline) internal environment. But other theories, which are less developed, postulate that certain emotions have a specific biochemistry to them and may even tend to affect specific organs.

There isn’t just one person who invented this emotions and acidity theory — it’s linked to research fields like psychoneuroimmunology, which looks at how thoughts, emotions, and physical health are all connected.

Now, I just want to say:

If you really love your cup of coffee in the morning — then enjoy your cup of coffee! (Even if it is known to have a more acidic effect.)

The idea is not to become overly strict or hectic about it, but simply to be aware.
Maybe you love your morning coffee — that’s fine. But if you’re also having three or four cups during the day, a big steak, something sugary for dessert, and then some wine at night… well, then the overall effect is going to be quite acidic.

It’s just about balance:
Enjoy your coffee.
Eat your steak if you like.
But also add in more alkaline-supporting foods — things like leafy greens, fresh fruits, cucumber, avocado, lemon water, salads, and other colorful veggies during the day.

And of course, just as importantly: feed your mind good thoughts.
Joy, gratitude, laughter, kindness — they don’t just feel good, they literally help your body heal. You can train yourself to purposely have thoughts of gratitude and joy.

At the end of the day, it’s about supporting your body and about your body and mind being connected, it’s not about punishing yourself.

It’s about living with awareness and giving your body the best chance to stay in balance.

References:

McEwen, B.S. (2006). Protective and damaging effects of stress mediators: central role of the brain. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience. [Explains how chronic stress affects inflammation and cellular health.]

Dhabhar, F.S. (2014). Effects of stress on immune function: the good, the bad, and the beautiful. Immunologic Research. [Shows how positive vs negative stress affects healing.]