In recent years, we’ve learned that an acidic body is a breeding ground for health problems. Acidity has been linked to gastrointestinal disturbances, obesity, inflammation, and premature aging. To prevent such health concerns, an alkalized body—or rather a pH-balanced body—is the ultimate goal, and some of the best alkaline foods can help.

The pH scale measures the acid-alkali ratio of your bodily fluids. It ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. To have an alkaline body, you’ll need to have a blood pH close to 7.365, which is slightly alkaline.

Whether a food is acidic or alkalizing depends on the byproducts it leaves behind in the body. During digestion, the kidneys have a hard time getting rid of the acid wastes, so they seep out into body tissues, causing the body’s pH to become acidic. Acidic foods include dairy, eggs, fish, grains, and meat. Too much of these foods in the diet creates an acidic body, which is more susceptible to illness and disease.

By eating more foods that leave behind alkaline byproducts, you can reduce the body’s acid load, support your kidneys, and improve the pH of the body. Certain foods, even if they are slightly acidic like lemons, have an alkalizing effect on the body. An alkaline diet features an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, plant proteins, and alkaline water. Limit acidic foods and bring your body back into balance by including these 7 best alkaline foods in your diet.

AVOCADO

This fruit is an excellent source of potassium, copper, vitamins B, C, E, and K. Plus, avocadoes provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. A halved avocado also offers about 4.5 grams of dietary fiber, which reduces appetite by keeping you full longer.

BROCCOLI

This cruciferous vegetable is a great addition to your alkaline diet. Broccoli is a powerhouse of nutrients, including folate, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, selenium, vitamins A, B6, C, and K. Cooking food diminishes its alkalizing effects. So for optimal benefits, consume your veggies raw.

CELERY

A beneficial source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, folate and potassium, celery offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that promote healthy cardiovascular functioning and fight oxidative stress.  Celery’s high water content also helps prevent dehydration.

CUCUMBER

Made of 96 percent water, in addition to keeping you hydrated, cucumbers help flush toxins from the body. They also provide nourishing vitamins and minerals, like magnesium, potassium, and silicon, which are highly alkaline.

LEMON

They taste acidic, but lemons are alkaline once in the body. These tart citrus fruits help get the digestive system moving to remove toxins and promote nutrient-absorption. The vitamin C in lemons also offers immunity protection against illness.

PEPPERS

The bell pepper is a versatile veggie that provides a host of health benefits. Although they are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, folate, and dietary fiber, bell peppers are perhaps most beneficial due to their antioxidant profile. For example, carotenids are one type of antioxidant abundant in bell peppers that protects against cancer.

SPINACH

This leafy green vegetable offers a great nutrient profile. Spinach contains vitamins A, B2, C and K as well as manganese, folate, magnesium, and iron. When it comes to an alkaline diet, spinach gets a boost from chlorophyll, which is extremely beneficial for improving the acid-alkali ratio.