Al·ka·lin·i·ty

/ˈalkəlinədē,ˈalkəˌlīnədē/

noun the buffering capacity of a water body; a measure of the ability of the water body to neutralize acids and bases and thus maintain a fairly stable pH level

As we head deeper into fall, cold and flu season is fully upon us. Keeping the body well-nourished becomes especially important when our immune systems are being put to the test. One important way to support your immune system is by alkalizing yourself. Alkalizing is the process of bringing the body back to neutrality by reducing acidity.

Human beings should always have pH levels that are more alkaline, where alkaline is above neutral pH 7, and conversely acidic is below neutral pH 7; in fact our ideal natural pH level is 7.365. When we dip below neutral and become acidic, we place undue stress on the body at a cellular level. This leads to inflammation which in turn weakens the immune system and makes us much more susceptible to viruses, bacterial infection, illness, and other more serious conditions including heart disease and cancer.

Acidity in the body can be brought on by environmental factors, stress, and poor nutrition including a diet high in sugar and by consuming produce treated with pesticides. Fortunately there are holistic ways to bring the body back into balance. Humans can adjust their bodies' pH levels through alkalizing body treatments and by ingesting a more alkaline diet. 

Seaweed Bath

Benedetta's Seaweed Bath is a great everyday treatment for regulating the pH balance of your body and therefore strengthening your overall immune system, but is it especially therapeutic if you have fallen ill. Our Seaweed bath is named for its key ingredient and we use a micronized blend of combined seaweed powders along with a therapeutic dose of our essential oils. Seaweed is naturally rich in alkali, an ionic salt that balances acidity, making it super effective at bringing your system into balance as it gently detoxifies. Our bath combines the alkalizing effects of thalassotherapy, aromatherapy, and balneotherapy.

• Thalassotherapy - Therapy derived from the sea. Our micronized and immersible sea vegetables aid alkalization to strengthen and sustain our systems

• Aromatherapy - Steam distillation of plants into “essential oils”. Our therapeutic dose of 8 Organic & Biodynamic essential oils are designed to gently detoxify as it further aids and strengthens our vital core

• Balneotherapy - the means of soaking in HOT water, 104° or hotter, water for a minimum of 20 minutes in order to allow the other therapies to work their magic!

We also highly suggest dry brushing before bathing in order to further exfoliate your skin and provide a better canvas for the following bath. Dry brushing involves brushing dry skin with a suitable Dry Brush following the natural flow of blood and oxygen throughout your body. Not only does this practice remove piled-up flaky, dead skin cells, but it also improves circulation and lymphatic drain. We recommend dry brushing before bathing throughout fall and winter, when the air is drier and our systems are more susceptible.

Alkaline Diet

We can also support our immune system by eating a diet rich in alkaline foods. This nutritional approach is a long term way to treat acidity in the body. Sugar, dairy and meats can increase acid levels, so eating plant-based foods are an ideal way to alkalize the blood and tissue. In turn, your body will become less vulnerable to inflammation and become more resilient to disease. Some powerhouse alkaline vegetables to incorporate in your alkalized diet include:

• Alfalfa and Barley Grass
• Broccoli
• Cucumber
• Jicama
• Kale
• Kelp, Seaweed, and other sea vegetables
• Sea salt
• Soy
• Spinach
• Wheatgrass

Similarly, stay away from highly acidic foods such as:

• Alcohol
• Artificial sweeteners
• Beef
• Candy
• Canned fish
• Cocoa
• Coffee
• Deli Meats
• Pork
• Syrup
• Vineagar

[Click here to see a more complete list of alkaline and acidic foods]

And lastly, check out this recipe for a delicious and nutritious Zucchini Smoothie Bowl from Nutritiously Natalie! 

Maintaining Balance

In the end, the best way to maintain a healthy pH balance is with a holistic approach: feeding the cells with alkaline rich food and maintaining a regimen of detoxifying bathing and dry brushing. Benedetta’s entire product line is devoted to maintaining this balance in skin from a holistic standpoint. Our Seaweed Bath comes with 6 therapeutic doses and makes a great gift for anyone who enjoys a holistic approach to their health. We also suggest our Seaweed Mask, which we offer as a stand alone treatment or in a spa package combined with our Seaweed Bath.