There's a reason we call the standard American diet SAD. It is just kind of SAD. Our diets are very monotonous and often filled with bad, processed foods. Even if an alkaline diet isn't what you're after necessarily, these foods are good to add just for good health. If you are looking for a diet full of alkalizing effects, these five foods are a must:

1. Buckwheat is an excellent replacement for wheat.  It boosts energy and helps prevent cardiovascular disease, particularly in women. It's excellent to add to any meal.
2. Swiss chard has anti viral and anti bacterial properties, as well as a neutralizer of free radicals that cause cancer.
3. Melon are a great source of vitamins A, B1, B5, B6, C, E, K as well as fiber and folic acid. It's the ultimate energizer.
4. Flax seed is full of fiber and rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. It contains tons of vitamin E and reduces inflammation as well as hot flashes in menopausal women.
5. Olive oil is also rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E.

These foods are also useful for alkalizing your body.

• Avocado
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage, sauerkraut
• Buckwheat
• Carrot
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Zucchini
• Oriental mushrooms such as shitake and maitake
• Mushrooms such as chanterelle and button mushrooms
• Seaweeds such as nori, kombu, wakame
• Chives
• Figs
• Flax and flax seed oil
• Cucumber
• Garlic
• Grapefruit
• Soy and soy products
• Banana
• Soybean sprouts
• Alfalfa sprouts
• Grapes
• Green beans
• Honey
• Kiwi
• Leeks
• Lemon and lime
• Lettuce
• Mango
• Millet
• Olives and olive oil
• Onion
• Orange
• Papaya
• Parsley
• Pears
• Green peas
• Pineapple
• Quinoa
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Strawberries
• Tomato
• Watermelon
• Wild rice
• Pumpkin
• Sesame seeds and tahini (sesame seed paste)

What should you stay away from?

• Fatty foods
• Smoking
• Refined foods
• Excessive protein
• Sodas