An alkaline diet might reduce your risk for disease.
Doctors refer to the level of acid in the body as the pH level. A normal pH level is between 7.35 and 7.45. A perfect balance of acid and alkaline is 7, so the body is slightly acidic. Reducing the acid level to as near to neutral as possible is the goal of the alkaline diet. The typical Western diet contains many acidic foods and advocates of the alkaline diet link this to poor health and disease. Including mainly alkaline foods in your diet can help you lose weight, feel better and might reduce the acid and alkaline imbalance in the body.
Effects
A diet rich in alkaline foods lowers the pH level in the blood. Proponents of this kind of diet believe this helps reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, muscle problems, obesity, fatigue and premature aging. The food included in an alkaline diet is primarily healthy, whole food, so it is easy to understand why people feel better and have more energy eating this way. Since meat, dairy and some nuts are acidic foods, dieters must ensure they get enough protein when altering their diets.
Alkaline Foods
Alkaline foods lower the pH level in the body. Foods in this category include a variety of vegetables, essential fats, some fruits, grasses and sprouts. Alkaline dieters consume many salads made with spinach, lettuce, cucumber, seeds, avocado, chickpeas, onion, tomato, broccoli and peppers. You can add flavor to the salad with basil, garlic, mint, wheatgrass, barleygrass or lemongrass and a dressing of olive oil and lemon or lime juice without adding acidity.
Acidic Foods
An acidic diet raises the pH level in the body. It includes foods rich in acid such as saturated fats, dairy products, most meats, processed foods, white rice, coffee and carbonated beverages. People trying to alkalize their bodies need to avoid these foods. Other acidic foods include peanuts and cashews, sugar, pasta and fruits other than grapefruit, lime, lemon, watermelon, tomato and avocado.
Does It Work?
According to Stephanie Vangsness, registered dietitian and senior clinical nutritionist at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, there are limited benefits to altering the pH levels in your body. This is because the body fights hard to keep your pH balanced. Factors such as breathing rates and the excretory system control pH levels, regardless of food intake. Ultimately, achieving and maintaining a high-alkaline pH for a prolonged period is nearly impossible. The risk factor of the diet is limited, though, because the foods included are healthy. However, it is important to ensure you are getting enough vitamins, minerals and protein when eliminating foods.
