The body's natural pH is about 6.4. Some doctors and health experts say that our optimal pH and our optimal health are inextricably linked. According to this theory, when we become too acidic, we face health problems which may include arthritis, cancer and infectious diseases.
Eating more of certain foods and avoiding too much of others can promote this balance. And that's the crux of the Alkaline Food Therapy concept.
The Acid Danger
According to proponents of the pH theory of health, our modern diet has introduced too many foods which push us below the 6.4 pH. Acidic foods are increasingly available and abundant in our modern Western diet--and it takes conscious effort to avoid them.
These foods include meats (except chicken), seafood, oils, grains, nuts, legumes, pasta, most dairy products, most canned and processed food products, drugs and alcohol. Even choices considered healthy in many respects--such as flax seed oil, rice cakes and soy milk--can "acidify" the body.
Alkalizing
According to proponents of the pH balance theory, eating "alkalizing" foods can bring balance to the body. And luckily--and perhaps not so coincidentally--the foods people need to restore their balance are considered healthy foods. These include most vegetables (root, leafy greens, sprouts, squashes, nightshades and even fermented vegetables), most fruits, seeds, eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, spices, teas juices and tofu.
Depending on which "alkalizing" expert you follow, the theory holds that one should have between 75 and 80 percent alkalizing foods and between 20 and 25 percent "acidifying" foods each day.
Lack of Evidence
Most mainstream physicians--including consulting doctors from the Arthritis Foundation--will point out that there is no research or evidence indicating that alkaline foods target most of the ailments proponents claim.
However, some doctors admit that if people were to fill 75 to 80 percent of their diets with the "alkalizing" foods like fruits and vegetables, it's likely people would lose weight--which can have a positive effect on arthritis by reducing stress on joints. Weight loss could also positively affect heart disease, diabetes and many other ailments.
So, while the pH concept lacks backing in the medical community, it is not considered dangerous or unhealthy.
