The Alkaline Diet is a popular diet approach based on the concept that replacing acid-forming foods with alkaline foods can improve health. By increasing your intake of more alkaline foods, the claim is that you can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. But how does it work and what is the science behind it?
The Alkaline Diet, also known as the acid-alkaline diet or alkaline ash diet, hinges on the theory that certain foods, when consumed, can affect the acidity or pH level of your body. This diet suggests that you can alter the pH level of your body, making it more alkaline, by consuming more alkaline-forming foods and fewer acid-forming foods.
The Alkaline Diet is thought to improve health because it can help counteract the acid residues from the diet and other factors. This is important as extensive research has shown that diseases develop more easily in an acidic environment. Furthermore, an alkaline environment is believed to promote better nutrient absorption and efficiency, enhancing overall health and wellbeing.
The fundamental science of the Alkaline Diet is that your diet can alter the pH level, or the balance of acid and alkaline, within your body. Foods are classified as acidic, alkaline, or neutral based on the pH level of their ash residue that remains in the body after metabolism. However, it's important to note that individual food's pH value doesn't impact the body's pH balance. Your body regulates its pH balance tightly to keep blood pH close to 7.4.
To follow the Alkaline Diet:
The main benefit of the Alkaline Diet is the promotion of healthier eating habits since it encourages a high intake of fruits and vegetables and discourages processed foods. This could result in weight loss and increased energy.
Drawbacks include potential deficiencies in essential nutrients, like protein and calcium, found in foods eliminated by the diet. There is also a lack of substantial evidence supporting the claims that this diet can influence the body's pH or serve as a method to treat chronic diseases.
To improve your Alkaline Diet:
1. Can the Alkaline Diet actually change the pH of my blood? No, the diet does not change the blood pH significantly. The body maintains blood pH levels within a tight range (7.35-7.45) through its own regulatory systems.
2. Will following the Alkaline Diet lead to significant weight loss? Any weight loss is more likely due to healthier eating patterns and reduced calorie intake rather than altering body pH.
3. Is the Alkaline Diet safe for everyone? While eating more fruits and vegetables is generally safe, excluding entire food groups can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any restrictive diet.
The Alkaline Diet suggests you can optimise your health by regulating your body's pH with an alkaline-forming diet. Although it encourages nutritious eating habits, there's limited evidence supporting its primary premises. As always, it's recommended to consult with a health professional before starting any new diet regimen.