You may have heard of the alkaline diet, but have no idea what it means and what it really entails. The alkaline diet is considered by many to be a way to transform your body's pH through the consumption of more alkaline foods. Although there are mixed reviews about the success of using an alkaline diet to avoid or reduce the risk of the most common diseases, it's important to understand how it all works.
The battle between alkaline and acid
Many people believe that a diet rich in alkaline foods can alkalize your body and boost your health. On the other hand, it is believed that a diet that contains excessive amounts of acid producing foods like red meat may disrupt the bloods’ regular pH level, throwing it off balance and leading to poor health.
Your body's pH levels are important—they tell you how acidic or alkaline your body is on a scale of 0 to 14. The kidney and lungs have the task of maintaining a balanced pH in the body.
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pH levels in the body
- 0 = extremely acidic
- 7 = neutral
- 14 = very alkaline
Your levels of pH vary throughout the body. Your blood is slightly alkaline, with a normal pH range of 7.35 and 7.45. Your stomach is known to very acidic so that it can successfully break down food—carrying a pH of around 1.5 to 3.5. A lower pH level is good for food digestion and eliminating germs that make their way into the stomach. On the alkaline diet, it is recommended to monitor the pH of your urine to ensure that it is alkaline (over 7) and not acidic (below 7).
The foods you consume can be...
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alkaline, neutral or acidic.
- Alkaline: Vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds
- Neutral: Natural fats, sugars and starches
- Acidic: Meat, dairy, eggs, poultry, fish, grains and alcohol
Start researching the foods you eat to determine if they’re more alkaline, or acidic. Then, pay attention to the impact that these foods have on your body.
What the studies reveal about the alkaline diet
While some people may subscribe to a diet rich in alkaline foods to support their weight loss journey, the primary focus of the plan is disease prevention and treatment. Some scientists believe that claims supporting an alkaline diet as a way to fight chronic conditions such as cancer and kidney disease are unrealistic. However, both alkaline and non-alkaline believers can agree on this: A well-balanced diet that is rich in your daily nutritional needs can be a plus for your health.
A review published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health revealed that eating more alkaline foods my help decrease the risk of hypertension and stroke, improve memory and cognition and preserve muscle mass. A 2019 study published in the International Journal of Cancer suggested that an alkaline diet may offer a protective factor against breast cancer.
Although the American Institute for Cancer Research does not support the cancer-fighting claims of the alkaline diet, there is the belief that a plant-based diet rich in fruit, vegetables and grains can decrease the risks for cancer. Research published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Metabolism found that diets high in acid could lead to bone issues.
Various views from the medical community and everyday supporters can easily lead you in...
different directions, wondering if an alkaline diet is what your body needs. No matter what you decide to do, make sure your body is receiving the proper nutrition it needs to perform at its highest levels. Listen to your body, be mindful of the impact of the foods you consume and speak to your doctor about any changes you notice.
