What is the Acid Alkaline Diet?
The acid alkaline diet (also known as the alkaline ash diet or the alkaline acid diet) is fairly new to the public in comparison with other popular, commercialized diets. It encourages an alimentary program rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, roots, nuts and legumes, and is meant to maintain and balance the body’s pH level.
While fish, meat, dairy, and salt produce acid and thereby increase the acidity level in the body, fresh fruits and vegetables decrease it.
Understanding
the pH Balance
The pH refers to the alkaline-acid ratio in our body. The pH
scale ranges from 0 to 14, and 7 is considered to be neutral. Anything
lower than 7 is considered to be acidic, and anything above 7.1 is considered
to be alkaline (also referred to as base).
Once the food we consume has been digested, absorbed and metabolized, it either releases an acid or a base into our bloodstream. The main function of alkaline in our system is to neutralize any excess acids and eliminate them from our body.
A body’s normal pH level is between 7.35 and 7.45 (leaning towards alkaline). Those who support the acid alkaline diet believe that a diet high in acidic foods upsets the balance which, in turn, facilitates the loss of minerals essential to us, such as: magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium.
If our bodies cannot adequately neutralize the acid, a condition called acidosis can develop. High levels of acid penetrate the body’s tissues and can no longer be neutralized. It is thought that acidosis is the one thing that all diseases have in common. Therefore, many doctors believe that the acid alkaline diet is a healthy regime as it helps maintain the proper PH balance.
Is the Acid Alkaline Diet for Me?
It is important to remember that before starting any kind of
diet, including the acid alkaline diet, you should consult a doctor to
make sure it is suitable for you.
A practitioner who believes in the theory of the acid alkaline diet will likely recommend it to patients who have the following symptoms, and only when all other potential illnesses have been medically ruled out:
- Nasal congestion
- Headache
- Nervousness, anxiety, irritability
- Excessive mucous production
- Lack of energy
- Frequent colds / flu
- Ovarian cysts, polycystic ovaries, benign breast cysts
Although there has been no extensive research conducted in this field, some studies show that certain health benefits, such as an increase in bone mass, resulted in older people who took an alkaline supplement. Consequently, many believe that an acid alkaline diet could produce a similar effect, although this theory is still not widely accepted in the medical community.
Many medical professionals will encourage you to simply do things the old-fashioned way - eat right and exercise regularly. Click here for tips on changing your lifestyle.
What to Consume on the Acid Alkaline Diet
Like any other diet plan, once you know the basics, the task
is simple. The fundamental rule to the acid alkaline diet is this: your
food intake consists of 75% alkalizing foods and 25% acidifying foods.
It is simple math – an intake of 3 times more alkaline than acid.
Here is a list of foods that are considered alkalizing and those considered
acidifying. Your doctor can provide you with a more extensive list.
Alkalizing foods – the good stuff:
- Vegetables: spinach, broccoli, cucumber, celery, carrots, asparagus, zucchini, lettuce, cabbage, squash, peppers, onion, garlic, ginger, green onion and radishes
- Legumes: pinto beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, seeds, lentils and nuts (except peanuts and cashews)
- Fruits: avocado, lemon, lime, watermelon, grapefruit and tomato (NB: while other fruits are not bad for you, they should be eaten in moderation on this diet)
- Grains: barley, wheat and alfalfa
- Fish (specifically, coldwater fish)
- Essential fats: olive oil, flax or linseed oil
- Herbs and Spices: parsley, basil, mint, cumin, coriander, etc…
- Other: hummus, pesto, guacamole and tahini
- Acidifying foods – the stuff to avoid:
- Sugar
- Salt
- Dairy products (cheese and milk)
- Fruits other than the ones in the above list
- Caffeine
- Tobacco
- Processed foods
- Fizzy drinks
- Meat (pork, lamb, beef and turkey) Bad fats (trans fat, saturated fat and hydrogenated fat)
- Pasta
- White rice
- Peanuts and cashews
- Condiments
About the Author:
Holly Cates is a nutrition and physical expert. She also provides
content for the Weight Loss
Products Comparison website.