As someone who has always believed in Hippocrates’ saying “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”, I’ve explored just about every healthy eating protocol there is. I recently investigated the effect of pH levels in the body, and after sorting through all the intel, present to you my alkaline diet review…
What is an Alkaline Diet?
Simply put, the idea of an alkaline diet—also known as an acid ash diet or an alkaline ash diet — is to change the pH balance (acidity/alkaline levels) levels in the body to more alkaline by eating low-acidity foods. Low acid levels in the body are said to help mitigate against disease and at the same time help you lose weight. It sounds dramatic, but the premise of this diet is about the battle of alkaline vs acidic levels in your body.
How Does It Work?
If high school Biol was some time ago, you may be asking “What does pH level mean?” The body has a delicate balance of acidity and alkalinity, and people using the diet try to change that balance to be more alkaline, or base. The alkaline diet facts you need to know are that while the diet can lower the pH balance of urine, it cannot change the pH balance of blood. As a result, claims such as it helping with osteoporosis, arthritis and cancer have no evidence to support them.
Does it work for weight loss?
People on the alkaline diet plan have been known to lose weight because the diet involves cutting out refined sugar, trans fats and processed foods. This means an alkaline diet for weight loss is actually a wonderful way to lose weight regardless of the alkaline body benefit debate.
Are There Any Side-Effects Or Risks?
The stomach relies on being somewhat acidic to kill off bacteria, so bringing the pH balance too alkaline can lead to a health condition known as metabolic alkalosis, which includes side-effects such as vomiting, headaches, tremors, and nausea. Apart from this condition, alkaline diet side-effects can include a reduction in lower back pain.
What Are The Health Benefits?
Some alkaline diet results include evidence that it helps with lower back pain. Some people look for an alkaline foods cancer treatment program because they believe the diet will help. As much as we wish it were true, there is no current alkaline diet cancer cure. Eating whole foods recommended by the diet is perhaps one of the most compelling alkaline body benefits.
What Can And Can’t You Eat?
If you want to follow Kate Hudson’s lead then the key part of an Alkaline diet is eating foods that have high alkaline pH levels. Take a look at an alkaline food chart and our alkaline food list below, or try one of these alkaline food recipes.
What Are Some High Acid Foods?
Some examples of acidic foods include:
- Lemons and other citrus fruits
- Sugar
- Fresh and processed meat
- Soft drink
- High-protein supplements
What Are some Low Acid (and High Alkaline) Foods?
Some examples of alkaline foods and alkaline fruits include:
- Tofu
- Soy nuts
- Spinach
- Kale
- Broccoli and other green veggies
- Apples, lemons, and oranges
Is Lemon Acidic Or Alkaline?
Lemon juice has a pH balance of around 2, which is considered very acidic. The closer the number is to 0 on the pH scale, the more acidic it is. However, once it has been metabolised it has a balance of 7, making it alkaline.
Is Vinegar Acidic Or Alkaline?
Vinegar varies in pH levels but is generally around 2.4, which is very acidic. Once it is metabolised, and has been through the body, it can become more alkaline, however.
Alkaline Food Plan
An alkaline food plan can be a big deal, but there are options available out there. This seven day food plan is a very healthy option for the serious dieter. There are also alkaline snacks if you’re looking to dip your toe into the diet.
The main health benefit of an alkaline diet is eating healthier foods, lower in processed sugar and bad fat. A good move in anyone’s language.
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