What Is the Alkaline Diet?

You may have heard of a diet called the Alkaline Diet (also known as Acid-Alkaline Diet or Alkaline Ash Diet) that promotes the eating of alkaline foods. This diet is based around the idea that the foods you eat can alter the pH level (acidity or alkalinity) of your body. As we know, the foods we eat are metabolized by the body and turns them into energy. This metabolic process transforms them into a kind of ash residue which can either be acidic or alkaline. Acidic ash is said to make you vulnerable to diseases while alkaline ash is believed to protect your body.

If the nutrients needed to maintain your body’s slightly alkaline state are not obtained through food, the body will draw these nutrients from its own sources such as bones and other vital tissues. This decreases the body’s ability to repair itself and detoxify heavy metals, hence making a person more vulnerable to fatigue and illness. This is why the alkaline diet stresses the importance of taking enough alkaline foods to keep the body in a healthy pH balance. The pH level varies within the body, some parts are acidic (stomach) while others are alkaline (blood). It is important to note that food only affects the pH level of your urine and not your blood. If the pH level in the blood falls outside the normal range (between 7.35 and 7.45), this could be fatal if left untreated. Check out this short video to learn more about alkaline diet and tips on how you can incorporate it in your daily diet.

List of Alkaline Foods

Foods can be grouped according to the pH level of the ash residue that they leave in your body: acidic (0-7), neutral (7), or alkaline (7-14). Acidic components include protein, phosphate, and sulfur. Alkaline components include calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, grains, and alcohol are examples of acidic foods. Natural fats, starches, and sugars are considered neutral. Fruits, nuts, legumes, and vegetables are alkaline foods which are basically the core of the alkaline diet. Remember that a food’s acid or alkaline-forming tendency in the body has nothing to do with the actual pH of the food itself. Citrus fruits might seem to be acidic but the citric acid they contain actually has an alkalizing effect in the body. Below are some of the best alkaline foods for your diet.

Vegetables

With only a few exceptions, such as White Asparagus and Brussel Sprouts, most vegetables are alkaline. Dark leafy greens, cruciferous, and most green vegetables are great choices for a alkaline diet. Many root vegetables with edible green tops also have alkalizing effects in the body.

Examples: Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Cayenne Pepper, Celery, Cucumber, Garlic, Kale, Lettuce, Onions, Peas, Peppers, Potato, Radish, Spinach, Swiss Chard, Turnips

Fruits

Fruits are good for your body not only because of their alkaline properties but for their antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre contents. These fruits have a pH level of between 8.5 – 10, with lemon being the most alkalizing fruit of all.

Examples: Apple, Avocado, Banana, Berries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Grapes, Guava, Melon, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Pomegranate, Watermelon

Protein

One of the challenges of the alkaline diet is where to get your protein sources from since alkaline foods are based on fruits and vegetables. Not many people are aware that there are actually a lot of plant-based foods rich in protein. Adding a few serves of high-quality plant-based proteins to your diet will be sufficient.

Examples: Nuts, Beans, Legumes, Quinoa, Tofu

Spices

Almost all herbs and spices are alkaline-producing in the body. Including these in the preparation of other alkaline foods like fruits and vegetables is a great way to incorporate multiple alkaline sources in one meal. Not only will your food taste better, you will also get the most out of your alkaline diet.

Examples: Basil, Cinnamon, Coriander Leaf, Curry, Ginger, Liquorice, Mustard, Parsley, Sea Salt

There are many different opinions about the alkaline diet. Supporters of this diet suggest monitoring your body’s pH level by testing your urine. On the other hand, health experts say it is a poor indicator of overall body pH and general health. Although food can alter the pH level of urine, it can be influenced by factors other than diet. It is important to understand that nothing you eat will substantially change your blood pH. Your body will always keep that level constant. Although the claims about the mechanism behind the diet are not supported by any scientific study or evidence, it doesn’t mean that following an alkaline diet is not beneficial to the body. It may not work for the reasons it claims, but it is still healthy as it is based on real and unprocessed foods. An Alkaline diet means choosing fruits and vegetables over higher-calorie and high-fat foods, and that translates to healthier food choices and reduced risk of diseases.