About High Alkaline Diets
The theory behind a high alkaline diet is that we can help our bodies maintain a proper pH balance if we eat more alkaline foods. This means eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, with about 70 percent alkaline food total. A high alkaline diet is theorized to prevent numerous types of diseases.
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Chemistry
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The pH scale goes from 0 to 14 and defines the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, with 7 being neutral, and alkaline being higher than 7. The scale measures hydrogen ion concentration, with "p" standing for the German word potenz, meaning power, and the "H" for hydrogen. People can calculate the alkalinity or acidity of their saliva with pH strips, available at some health food stores and pharmacies.
Theories/Speculation
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Advocates of high alkaline diets believe this type of diet is better for maintaining good health. Human blood must stay at a pH of around 7.4, and if people eat an acidic diet, the body has to balance pH by pulling calcium, potassium and magnesium from bones, teeth and tissues. This is stressful for the body and contributes to aging. High alkaline diets are claimed to fight all degenerative diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, osteoporosis and kidney disorders.
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Symptoms
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People with systems that are too acidic, as measured by saliva pH, are supposed to exhibit a variety of symptoms. These include excess mucus, indigestion, headaches, joint pain, fatigue, muscle pain, and dry hair and skin.
Fruits and Vegetables
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High alkaline diets are complicated, and people have to follow charts of different foods to learn which are prohibited and which are allowed according to their pH designations. Some fruits are alkaline, such as watermelon and grapefruit, and some are acidic, such as blueberries and cranberries. Trying to use common sense does not help here because although grapefruit is actually acidic, it is supposed to turn alkaline in the body. Some vegetables are alkaline, such as asparagus and broccoli, while some are acidic, such as all types of beans. Cooked spinach is acidic while raw spinach is alkaline.
Grains, Nuts and Other Foods
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Most grains are acidic, as are all meat and dairy products except for goat milk and cheese. Peanuts and walnuts are acidic, while almonds and Brazil nuts are alkaline. Sugar, condiments, such as mustard and ketchup, and alcohol and coffee are all acidic and should be avoided.
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