Acidic Foods & Alkaline Foods
Alkaline diets stress eating foods that promote healthy pH levels in the body. The theory holds that the body is slightly alkaline; therefore, eating foods that promote an acidic-alkaline balance will improve health, reduce the risk for heart-related disorders and improve overall quality of life. There is a learning curve associated with the diet, as many acidic foods are not intuitively thought of as acidic.
-
How it Works
-
Many believe the alkaline diet stabilizes the body's pH levels. The pH level is the measurement of the alkaline to acid ratio. A healthy pH balance neutralizes acid and removes it from the body. Alkaline and acid are produced naturally by the body and by way of the foods consumed. When alkaline levels are too low, the body robs nutrients from vital organs. If alkaline levels are not restored, the acid penetrates tissues and causes a condition known as acidosis. Many doctors believe acidosis is a factor in the development of common disorders and diseases.
To maintain a healthy pH balance, experts recommend a diet that consists of 75 percent alkaline foods and 25 percent acidic foods. A pH balance below 7 is considered to be acidic, a pH balance of 7 is neutral and a balance of 7.1 or higher is a healthy alkaline-acid balance.
Alkaline Foods
-
The list of alkaline-friendly vegetables includes artichokes, asparagus, beetroot, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chives, cucumbers, garlic, green beans, kale, leeks, lettuce, onion, peas, radishes, red cabbage, spinach, turnips, watercress, wheat and barley grass. Alkaline-friendly fruits include avocado, grapefruit, lemon, lime, tomato, rhubarb and watermelon. Grains, nuts and seeds that produce alkaline conditions in the body include almonds, buckwheat, cumin seeds, lentils, flax, sesame, spelt, spouted seeds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin. Other foods beneficial to a healthy pH balance are coconut and olive oils, hummus, alfalfa, chickpea, broccoli, little radish, mung bean, soy and wheat sprouts. Drinks include almond milk, lemon water, herbal teas, distilled and ionized water, non-sweetened soy milk and vegetable broth.
-
Acidic Foods
-
The list of acidic foods is considerably longer. Some of these foods are not normally thought of as acidic foods. For example, cheese, eggs, ice cream, milk and yogurt are all on the acidic food list. Acidic foods high in protein include beef, chicken, crustaceans, lamb, pork, most seafood and turkey. Tomatoes and tomatoes-based products are banned or limited from alkaline diets, as are artificial sweeteners, breads, honey, saturated fats and hydrogenated oils, vinegar and sweets. Alcoholic drinks, carbonated drinks, coffee, fast food, fruit juices, microwave meals and non-herbal tea are categorized as acidic foods.
Benefits
-
Eating a diet of 25 percent acidic foods and 75 percent alkaline foods may help lower cholesterol, reduce stress and improve the functioning of the immune system. In addition, the diet promotes healthy eating habits.
Drawbacks
-
There is no scientific evidence to support claims that eating more alkaline food improves health. Categorizing food is not obvious in the alkaline diet as it is in other diets. Also, the diet is not as flexible as other diets, which may make dining out or dining at social outings difficult.
-
