With the obesity epidemic on the rise, many consumers are concerned about their health and are eager to take steps to eat better. Some people try and eat more whole foods including vegetables and whole grains, while others may try one of the latest diet trends, such as the Paleo Diet, Anti-Inflammatory Diet or the Keto Diet to lose weight and promote well-being. One diet you don’t hear as much about however, is the Alkaline Diet, which has benefits of its own. In fact, some people swear by it and often promote why it’s important to alkalize your body.

basket of vegetables

What is an Alkaline Diet?

So what exactly is a an alkaline diet you may ask? The alkaline diet incorporates the theory that the foods you eat can change your body’s pH, which in turn can provide health benefits. Studies show that an acidic body promotes disease including cancer.

What is PH in your body?

PH is a measurement used to tell how acidic or alkaline something is and measures the hydrogen ion concentration in your body.¹ The PH scale has various ranges going from extremely acidic range to extremely alkaline. Seven is considered a neutral and optimal range.

Why is alkalinity important?

The alkaline diet promotes eating foods that are more alkaline, as an attempt to make the body more alkaline. Some health experts believe that having an alkaline body is extremely important. Having too much acid in the body can create a host of disorders. One problem it can cause is digestive disorders including acid reflux, bloating and indigestion. It can also cause heart disease, bronchitis, arthritis, and kidney problems. In addition, it can cause cancer. In fact, “one of the twentieth century’s leading cell biologists, Otto Heinrich Warburg, claimed that too much acidity in the body was the root cause of cancer and was awarded the Nobel prize for this discovery in 1931.”²

How can you keep your body alkaline?

Unfortunately, many people these days eat too many acidic foods and bombard their bodies with coffee, sugar, unhealthy fats and chemicals found in processed foods. Let’s face it, the standard American diet (SAD) diet consists largely of processed and fast foods that lack nutrients that your body needs. What is needed to keep your body more alkaline are more whole foods including fruits and vegetables. In my book, Wholey Cow A Simple Guide To Eating And Living, I talk about how it is important to eat your vegetables and plenty of them. Instead of asking, “Where’s the beef?” you should be asking, “where are the beets? or this vegetable or that vegetable. Many vegetables help alkalize the body and promote well-being.

Top Alkaline Foods

There are many fruits and vegetables that promote alkalinity in the body. Here are some of the top ones that you might want to consider adding to your diet.

  • Avocados
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Cabbage
  • Beets
  • Cucumber
  • Watermelon
  • ginger
  • green beans
  • dates
  • raisins
  • celery
  • bananas
  • grapefruit
  • mushrooms
  • Legumes (such as kidney beans, navy beans, chick peas, green beans, peas, etc.)

Acidic Foods

Although whole foods in general are considered good for you, there are some that have more acidic properties than others. You may want to limit the amount that you eat, or include them in your diet, more as a side. It is best to fill your plate with more brightly colored fruits and vegetables.

  • Cold cuts and conventional meat
  • Dairy
  • Eggs
  • Poultry
  • Grains
  • Walnuts
  • Etc.

Other things that cause acidity in the body

  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine
  • Artificial Sweeteners
  • Stress
  • Pesticides
  • Processed Foods
  • Fast food
  • Too many antibiotics

Thanks for reading!

Barb

Source:
¹Carr, Kris. “What You Need to Know About PH.” Mindbodygreen, Mindbodygreen, 6 Dec. 2011, www.mindbodygreen.com/0-3400/What-You-Need-to-Know-About-pH.html.

²“Body Alkalinity Fights & Prevents Cancer Cells from Growing.” Pure Health Alkaline Water and Foods, 9 Apr. 2013, www.healthalkaline.com/body-alkalinity-can-fight-or-prevent-cancer-cells/.

Felicetti, Marcus Julian. “How to Balance Your PH to Heal Your Body.” Mindbodygreen, Mindbodygreen, 24 Sept. 2012, www.mindbodygreen.com/0-6243/How-to-Balance-Your-pH-to-Heal-Your-Body.html.

“A Comprehensive Review of the Alkaline Diet: What It Is, How It Works, and What to Eat | Everyday Health.” Stroke Center – EverydayHealth.com, Everyday Health, 6 July 2018, www.everydayhealth.com/diet-and-nutrition/diet/comprehensive-review-alkaline-diet-what-it-how-it-works-what-eat/.

“Is an Alkaline Diet the Key to Longevity?” Dr. Axe, Dr. Axe, 20 Sept. 2018, draxe.com/alkaline-diet/.