Founded on the alkali/acid theory of disease, the Alkaline Diet for health has become fairly popular. Medical science has explained that the food we eat breaks down and we are left with a few waste products which are termed as ‘ash’ which can be alkaline or acidic in nature. This depends on the sulfur, protein or mineral present in the ash. It is reported that eating foods which leave behind acidic ‘ash’ tend to affect our bodies’ pH levels, making us vulnerable to diseases, whereas consuming a diet that is high in alkaline forming foods guarantees wellness and health.
We have witnessed several celebrities, including Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jared Leto endorsing the alkaline diet for achieving a multitude of health benefits. Not to mention, we all know how great they all look. The alkaline diet is rooted in the philosophy of functioning in harmony with the body’s ‘acid-alkaline’ balance to keep the blood maintained at a slightly alkaline pH of 7.365.
When we overload the body with acidic foods, it utilizes its ‘buffer’ mechanism to maintain the blood within a range of its suitable pH level, as going above or below this can be lethal. This compromises other functions in the body. For instance, alkaline minerals, like calcium, will be drawn from the bones in order to alkalize the blood, causing osteoporosis in the long run.
There are several alkaline foods for maintaining the blood’s pH level with ease. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables will ensure that you get an alkaline diet to stay healthy for life.
Pros of the Alkaline Diet for Health
Some major benefits of adopting an alkaline diet are:
- Glowing Skin
- Ample energy throughout the day
- Pain relief in joints and knees
- Anti-aging benefits
- Long-term weight loss
- Improved mood
- Improved concentration
- Reversal and prevention of disease
What to Eat When Following the Alkaline Diet for Health?
As the name suggests, the diet focuses on consuming alkaline foods, including fruits, small portions of nuts, green vegetables, and healthy oils. You can also use dietary supplements, for instance alkaline water and wheatgrass juice.
An important part of the alkaline diet, the wheatgrass juice encourages the exclusion or less use of acidic foods. The diet also suggests staying away from meat, dairy products, alcohol and refined sugar. This juice should be consumed on an empty stomach and immediately after extraction to get the best results.
The secret to following the alkaline diet for health for maintaining a good pH level is to consume lots of organic vegetables and fruits. The alkaline diet is based on a healthy eating lifestyle. The metabolism should leave an ‘ash’ that is alkaline in nature and include minerals such as zinc, magnesium, copper, and iron. It is important to understand that foods are classified as acidic, alkaline or neutral according to the pH level of the solution created with their ash in water and not in their physical form, for instance, lemons are acidic in their physical form but alkaline forming when consumed.
