Importance of Alkaline Diet

The alkaline diet is based on a theory that some foods cause our body to produce acid, which is harmful.In our regular diet menu if we eating certain foods or drinking certain kinds of beverages, we can change the body’s acid level, also called its pH levels. The pH scale measures how acidic or basic something is, on a scale of 0-14. Something that is alkaline is on the basic end of the scale, or greater than 7.

Our body works constantly to carefully control pH levels of blood and other fluids. The body’s pH balance is also called the acid-base or acid-alkaline balance. The right pH levels are needed for good health.

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. The readings are based around a pH of 7, which is neutral, like pure water:

• A pH below 7 is acidic.
• A pH higher than 7 is alkaline or basic.

This scale might seem small, but each level is 10 times bigger than the next. For example, a pH of 9 is 10 times more alkaline than a pH of 8. A pH of 2 is 10 times more acidic than a pH of 3, and 100 times more acidic than a reading of 4.

A diet rich in variety is the most healthful option. People should aim for a diet that includes a range of different proteins, grains, fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals.

Removing any single food group or type of food from a diet can make it more difficult for a person to be healthy. Very low-protein alkaline diets may help people lose weight, but they may also increase the risk of other issues, such as weak bones and muscles.

People who wish to try an alkaline diet should ensure that they eat enough protein. Those who are able to eat enough protein on an alkaline diet can safely try it.

While the alkaline diet does not actually change blood pH, it can help people eat a wide range of healthful foods, improving overall health.

People with serious medical conditions or a history of nutritional problems should consult a doctor before trying this diet.

Key benefits of Alkaline diet as follows:-

       Promoting weight loss.

       Improving kidney health.

       Preventing cancer.

       Treating or preventing heart disease.

       Improving growth hormone levels.

       Improving back pain.

           Preventing osteoporosis.

To follow an alkaline diet, the following foods are examples of what should be avoided:

ACIDIC FOODS

(1) Animal protein,

(2) Sugars,

(3) Wheat,

(4) Processed refined grains and carbohydrates,

(5) Rice

(6) Corn

(7) Dairy

(8) Legumes

(9)Alcohol

(10)Coffee

Consider adding these health building foods to your daily diet:

ALKALINE FOODS

·         Apples and Tree Fruits

·         Berries

·         Citrus

·         Grapes

·         Melons

·         Avocados

·         Mushrooms

·         Greens

·         Broccoli

·         Cabbage

·         Cauliflower

·         Almonds

·         Millet

·         Fermented Tofu and Tempeh

·         Fermented Vegetables

·         Spices: cinnamon, curry, turmeric, mustard, chili pepper, ginger

IMPORTANT NOTE:-

Many proponents of this diet suggest that people monitor the pH of their urine to ensure that it is alkaline (over 7) and not acidic (below 7).

However, it's important to note that pH varies greatly within your body. While some parts are acidic, others are alkaline there is no set level.

0ur stomach is loaded with hydrochloric acid, giving it a pH of 2 to 3.5 that’s highly acidic. This acidity is necessary to break down food.

On the other hand, human blood is always slightly alkaline, with a pH of 7.36 to 7.44 .When our blood pH falls out of the normal range, it can be fatal if left untreated.