Alkaline diet is claimed to help lose weight, slow downaging, and help controlchronic diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and even cancer. Is this claim true? Check out the following review.
An alkaline diet or an acid-base diet is a diet method by adjusting the diet to balance the pH in the body, namely by consuming more alkaline (alkaline) foods every day. The basic theory of an alkaline diet is that the body is susceptible to disease if you eat acidic foods. The alkaline diet theory states that acidic foods such as meat, wheat, refined sugar, and processed foods will trigger the body to produce acid which is not good for health. Conversely, alkaline or alkaline foods are considered protective, and emphasizing a diet with alkaline foods can maintain a healthy body.
How to Do an Alkaline Diet
Alkaline diet is done by adjusting the recommended diet, which is 70% alkaline or alkaline food, and 30% acidic food every day. Foods that produce alkaline include fruits and vegetables, soy and tofu, and some nuts, seeds, and legumes. While acidic foods include milk, eggs, meat, and processed foods (canned or packaged). In addition, you should also avoid consuming beverages containing alcohol and caffeine.
Alkaline Diet and Its Relation to Balance pH Body
Our blood needs an acid-base balance in order to function properly. This acid-base balance refers to the mechanism the body uses to keep fluids close to a neutral pH (not too acidic and not too alkaline). Acid and alkaline levels are measured on a pH scale that ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 0 is very acidic, while a pH of 14 is very alkaline. The neutral pH is on the pH 7 scale. The pH level in some parts of the human body varies greatly.
Blood is slightly alkaline, with a normal pH between 7.35 and 7.45. The stomach is full of hydrochloric acid and is highly acidic, with a pH of 3.5 or lower, which is necessary to digest food. When the level of acid in the blood is too high, this condition is called acidosis. Meanwhile, if it is too alkaline it is called alkalosis. Disturbances in the blood pH balance can occur if the body has lung and kidney disorders, or in severe complications of diabetes such as diabetic ketoacidosis.
An alkaline diet is claimed to help the body maintain the pH level of the blood. But in reality, this alkaline diet will not change the pH of your blood substantially. Because, the body naturally maintains the blood pH level between 7.35 and 7.45. Blood pH levels are unlikely to be affected by diet. However, diet or food menus can indeed change the pH value of urine. But urine pH cannot be used as a benchmark to assess a person's general health condition or body pH level.
Even so, the recommended alkaline diet does have some health benefits for your body, but this diet will not change the pH levels in the body. Other health benefits of an alkaline diet include:
- By consuming more fruits, vegetables, drinking lots of fluids, and limiting the consumption of sugar, processed foods, drinks containing alcohol and caffeine, it is good for weight loss.
- A diet low in acid-producing foods, such as meat and cheese, is thought to help prevent kidney stones, keep bones and muscles strong, improve heart health and brain function, reduce low back pain, and lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
- Alkaline diet emphasizes you to eat fruits and vegetables with high calories, and avoid fast food that often contains sodium and saturated fat. It is very good for heart health, because it helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol, which are major risk factors for heart disease.
- Several studies have shown that an alkaline diet can slow the rate of bone loss, thereby reducing the risk of osteoporosis as you age.
The essence of an alkaline diet is to eat fruits and vegetables that are useful for losing weight and maintaining a healthy body. And no special supplements are needed to support this alkaline diet.
Some studies have found that an alkaline or alkaline environment can make certain chemotherapy drugs more effective or less toxic. However, there is no evidence that an alkaline diet can help prevent cancer. So, for those of you who suffer from cancer, it is advisable to still consult with your doctor and nutritionist regarding nutritional needs before starting any diet.
Some people find it difficult to follow or practice an alkaline diet, because many of your favorite foods are restricted when doing this acid-base diet program. Protein intake is also limited to plant sources such as beans and tofu. Especially if you are traveling for work and have a busy schedule. Fast food will usually be an emergency choice for this kind of condition. However, the best way to lose weight is to exercise regularly for 30 minutes per day. You can support it by eating healthy foods.
For those of you who have certain medical conditions, it is advisable to consult a doctor and nutritionist before starting an alkaline diet.