Recently I’ve noticed a resurgence of “The Alkaline Diet.” Celebs including Beyoncé, Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Aniston and Kelly Ripa tout its benefits – claiming it helps you lose weight, reduce inflammation, and even avoid cancer.
But before you get too dazzled by the celebrity endorsements and hop on the “alkaline” bandwagon, it’s important to know the facts from the hype.
The Premise:
Proponents of The Alkaline Diet say that when we load up on excess amounts of protein, sugar, caffeine and other highly processed foods, our pH levels are thrown off track, our bodies become more acidic, and that can lead to weight gain and disease. The remedy, they say? Eat fresh vegetables, fresh fruit and other “alkaline-promoting foods” such as soy products, legumes, and certain nuts and grains. “Acid-promoting foods”, which include meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, processed foods, white sugar, white flour, and caffeine, are discouraged.
The Science:
The idea of eating a certain way to achieve an ideal pH level has popped up in many diets over the years, so it’s nothing new or groundbreaking. However there is a major flaw with this premise: Our bodies maintain their pH balance regardless of what we eat! In fact, the body has several mechanisms to ensure that pH levels are highly controlled at different specific levels. For example, the stomach has a pH ranging from 1.35-3.5. It must be acidic to aid in digestion. Our blood must always be slightly alkaline, with a pH of 7.35 to 7.45 'Culled from Health Tips'
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