Articles: Weight Loss

What is the Alkaline Diet?

The preface behind the alkaline diet is the idea that alkalinity in the cells of the body is beneficial to health, while acidity in the cells can contribute to illness. This is based on the pH scale 0 to 14. A pH level of seven is considered neutral, less than seven is acid and greater than seven is alkaline. The human body has a complex system of checks and balances to keep a normal and healthy pH range of 7.35 to 7.45.


In theory, the foods we eat can affect how hard the body works to maintain a normal and healthy pH level. If the body has to work too hard, it can result in an acidity level, which is conducive to a variety of illnesses, including cancer. The alkaline diet's purpose is to help the body have a healthy alkaline level, by eating alkaline foods and avoiding acidic foods. The theory is that the more alkaline we provide our bodies, the more efficiently our bodies will be able to neutralize acid as well as remove it from the body. The result is the ability of the body to maintain good health and longevity. This will also improve our ability to ward off diseases, such as cancer.

The Alkaline Diet Can Help People Who Have:

* Low Energy
* Poor Digestion
* Extra Weight
* Aches and Pains
* Disease


Can the Alkaline Diet Help Cancer ("Kill" Cells)?

There are no human studies supporting alkaline diets for the prevention or treatment of cancer. However, some chemotherapy drugs have shown to become more effective, if the area around a tumor cell is altered to be more alkaline. Test-tube studies also have shown that some cancer cells grow faster in an acidic solution. Therefore, in theory the same affects could happen in the human body. However, it is important to remember that no human studies have been conducted yet.

Does the Alkaline Diet Work?

As stated above there is no scientific proof that the alkaline diet does or does not work. Health professionals explain that the tiny amount of alkaline minerals in alkaline food will make very little difference to alkaline blood levels in the short term. Over the long term, however, it is yet to be decided. An alkaline diet could help reduce acidosis, which can lead to chronic diseases such as heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, and cancer. This is believed to be true, because we are seeing more and more cases of acid diets leading to chronic illnesses.

How Can I Follow the Alkaline Diett?

First, you should speak with your doctor before starting the diet. Everyone varies, and existing or unknown health problems may impact the way an alkaline diet will work for you. Generally speaking you should have 75-80% alkaline foods and 20-25% acidifying foods. Meaning, you should eat foods that contain three times as much alkaline as they do acid. It will be helpful to plan your meals ahead of time when following the diet. Most foods are allowed in moderation. Therefore, it is a diet that can be worked into your daily schedule, but will just take some planning. Remember, acidic foods should NOT be cut from your diet. They should only take up 20-25% of your food intake for the day.

Foods High In Alkaline:

* Asparagus
* Broccoli
* Cucumber
* Eggplant
* Mushrooms
* Watercress
* Beets
* Cabbage
* Celery
* Onions
* Parsnips
* Peas
* Peppers
* Squash
* Eggs
* Yogurt
* Chicken
* Whey Protein
* Green Tea
* Ginseng Tea
* Apples
* Bananas
* Apricots
* Cherries
* Cantaloupe
* Grapes
* Peaches
* Pears
* Berries

Foods High In Acid

* Oils
* Cranberries
* Corn
* Rice
* Cheese
* Milk
* Butter
* Beef
* Seafood
* Pork
* Lamb
* Turkey
* Spaghetti
* Potatoes
* Alcohol
* Beans


*This is just a starter list. Check out health websites to find more alkaline foods.* Also visit this Alkaline Diet site for more information.