Eating an Alkaline Diet

An alkaline diet is a diet that facilitates optimum pH levels in the body through the consumption of appropriate foods. Just as acid-rich foods may be harmful and should be consumed in moderation, it's important that alkaline foods are eaten with the same caution, as this diet is intended to be a sort of balancing act rather than a tipping of the scale.

The Facts

According to proponents of alkaline dieting, in order for your body to remain healthy, it needs to maintain a pH level between 7.35 and 7.45, with 7.0 being neutral, anything less being acidic and anything more being basic. Acidic foods, when consumed and "burnt" by your body, produce acid waste, whereas alkaline foods leave a mineral residue of zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium and iron, all of which have a neutralizing effect on acid levels. In the absence of this residue, acidosis occurs, a process in which acid permeates your body's organs, blood, tissue and joints, thus creating an environment conducive to disease.

Function

Alkaline dieting is based on the premise that by consuming alkaline foods you facilitate the creation of optimal bodily health conditions by preventing the process of acidosis from occurring. While most doctors refute the notion that a diet characterized by high levels of acid leads to chronic disease, significant evidence to suggest that diets high in acid induce osteoporosis and loss of bone and muscle mass has been produced in studies conducted at the University of California. The findings also demonstrate that consuming alkaline foodstuffs and beverages can reverse these effects.

Identification

Symptoms that indicate the presence of high levels of acidity in your body may include recurring headaches, nasal congestion, fatigue, joint pain, anxiety and, of course, pyrosis, or heartburn. However, an absence of these symptoms does not necessarily imply that your pH levels are ideal. As with many diseases, prevention is better than the cure. Thus, it is worth monitoring your pH level from time to time, either with the help of a physician or a home test kit. In either case, the pH of your saliva or urine is assessed by means of a test strip or dipstick.

Solution

Whether you're already suffering from symptoms of acidity or wish to prevent them, there are a number of foods you can consume to restore healthy pH levels in your body. According to Christopher Vasey, author of "The Acid-Alkaline Diet for Optimum Health," citrus fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and tubers have a natural alkalizing effect on the body, while seafood, meat, dairy, alcohol and processed foods increase acid levels, and should thus be consumed in moderation.

Warning

Sudden alkalinization can lead to dehydration and fatigue, while extreme alkaline dieting is linked to malnutrition as the body may be deprived of vital nutrients, such as essential fatty acids. Additionally, if you happen to be suffering from a kidney condition or heart disease, or are taking any prescribed medication, it's best to undertake an acid-alkaline diet under the supervision of your doctor.