Alkaline Fruit Diet

On the alkaline fruit diet, you reduce over-acidification in the body by consuming alkalizing fruits and fruit drinks. This diet calls for consumption of 75 percent alkaline fruits and 25 percent acid-producing foods. Testing of bodily pH levels using pH strips can determine whether there is correct balance of acid present. Advocates of the alkaline fruit diet believe eating too much acid-producing foods can result in the loss of essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. While there are many benefits to the alkaline fruit diet, you should consult with your physician before beginning.

History

In 1914, early scientific research was done on acid-yielding and alkaline-yielding foods. However, your ancestors began this process before modern technology changed the way food was created. Early humans ate predominately plant-based food that was not processed. Today, preservatives, steroids. salt and sugars are added to food in an effort to enhance flavor and produce more food.

Advantages

Proponents of the alkaline fruit diet say too much acid in the body can cause chronic disease. The Alkaline fruit diet can also help improve energy levels, improve immune function, reduce pain and inflammation, slow the aging process, and promote healthier teeth and gums. Dr. Anthony Sebastian of the University of California-San Fransisco points out that long-term, excess acidity leads to thinner bones and lower muscle mass.

Disadvantages/Warnings

Few studies have been done to show that following the alkaline fruit diet can improve chronic health conditions, nor is there enough evidence to prove the theory that alkaline reverses the effects of excess acidity.

Another disadvantage of the alkaline fruit diet is that it has a very long list of rules and restrictions. It can be difficult to keep track of the specifics, such as which foods are alkaline or acidic and by how much on the pH scale. Using pH strips and evaluating them can be a bit time-consuming as well.

Types of Alkaline Fruits

Not all fruits should be included in the alkaline fruit diet. The Health and Rejuvenation Research Center
of the Caya Health Foundation noted that some citrus fruit, such as grapefruits, lemons, limes and oranges, can be acidic externally, but alkaline internally and should be eaten alone. Examples of alkaline fruits include apricots, apples, bananas, cantaloupe, mangoes, cherries, grapes and peaches. Fruits considered to be acidic include cranberries, olives (pickled), plums, prunes, blueberries and all fruits that are preserved or canned with sugar.

Expert Insight

In a 2001 article in the "European Journal of Nutrition," researchers concluded that diets with more acid-forming foods and not enough alkaline-forming foods could lead to low-grade acidity in the body.

According to Jack Challem of the NaturalNews Special Report, you can most likely achieve long-term health if your body's pH is neutral or slightly alkaline. If it's acidic, which can be measured easily, there's a greater risk of developing osteoporosis, weak muscles, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease and a host of other health problems.