According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 17 percent of children ages 2 to 9 are overweight. Childhood obesity is an alarming trend. With risks of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, joint issues and the increased risk of being overweight as adults, many parents work hard to provide their children with healthy diets. Alkaline and pH diets help rid the body of toxins and help increase a boy's ability to burn calories. These diets provide boys with a wide variety of foods to choose from.
Identification
Alkalinity and acidity are measured according to pH, or the potential hydrogen scale. Any substance with a pH higher the 7.0 is considered to be alkaline. The limit on the alkaline scale is 14.0. Any substance with a pH lower than 7.0 is considered to be acidic. Substances become more acidic as they reach 1.0 on the scale. The pH scale measures the amount of hydrogen found within your body. According to Peter Shepherd, author of "Transforming the Mind," your body should have a pH of around 7.35 to 7.45, which is slightly higher than what is considered to be alkaline.
Features
When a boy eats foods rich in alkaline, pH levels are raised. A diet should be a balance of 60 percent alkaline and 40 percent acid, according to "Transforming the Mind." Fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish and beans are considered to be alkaline-rich foods, according to Wake Up Get Healthy. Acidic foods should be eaten less frequently and include most meats, breads, cheeses and sweets. It is recommended that parents follow nutritional guidelines when putting their sons on a pH diet.
Guideline
According to the American Heart Association, a nutritional diet is key to happy and healthy children. Boys should consume 1,400 calories from ages 4 to 8, 1,800 calories from ages 9 to 13 and 2,200 calories from ages 14 to 18. It is recommended, depending on age, that boys consume between 2 to 3 cups of milk and dairy products, 4 oz. to 6 oz. of lean meat and beans, 1 to 1 1/2 cups of fruit, 1 1/2 to 3 cups of vegetables and 5 oz. to 7 oz. of grains.
Exercise
No diet is complete without exercise. Boys must burn calories in an effort to lose pounds or maintain a healthy weight, writes Shepherd. The body does require calories to function. However, excessive calories can lead to weight gain. Alkaline-rich foods are low in calories and are much easier to burn off. Boys should be encouraged to be active. It is recommended that they get 60 minutes of physical activity each day.
Warning
As with any diet, there are consequences when the diet is not followed correctly. According to Shepherd, alkaline levels should not exceed their recommended pH levels. Exceeding these levels can cause alkalosis. Alkalosis happens when the body's pH level reaches an exceedingly high level. This condition can be dangerous and most frequently occurs when pH levels are elevated for an extended period of time. Symptoms of alkalosis include hand tremors, confusion, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, extremity numbness and muscle twitches.
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