The levels of acidic and alkaline chemicals in your body, also known as your body's pH, is carefully regulated. It is thought by some people that you can alter this balance by consuming foods that are either acidic or alkaline, thus improving your health. This concept, however, is controversial. Talk to your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet.
Acid Alkaline Balance
The theory behind the acid and alkaline theory of dieting is that many people, especially those in the Western world, eat a diet that is too high in acidic foods and too low in alkaline foods, causing a condition known as acidosis. Most proponents of this diet believe that a good balance is approximately 75 percent alkaline foods and 25 percent acidic foods in order to maintain proper bone health and reduce strain on the body, according to the website BetterBones.com.
Alkaline Foods
Alkaline foods generate alkaline or basic chemicals in the body when they are digested. The body is naturally slightly alkaline and eating more of these foods is thought to help maintain his alkalinity. Many different vegetables are considered to be alkaline, especially green leafy vegetables such as spinach, collard greens, broccoli, kale and mustard greens. Most fruits, including citrus fruits, are classified as alkaline because even if they are themselves acidic they cause the body to make alkaline chemicals.
Acidic Foods
Acidic foods lower the pH of the body by generating acidic substances when digested. Commonly consumed acidic foods include most animal-based foods, such as poultry, beef, pork, turkey, duck and eggs. Dairy products are also typically acidic. Grains, including quinoa, rice, wheat, barley, corn,arrowroot and rye are also acidic. Other foods that are acidic are beans, most vegetable oils and caffeinated beverages. Alcohol also has an acidify effect.
Controversy
There is some controversy as to the effectiveness of the acid alkaline die for maintaining health. The human body naturally produces large amounts of both acidic and alkaline substances and has many ways to regulate the pH. As a result, it is unlikely that changing your diet will have a significant effect on your body's pH. Because the acid alkaline diet emphasizes copious amounts of fruits and vegetables and limits grains and meats, however, it is likely to be healthy, though you should talk to your doctor before making changes to your diet.
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