Alkalinity & Eating

Eating for alkalinity has received a lot of buzz in the media. But even so, many people don't quite understand what it's all about, if it's genuinely beneficial or how to do it. The notion of eating to promote alkalinity is based on the biological fact that your blood maintains a particular pH balance. When this pH balance moves in the wrong direction, it can affect your health.

Alkalinity Basics

Normally, your blood's pH balance is alkaline. This is the ideal state, asserts cardiologist and author Dr. Alejandro Junger in his 2009 book, "Clean: The Revolutionary Program to Restore the Body's Natural Ability to Heal Itself." Alkalinity is important because it helps keep your bones healthy and strong, supports and strengthens your immune system, contributes to high energy and may even help with weight management, says Dr. Junger.

Changes in Alkalinity

Despite the benefits of an alkaline state, many people's blood is actually acidic -- without them even knowing. The typical Western diet -- rich in meat, dairy products, refined foods and sugar -- causes your blood to move from alkaline to acidic, says Columbia University Health Services. Acidic blood absorbs less oxygen than alkaline blood, and therefore contributes to low energy and other problems. Dr. Junger states that when your blood is acidic, your bones leach calcium into your bloodstream. This can lead to weakened bones and eventual osteoporosis.

Alkaline Foods

The best way to promote your body's alkalinity is to eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables, says Columbia University. Nutrient-rich fruits and veggies are very alkalizing, and most Americans don't eat enough of them. To increase alkalinity, include plenty of fresh produce in your daily diet, and cut down on refined flour, processed foods, sugar, dairy and meat.

Caveats

There's no doubt that fruits, vegetables and whole -- as opposed to processed -- foods are healthy. In this respect health experts agree that an alkaline diet is nutritious and beneficial. However, as Jane Brody notes in "The New York Times," eating to promote alkalinity does not mean you should stop eating protein foods, such as meat and cheese, altogether. If you have questions or concerns regarding alkalizing vs. acidic foods and how to fit them into your daily diet while still consuming enough protein and other nutrients, consult your physician or registered dietitian for detailed recommendations.