Diet for Alkaline Blood

Your body's blood must maintain a specific pH level for optimal health. Some proponents of alternative health, such as Michael Lam, M.D., claim an excess of acid can lead to a variety of health problems. Various blood alkalizing diets have been developed, such as the one by Cynthia Bailey. M.D., who wrote "The Alkaline Mediterranean Diet." Proponents of alkalizing diets claim an increase in alkaline foods can cause weight loss and increased energy, among other benefits. There is no scientific evidence to support an alkaline blood diet.

Scientific Evidence

The theory of acidic and alkaline foods remains scientifically unsubstantiated. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest the body needs help balancing the acidity and alkalinity levels in the blood. According to Stephanie Vangsness R.D., member of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, in an article for Aetna InteliHealth, when your blood levels become too acidic, your body automatically reverses this by increased breathing and eliminating excess hydrogen ions through the kidneys.

Blood pH Levels

PH is a measure of acidity and stands for "potential hydrogen." Proponents of the alkalizing theory claim certain foods can cause fluctuations in your blood pH levels, leading to diseases and health conditions, such as excess weight and cancer. The pH scale ranges from 1 to 14 and blood pH levels are between 7.35 and 7.45. The higher the reading is, the more alkaline a substance is. Advocates of the alkaline/acidic food theory believe common diets and lifestyles contribute to excessive acid in your body, which must be alkalized for better health.

Alkaline Foods

The alkaline diet lists several foods as being alkaline producing. These are mostly natural, unprocessed foods. For example, most fruits and vegetables are considered alkalizing. Doris Rapp, M.D., lists ginger, kidney beans, shitake mushrooms, spinach, soybeans, bananas, chestnuts, carrots and strawberries as highly alkalizing foods.

Alkaline Diet Pyramid

Bailey explains the alkaline diet in terms of a food pyramid. She says that for her alkalizing diet, the Alkaline Mediterranean Diet, the base of your diet pyramid should consist of vegetables, then fruit, then whole-grain products, then oils, nuts and lean protein sources. She advises avoiding acid-forming "junk" foods.

Effects of Acidic Foods

According to the theory of alkaline and acidic foods, over-acidity can lead to a reduced intake of oxygen. Lam claims this can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, lack of energy, weakness and can cause decrease the body's ability to absorb vitamins and minerals, decrease energy production in cells, inhibit the body's ability to repair cells, enable tumor cells, increase fatigue and the risk of illness. Acidic foods include beef, chicken, pork, alcohol, bread and sugar. Some fruits and vegetables are also acidifying, including pears and asparagus.