Hey everyone, welcome back to another day of learning. Today we are gonna be learning about the alkaline diet. Before we get started like always please consult with a trusted doctor, nutritionist etc before trying anything new or making drastic changes.
Back in 2020 I created a 4 part series on the alkaline diet and its many benefits. Two years later I’m realizing it’s some information that I have missed and would like to share now.
The Series: https://humblesoullifeofajuicer.wordpress.com/2022/08/04/alkalinity-vs-acidity/
To do a quick review The average pH of the human body is 7.40. A diet is not defined as acidic or alkaline based on the actual pH content of the food but, rather, how foods may affect and impact the body’s pH level.
The pH scale is a tool that measures the amount of acid or base in something.
On a scale from 0 to 14:
7 is neutral
Less than 7 indicates acidity
Greater than 7 indicates a base (more alkalinity)
The Alkaline Diet claims to improve your health, help you lose weight, and even fight cancer. The Diet is based on a theory that some foods cause your body to promote acid, which is harmful. They say if you eat certain foods or drink only certain things when you change the acid level in your body, your PH level will change as well.
What are some examples of acid-forming foods?
When digested and broken down in the body, the following foods are considered acidic: Meat (fresh and processed) / Poultry (chicken, turkey) / Fish / Dairy/ Eggs / Grains
The popular alkaline diet focuses on acid-forming (low-PRAL) foods and suggests avoiding them. But do the claims behind the alkaline diet hold up? Let’s take a look.
If you look at a high-PRAL foods like red meat and dairy depending on your body type, health, family history this may create increase risk of cancer, diabetes etc. Now of course cutting those foods out or cutting down on them may erase that risk, but please remember restrictive eating is not for anyone can lead to nutritional deficiencies if not one properly.
Rather than focusing on the acid-forming potential of a food, it’s best to focus on eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods. This can definitely include some high-PRAL foods, such as animal proteins and grains.
I will say now if someone were to adopt a strict alkaline diet with 80 percent alkaline foods and 20 percent acidic foods as some websites recommend, there can be an increased risk of certain vitamin or protein deficiencies. It is important to remember hat our overall health isn’t just dependent on what or how we eat. Optimal health includes maintaining a healthy body weight, regular physical activity, quality sleep, stress reduction and social connections. Health and wellness is more than 1 stop shop.
I encourage you to be gentle with yourself eat when you’re hungry and DO NOT let anyone shame you.
Humble Soul 