Health Benefits Of Alkaline Diet

Alkaline diet has been in vogue lately. But what is the truth about this diet? Can you trust her? What are the health benefits of an alkaline diet?

The controversy over this type of diet is booming. Some attribute almost magical properties to it, such as the ability to cure diseases such as cancer. But the problem is not completely clear. Therefore, we will explain everything you should know in this article.

What is an alkaline diet?

Diet

How does the alkaline diet work?

The diet changes the pH of body fluids. In other words, it changes the acidity or basicity of the blood, urine and all the fluids in the body.

As some physiologists who promote diet explain, a slightly alkaline environment could be beneficial to the body. However, the scientific literature states that this is not possible. An article published in the journal “Osteoporosis International” states that it is not possible to change the acid-base balance of the blood.

The alkaline diet excludes foods such as dairy products, meat, fish, eggs and cereals (foods that, according to the diet, produce “acid ash”). It allows you to eat fruits and vegetables, except blueberries and plums.

Health Benefits of Alkaline Diet: What Do Studies Say?

1. The relationship with cancer

Despite the widespread promotion of the alkaline diet, there is only one observational study that looked at its relationship to cancer prevention and treatment. This study finds no relationship between this type of diet and cancer.

Given the lack of studies to support or reject the ideas behind the alkaline diet, we must conclude that there is no scientific basis. In this context, the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) does not recommend an alkaline diet.

The diet also promises bone health benefits. According to the theory of the alkaline diet, to reduce the acidity of the blood (which, as we have already seen, is not possible), the body uses calcium from the bones. Therefore, acidic foods lead to calcium intake and cause osteoporosis.

However, in this study published in 2009, the researchers concluded that although excessive protein intake increased calcium excretion, it did not come from bones, as there were no changes in the overall calcium balance in the body. For this reason, following an acidic diet does not lead to lower bone density.

How real are the benefits of the alkaline diet?

The human body is extremely effective in regulating the pH of the blood. Otherwise, we would have serious problems. Therefore, it is impossible to change the pH of your blood through an alkaline diet, although you can change the pH of your urine.

The alkaline diet, although it promotes the consumption of certain beneficial foods, such as greens and vegetables, is not supported by scientific studies. Certain food groups allowed in this type of diet offer many benefits, so you should not exclude them from a healthy diet.

When reading information about this type of miraculous diet, you should remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is not.