What is the alkaline diet and what are its benefits

  • 2018
Table of contents hide 1 How is alkalinity measured? 2 How does the alkaline diet work? 3 Benefits of the alkaline diet 4 The best alkaline foods 5 Food does not affect blood pH 6 Conclusion 7 Precautions

The alkaline diet is based on the idea that certain foods produce acid in the body, which is not good for your health.

On the other hand, the foods that make the body more alkaline, are those that protect against disease, and, in passing, help you lose a few kilos.

Most of the foods in the alkaline diet are vegetables and fruits, dried fruits, seeds and legumes. Some foods such as dairy, eggs, meat, some grains, and processed foods, that is, canned or packaged foods, are considered acidic. The consumption of coffee or alcohol is also not accepted.

How is alkalinity measured?

The pH level measures the level of acidity or alkalinity . A pH of 0 means the acidity is total, and the pH of 14 means total alkalinity. A pH of 7 is neutral. These levels may vary in the body. For example, the blood is rather alkaline with a pH between 7.35 and 7.45. While the stomach is acidic, with a pH of 3.5 p less, to be able to disintegrate the food.

How does the alkaline diet work?

Dr. Lauri Wright, from the University of South Florida, explains that the theory behind the alkaline diet is that when we metabolize food, it leaves a residue or ash that can be alkaline or acidic . "The alkaline diet proposes that acidic residues are unhealthy . "

"A food is considered acidic or alkaline depending on its general effect on the body, specifically in urinary excretion, " says Dr. Lisa Cimperman, a dietitian at the University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.

Proponents of the alkaline diet argue that it helps maintain the blood's pH level . Fruits and vegetables are consumed, and plenty of water. It avoids sugar and alcohol.

Some professionals claim that a diet low in acid-producing foods such as animal protein and bread, and high in fruits and vegetables, prevents kidney stones, maintains muscle and bone strength, improves heart and brain health, reduces low back pain and decreases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Benefits of the alkaline diet

  1. Protects bone density and muscle mass

Studies show that the more fruits and vegetables consumed, the less the loss of bone strength and muscle mass.

  1. Decreases the risk of hypertension and cardiac arrest
  2. Decrease inflammation and chronic pain
  3. Improves immune function and protects against cancer
  4. It helps maintain a healthy weight

The best alkaline foods

  1. Fresh fruits and vegetables : including mushrooms, citrus, raisins, spinach, grapes, tomatoes, avocados or avocado, cucumber, kale, broccoli, celery, ginger, cabbage, watermelon, figs and bananas.
  2. All foods consumed raw, in juices or salads, or simply raw fruits.
  3. Vegetable proteins : almonds, beans or beans.
  4. Alkalized water, with a pH between 9 and 11. Distilled or filtered water with reverse osmosis is sufficient. You can also add some drops of lemon or lime or baking soda to the water to increase its alkalinity.

Feeding does not affect blood pH

Some experts in the diets affirm that the feeding cannot change the pH of the blood because this one stays constant. The body strives to keep it stable beyond food, and has effective mechanisms to maintain balance. This is called acid-based homeostasis.

conclusion

The alkaline diet, unlike other fad diets, is healthy. It encourages the consumption of fruits, vegetables and plant-derived foods, while restricting processed and artificial foods.

Precautions

But you have to be careful with the elimination of food groups such as dairy, eggs, meat and most grains.

Lean meats are part of a balanced diet and provide protein, iron and vitamin B. Also, grains are an important source of fiber and vitamin B.

Planning is essential to have a balanced nutrition.

DRAFTING: Carolina, editor of the great family of the White Brotherhood

REFERENCES: Amy Marturana. (2016) What An Alkaline Diet Can — And Can't — Do For Your Health

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