The alkaline diet consists of eating specific foods that supposedly bring your body to an alkaline state.This diet is one of the many that have recently emerged which claim to protect your body from a whole range of diseases. However, the alkaline diet has the tallest claim among all of them, it promises to eliminate your chances of developing cancer. The theory behind this diet is that cancer cells cannot survive in an alkaline environment. According to this diet, the biggest reason why your body becomes susceptible to disease is because your internal systems have become acidic. This state of acidity is supposed to cause diseases like cancer, inflammation and digestive complications. In theory at least, following the alkaline diet is supposed to eradicate your chances of developing all of these diseases.
Does Science Support This Diet?
While followers of the alkaline diet fully believe in its philosophy, scientists aren’t buying it. This is because the underlying theory of the alkaline diet in itself is completely untrue. The foods you eat can’t really affect your body’s pH level. Most of the evidence believers use to support their theory is the pH level of their urine. They say that while following the alkaline diet, the pH level of their urine is high, indicating their body is in an alkaline state. However, this isn’t really the case. Your urine’s pH level isn’t indicative of your body’s alkalinity, it’s only a measure of your kidney’s capacity to balance out your urine. Your blood’s pH levels cannot be influenced by your diet, nor can it be reflected in your urine.
What Does The Alkaline Diet Include?
Most nuts, legumes and vegetables are considered alkaline and form a big part of the alkaline diet. Green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale and Swiss chard in particular are considered very effective in promoting a state of alkalinity. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflowers are also supposedly alkaline. Root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes and beets are also a very important part of the alkaline diet. Even aromatics like onions, garlic and ginger are believed to make your body more alkaline. Water is also very important in this diet and you’re encouraged to drink plenty throughout the day.
What Is Excluded In An Alkaline Diet
Processed foods, sugary treats and fast food are understandably strictly forbidden on an alkaline diet. More surprisingly however, foods that we naturally assume to be healthy are also excluded from this diet. Major protein sources like meat, eggs, fish and even vegan protein sources like soy are considered highly acidic. Dairy products like yogurt and milk are also thought to make your body more acidic. Many fresh fruits are also banned from the diet because their sugar content is thought to affect the body’s pH level. Grains like wheat aren’t allowed in this diet either.
Should You Consider Following This Diet?
There are both pros and cons to following the alkaline diet, however, the cons definitely outweigh the pros. On the positive side, the alkaline diet promotes eating plenty of fresh produce, which is definitely a good thing. On an alkaline diet, you will be cutting out fried, junk food and replacing it with healthy vegetables instead. Since many of these vegetables do have cancer-inhibiting properties, you might actually have some protection against the disease. The diet also cuts out dairy and gluten, which makes it very beneficial for people who are intolerant to these foods. Because it includes so many healthy foods into your daily diet, you might even experience some weight loss after you start following it. The diet’s emphasis on drinking a lot of water is also important to keep yourself properly hydrated.
But the problem with the alkaline diet doesn’t stem from what it includes, but from what it excludes. If you’re following a strictly alkaline diet, you’re going to be missing out on vital sources of protein. Healthy foods like seafood, soy, lean meat and eggs are completely eliminated from this diet. Since these foods are where most of us get our protein from, cutting it out could mean not getting enough protein in our diet. The diet also excludes many types of fruits, many of which contain essential vitamins.
The Bottom Line
If you’re considering following the alkaline diet, it’s probably best you don’t follow it too strictly. While including more fresh produce, less junk and more water are definitely important, cutting out important food groups are not. Adopting an overall healthier diet and lifestyle will be a lot more effective at protecting you from disease than following a highly restrictive diet like the alkaline diet.
