Alkaline diets are gaining popularity for the health benefits that can be attributed to them. Many people feel that eating more foods that produce an alkaline response in the body are important to overall health. Find out more about alkaline diet guidelines here.
Alkaline Diets
Our bodies have an acid-base balance of between 7.38-7.45 in their normal state. Metabolic as well as respiratory factors can influence the pH of the body. A more alkaline pH is thought to be a healthier state. An acidic pH can indicate that certain diseases are present in the body, such as diabetes. An alkaline pH can be achieved through the foods we eat, according to Dr. Robert Young, author of several books on this subject. Dr. Young believes that a diet that is 80% alkaline and 20% acidic is best for overall health. Alkaline diets are even said to help reverse the aging process, since the body is more alkaline at a young age than in older adults. One assumption is that by eating a diet that keeps pH levels alkaline, the body will not need to use calcium stores and other mineral buffers. This becomes more and more important as we age. The pH Miracle by Dr. Young is considered to be the authority on alkaline diets.
According to Dr. Young’s controversial diet theory, being overweight or underweight is the result of an acidic diet. He says that the body will find the ideal weight when an alkaline diet is followed. He also attributes food allergies and hypersensitivities to an overly acidic body. Dr. Young believes that even negative emotional states can cause the body to become acidic. The most acidifying emotions are fear, anger, and resentment. Positive emotions, like faith, love, hope, forgiveness, and peace have an alkalizing effect. Dr. Young believes negative emotions steal our health through heart attacks and even cancers.
While Dr. Young and many others believe that the alkaline diet could be the key to better health, not everyone agrees. Many traditional doctors do not agree with his approach. Be aware that the alkaline diet is an alternative form of nutrition. Still, there are many people who claim to have reaped amazing results with the alkaline diet. Talk to your doctor or nutritionist if you would like to try this nutrition plan. You might just become one of those who has enjoyed improved health through an alkaline diet.
Alkaline Diet Guidelines
Here is a sample list of alkaline and acidic foods. If you decide to give this a try, aim for 80% alkaline foods and 20% acidic.
Alkaline Foods:
Fruits:
lemons, limes, avocado, oranges, tomatoes, grapefruit
Vegetables:
onions, peas, carrots, spinach, broccoli, brussel sprouts, green beans, garlic, cauliflower, radishes, chives, watercress, turnips
Nuts, Seeds, and Grains:
almonds, pumpkin seeds, lentils, cumin seeds, sprouted seeds, sunflower seeds, buckwheat groats, spelt
Drinks:
water, green tea, lemon water, herbal teas, vegetable broth, soy and almond milks
Oils and Fats:
olive, avocado, flax, evening primrose, flax
Acidic Foods:
Meats:
pork, beef, chicken, turkey, seafood (salmon is not included)
Dairy Products:
milk, cream, cheese, yogurt, eggs, ice cream
Fats:
saturated fats, hydrogenated oils, margarine, corn oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil
Nuts:
peanuts, cashews, pistachios
Fruits:
Fruits other than the ones in the alkaline category are considered acidic.
Drinks:
sodas, tea, coffee, beer, spirits, fruit drinks, dairy smoothie, milk
