How Does a High Alkaline Diet Work?

Why High Alkaline?

The human body is naturally slightly alkaline, usually with a pH of between 7.36 to 7.44. It only makes sense that the human diet should help maintain this level of alkalinity, but there is growing evidence that not only will boosting alkalinity prevent or help improve some ailments, a highly acidic diet can also lead to a wide range of problems. When the body is acidic, essential nutrients tend to be depleted faster including potassium, magnesium, sodium and calcium. Harmful bacteria also breed faster in an acidic environment, producing infections and sickness, but cannot survive in an alkaline body. Some chronic conditions such as fatigue, back pain, depression, arthritis, ulcers, cellular degeneration and osteoporosis are also linked with acidic diets.

What Foods are High Alkaline?

As a general rule of thumb, alkaline foods tend to be raw, natural fruits and vegetables. Even citrus like orange, lemon and lime, which are highly acidic in the mouth, actually produce a highly alkaline residue when metabolized, as does apple cider vinegar. On the other hand, leafy greens like spinach and chard, which are highly alkaline when raw, can become acidic if overcooked. The foods with highest alkalinity are cucumber, wheat grass, barley grass, broccoli sprouts, alfalfa spouts, parsley, kale, sea vegetables, arugula, avocado, bell peppers, beets, broccoli, cabbage, celery, endive, collard, ginger, green beans, garlic, mustard greens, lettuce, onion, okra, tomato, spinach. Some nuts, seeds and oils are also good sources of alkalinity, particularly pumpkin seeds, almond, cod liver oil, evening primrose oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, fish oil, sesame seeds and cold-pressed olive oils.

Foods to Avoid

A sustained condition of acidity, called acidosis, is linked with several uncomfortable conditions, including chronic fatigue, nasal congestion, colds and infections, anxiety, dry hair and skin, weak nails, cramps and aches, gastritis and rashes. An alkaline diet, which can reverse these conditions, consists of 80 percent alkaline foods, half of which are raw. Acidic foods that should be limited to no more than 20 percent of the diet include meats, seafood, dairy products, pasta and white flour, rice, coffee, alcohol and anything processed or refined.