Alkaline diet consists of a specific selection of food. So what are the benefits of following such a diet? Let’s find out.
Our body needs a balance of acidic and alkaline foods in order to function smoothly. In cases when the acids in the body increase, people switch to alkaline diets. These diets are made up of certain fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, etc. However, no scientific studies have been conducted to ascertain their benefits.
When we talk about alkaline food, what do we mean? What determines if a food item is acidic or alkaline? It is the pH of the food item that determines the nature of the food. The ideal pH level is 7. All foods with pH numbers greater than 7 are considered alkaline, while the ones that fall below 7 are considered acidic. If a person’s body has an acidic pH level, his chances of suffering from stroke, obesity, high blood pressure, etc. are increased. This makes normalization of the body’s pH level mandatory. In order to do so, it is believed that food items alkaline in nature need to be consumed.
When alkaline foods are consumed, they burn in the body and leave alkaline residue. This residue contains minerals which help restore and balance the acids in the body. Cabbage, lettuce, cauliflower, chives, broccoli, celery, garlic, cucumber, etc. are the foods that are alkaline in nature. Avocados, olives, and coconuts are also said to be alkaline.
Benefits
Health Problems
Due to the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, the body flushes out the toxins. This prevents the body from suffering from other complications. By consuming alkaline foods, the acidic nature of blood is controlled. This also prevents further illnesses caused due of high acidity levels. However, eating too many alkaline rich foods causes the alkaline phosphatase level to rise in one’s blood.
Acid Reflux
Alkaline diet benefits the people suffering from acid reflux. This condition is normalized by consumption of alkaline rich foods.
Loss in Weight
It is believed that acidic diets lead to weight gain, while alkaline diet results in weight loss. While on an alkaline diet, as you only consume fresh fruits and vegetables regularly and your meat consumption is low, weight loss is natural. The processed foods and sugars that you otherwise consume, are also avoided in this situation and this also contributes towards reducing your weight.
Energy Levels
Fatigue is a side effect of increased level of acidity in the body. Alkaline food helps you to remain energetic for a long period of time. People believe that following an alkaline diet makes them more energetic than a high protein diet that they otherwise follow.
Eating too many high alkaline foods may create problems for liver, bone conditions, and other health related issues. People have claimed that by eating such foods, they have also experienced relief from arthritis pain.