In recent years, one of the most fashionable diets is the alkaline diet , a method that maintains that diseases develop in acidic environments, that is, with low pH, and, therefore, to prevent certain diseases. It is necessary to increase this pH by alkalinizing our body through food.The positive part is that it encourages the consumption of vegetables.The negative, that the theory on which it is based lacks scientific basis according to nutrition experts. Even so, its supposed benefits and its promotion as a preventive method against cancer have made it the food plan of celebrities such as Victoria Beckham .or Jennifer Aniston. And here we tell you all its secrets and keys.
What is the alkaline diet
As we have already mentioned, the alkaline diet is based on the theory that diseases develop in an acid medium (that is, with a low pH) and that, therefore, to prevent them, it is convenient to “alkalinize” our body, that is, increase its pH.
In this way, this plan supposes the consumption of 80% of alkaline or alkalizing foods (fruits, vegetables and legumes), plus 20% of acidic nutrients, which are concentrated in protein and dairy foods. This diet also promotes the consumption of collagen, magnesium, calcium, bicarbonate and systems for the consumption of alkalinized water.
Following this thesis, classifies foods between alkalizing and acidifying:
ALKALINE : cucumber, spinach, soybeans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, lemon, grapefruit, avocado, beet, eggplant, celery, garlic, ginger, green beans, lettuce , onion, radish, tomato, artichoke, asparagus, carrot, zucchini, potato, peas, buckwheat, quinoa, lentils…
It should be noted that since the designation of acid or alkaline ash is based on the residue left after combustion Rather than the acidity of foods, acidic foods such as citrus fruits are considered alkaline on this diet.
ACIDIFIER:Chickpeas, kidney beans, seitan, melon, nectarine, plum, watermelon, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, apple, apricot, banana, blueberries, grapes, orange, mango, peach, rice and whole wheat pasta. Those that are highly acidifying such as red meat, chicken, pork, eggs, fish, shellfish, dairy products, mushrooms, chocolate, coffee, tea or alcohol are not recommended.
BENEFITS
Nutrition experts and researchers agree that there is no scientific evidence to support the ideas on which this diet is based , or to show that an “alkaline body” is synonymous with a healthier body.
In this sense, its detractors say that if it can become a healthy dietIt’s simply because it’s plant-based, but not because it’s going to alkalize the body. In addition, alkalinization does not occur because “it neither purifies, nor cleanses, nor drains, nor eliminates toxins, nor does it cause weight loss, nor does it prevent diseases.”
But, its supporters and followers affirm that some of the supposed benefits for which they have made this diet their bible of nutrition and good habits are: It
improves sports performance , since it is a very nutritious and purifying diet.
Lighter digestion . The diet is based on the consumption of vegetables, ingredients that have fiber and digestive enzymes that will improve stomach processes.
higher energy. It is also a recommended diet for people who want to have more vitality in their day to day. The reason is that the diet is inspired by increasing the consumption of nutritious foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
Purification of the organism . Thanks to diuretic and fiber-rich foods, this type of diet manages to eliminate accumulated waste and toxins.
Weight loss: A smaller amount of meat and animal proteins are ingested, increasing the consumption of legumes, fruits, vegetables and seeds.
A QUESTIONED DIET: RISKS
Although this method is based on a scientific theory, it was found to be wrong for several reasons. In the first place because, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research, in reality, our acid-base balance is well regulated because, generally, the body knows how to control the pH of the blood . In fact, by ourselves we cannot change the acidity levels of the body since:
-It does not have a single pH, it varies according to the different systems
-The pH changes throughout the day
-It is the organism itself, through the different regulation systems that it possesses, the one that is in charge of establishing by itself the acid-base balance
Nutritionists and experts affirm that if the diet is well designed it can be healthy, otherwise it can be harmful. What are the most notable risks
Like all diets that are restrictive, we leave the body lacking certain nutrients, minerals and vitamins (fatty acids, proteins, calcium and phytonutrients)that the organism needs for its functioning and balance. This can cause fainting and the worsening of certain health conditions that require special nutritional needs and that can be jeopardized by a restrictive or very drastic diet.
