Followers and authors of the many alkaline food lists, guides, and recipe books about the alkaline diet say it can treat diseases and chronic conditions, including cancer and kidney disease.
From a scientific perspective, these claims aren’t realistic, saysAdrienne Youdim, MD, an associate professor of medicine at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles. But, she says, the alkaline food lists tend to be healthy, and when you look at eating approaches like the widely studied and beneficialMediterranean diet, you can reasonably say that the focus on these foods is a healthy approach.
Despite the alkaline diet having been widely studied, there aren’t any definitive studies suggesting that this approach can have an effect on cancer — one of the biggest draws of the diet. Fitzgibbon says that thecancer treatmenttheory is based on the claim that cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment. And while that is true in a lab setting, it’s nearly impossible to alter cells in a way that creates a less acidic environment in the body, she says. Here is what research has found about the alkaline diet and several chronic health conditions:
Bone HealthThere are claims that the alkaline diet can reduce therisk of osteoporosis. The theory is referred to as the “acid-ash hypothesis of osteoporosis,” which states that eating an acid-rich diet, such as the Western diet, can erode the bones and lead to osteoporosis by increasing calcium in the urine and reducing calcium in the body. But the theory doesn’t hold up.One review noted that it seems like acid-producing diets plus low calcium intake could lead to bone issues, but if calcium levels are high, eating an acidic diet might even be protective. Anotherreviewconcluded that there is no evidence that an acidic diet can lead to bone disease, and there is no evidence that it can protect bones either.
Cancer PreventionThere was one study that found alkaline diets may have a protective benefit against hormone receptor negative–breast cancer, but most of the related research has been inconclusive.Most results, however, do point to one dietary measure that may reduce breastcancer risk: eating less meat and more fruits and veggies, as many researchers have reported.
The AICR does not support claims about cancer and the alkaline diet, saying that the acidity and alkalinity of foods aren’t important when it comes to human body chemistry. Instead, the AICR says that eating a largely plant-based diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (without worrying about alkalinity) is a healthy approach that can help lower your risk of cancer and chronic diseases. So the alkaline diet might be a good approach for people fighting cancer, but not for the reasons given by fans of it, as one study noted.
Chronic Kidney DiseasePeople with chronic kidney disease may also benefit from focusing on alkaline foods, becausetoo much proteinis hard on the kidneys. In one review article, the author argued that by reducing acid load to the kidneys through a low-protein diet with an emphasis on plant proteins, you may be able to slow kidney disease progression and improve kidney function.Other researchnoted that an alkaline diet slows down the rate at which the kidneys’ blood-filtering systems decline.
Heart HealthA research reviewfound that eating more alkaline foods, such as fruits and veggies, may help reduce the risk of hypertension and stroke.
FAQs
With that in mind, the diet recommends: Avoiding acid-forming foods, such as meat, dairy, fish, eggs, grains, and alcohol. Consuming plenty of alkaline-forming foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. Limiting neutral foods, such as starches, sugars, and natural fats.
What is an alkaline diet menu? ›
We recommend eating a plant-based diet full of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans/lentils, and nuts and seeds and cutting back on meat, processed food and alcohol.
What to drink to alkalize the body? ›
What drinks are alkaline? Popular alkaline drinks include water, dairy, some juices, some teas, and almond milk. What are the benefits? A 2013 study found that an alkaline diet might improve muscle health.
What are the disadvantages of the alkaline diet? ›
Con: You may miss out on protein and other nutrients
Similar to a vegan diet, it doesn't allow for any animal proteins, including meats, eggs or dairy. People who follow a vegan diet can get sufficient nutrients from plant-based proteins like: Lentils. Soybeans and soy milk.
What is the king of alkaline foods? ›
Researchers often refer to the umeboshi as 'the king of alkaline foods' for its alkalizing and invigorating qualities. The organic acids of umeboshi help remove lactic and pyruvic acid from our blood that accumulate from taking refined sugar, refined grain, overly processed foods, alcohol, and red meat.
Are eggs high in alkaline? ›
Most fruits and vegetables, soybean, tofu, and some nuts, seeds, and legumes are alkaline-promoting foods, so they're fair game. Dairy, eggs, meat, most grains, and processed foods like canned and packaged snacks and convenience foods fall on the acidic side and are not allowed.
Does apple cider vinegar alkalize the body? ›
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which has an alkalizing effect on the body. According to a study published in the Journal of Diabetes Care, consuming apple cider vinegar could aid weight loss. The research showed that ACV supports slimming down by reducing sugar cravings.
How can I Alkalize my body fast? ›
There's no fast way to alkalize your body, nor is there conclusive evidence that this is necessary. Your body's pH levels are tightly controlled, and food doesn't affect blood pH very much. It may have some impact on urine pH.
What are the symptoms of too much alkaline in the body? ›
Symptoms of alkalosis can include any of the following:
- Confusion (can progress to stupor or coma)
- Hand tremor.
- Lightheadedness.
- Muscle twitching.
- Nausea, vomiting.
- Numbness or tingling in the face, hands, or feet.
- Prolonged muscle spasms (tetany)
Lemon juice, in its natural state, is acidic. It's about a 3 on the pH scale (your tap water hovers at around 7 pH). In spite of its low pH, some say that lemon water is alkaline. Lemon water (water with a bit of lemon juice) is not alkaline, but rather, it has an alkaline effect on your body.
In fact, peanut butter has a pH level of around 6.3, which is slightly acidic to neutral. While some people might confuse the natural acidity of peanuts with the acidity of peanut butter, the truth is that the roasting and grinding process used to make peanut butter neutralizes the acid.
What is the strongest alkaline food? ›
Popular to the belief that citrus fruits are highly acidic and would have an acidic effect on the system, surprisingly they are the best source of alkaline foods. Lemon, sweet lime and oranges overpowered with vitamin C that helps in detoxifying the system and offers respite from heartburn and acidity.
Which fruit is most alkaline? ›
Dates- Dates are one of the most highly alkaline fruits you can eat. It's a great source of fiber and it is rich in manganese, B6 magnesium and copper. They are loaded with antioxidants and flavonoids and is beneficial in brain health. Grapes- Grapes alkalinity vary by the climate in which it is grown.
Is oatmeal alkaline? ›
Oatmeal is another alkaline food. Oatmeal may absorb some stomach acid to further neutralize the stomach. Additionally, oatmeal is a high-fiber food that promotes optimal digestive health. Brown rice is another alkaline whole grain.
What foods have the highest alkalinity? ›
Sweet potato, beets, radish, turnips and carrots are an amazing source of alkaline foods which facilitates to keep up the pH balance.
How do I Alkalize my body fast? ›
There's no fast way to alkalize your body, nor is there conclusive evidence that this is necessary. Your body's pH levels are tightly controlled, and food doesn't affect blood pH very much. It may have some impact on urine pH.
What are alkaline super foods? ›
Celery. Red beet. Watermelon. Figs, and ripe bananas are all excellent alkaline plant sources Dr.
What is the best alkaline food at night? ›
Evening: After dinner, have two kiwi's and a handful of walnuts and almonds as dessert. This will give your body time to digest these foods before bed. About two hours before bedtime, have an 8 ounce glass of tart cherry juice. Then about one hour before bedtime, have an eight ounce glass of alkaline water.
