alkaline diet foods

Mar 28, 2019 11:13:00 AM | holistic nutritionists Alkaline Diets: Fad or Fabulous | achs.edu

An alkaline diet is healthy, but is it a fad? It is healthy because it is based on whole and unprocessed food, but at this time its benefits haven’t been shown to relate to the pH level of food consumed.

alkaline diet foodsWhat do know about the acidic vs. alkaline diet and health? Are you a proponent of one or the other? If you are, I’d be interested in knowing more about what brought you to your conclusion.

My curiosity was piqued as I began hearing more discussions related to the benefits and myths associated with each. It motivated me to research and learn more about how the two diets may or may not really effect the body? 

What is the alkaline diet?

First, of all, pretty basic stuff, I learned that pH values range from 0 to 14.  Acidic being 0.0-6-9, Neutral 7.0 and alkaline 7.1-14.0. The food groups generally categorized to measure acidic, neutral and alkaline are: Acidic: Meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, grains and alcohol; Neutral: Natural fats, starches and sugars; and Alkaline: Fruits, nuts, legumes and vegetables.
The alkaline diet is based on the idea that replacing acid-forming foods with alkaline foods can improve health. Proponents of this diet claim that it can help actually fight serious diseases like cancer.

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Image credit: https://www.freshnlean.com/recipes/

What does the science say?

I read scientific evidence confirming that tumors grow faster in acidic environments, it turns out that tumors actually create their own acidity.  It is not the acidic environment that creates the cancer.  Although, some studies indicate that cancer cells may grow slower in an alkaline environment.    

Scientific studies also show that it’s nearly impossible for food to change the pH value of blood in healthy people. Human blood is always slightly alkaline, with a pH of 7.36–7, although tiny fluctuations can occur within the normal range depending on health.

Alkaline food proponents may measure their urine pH as an indicator of overall body pH and general health. Urine pH factors can be influenced by diet. For instance, if you eat a large steak your urine will likely be more acidic several hours later as your body removes the metabolic waste from your system.

What makes an alkaline diet healthy?

Overall, an alkaline diet is quite healthy, encouraging high consumption of fruits, vegetables and healthy plant foods while restricting processed junk foods. However, the notion that the diet boosts health because of its alkalizing effects haven’t been proven by any reliable human studies to date.

Some studies do suggest positive effects in a very small subset of the population — an alkalizing diet, low in protein, may benefit people with chronic kidney disease. In general, the alkaline diet is healthy because it is based on whole and unprocessed food. At this time, Its benefits haven’t been shown to relate to the pH level.  

I’d really appreciate feedback from you about your experience and any additional research you have found. Comment below, or find us on social media!
        

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ACHS-Building-ExteriorFounded in 1978, ACHS.edu is a Portland, Ore.-based, accredited college offering online, on-campus, and study abroad integrative health education. With undergraduate and graduate degrees, diplomas, certificates, and continuing education units in integrative health, ACHS makes holistic health and wellness education accessible to a diverse community, including healthcare professionals, military students, stay-at-home parents, and lifelong learners. Specializations include aromatherapy, herbal medicine, holistic nutrition, and integrative health. ACHS is a Certified B Corporation® and was named two of 100 Best Green Workplaces in Oregon 2017 by Oregon Business magazine. ACHS is also accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). In response to our commitment to service members, veterans and military spouses, ACHS has been designated as one of the top 16% of military-friendly institutions in the U.S. for nine years in a row. For more information visit achs.edu.

Blog references:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/the-alkaline-diet-myth#osteoporosis

https://www.webmd.com/diet/a-z/alkaline-diets

https://health.usnews.com/best-diet/acid-alkaline-diet

https://drannacabeca.com/blogs/keto-alkaline-diet/acid-or-alkaline-and-why-should-i-care

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8605731     

Judy Starr

Written By: Judy Starr

Judy Starr, VP of External Relations at American College of Healthcare Sciences, has more than 25 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations and brings her expertise in marketing and communications to ACHS. She has raised millions of dollars during her career through her work with major gift donors, foundation grant writing and corporate relations. Judy is a vegan who seeks to inspire others with her passion for organic unprocessed foods. As a licensed esthetician for 28 years, she has served at day spas and at the Ann Wigmore Institute in Aguada, Puerto Rico, where she taught skin care classes and provided skin care and Reiki treatments. Through her unique career journey, she has learned the value of choosing pure unadulterated natural ingredients for customized skincare regimens. Her niche spa experience gives her a unique perspective and platform to share industry-specific knowledge in the realm of natural skin care, body care and holistic wellness. Judy has been a Reiki master for 20 years.