6 advantages of the alkaline diet

From diabetes to cancer

“Our results may lead to the promotion of low acid load diets for the prevention of diabetes,” say Fagherazzi and Clavel-Chapelon. In addition to prevent diabetesa diet more alkaline than acidic could prevent a variety of disorders such as osteoporosis, infections, kidney stones and even the tumor development as a consequence of prolonged acidity and inflammation.

This breadth of benefits is explained because the acid-base balance It is necessary for the proper condition and functioning of cells in all body tissues and organs. In fact, it is known that the degree of acidity is determinant, in general, for the balance of organisms and natural ecosystems, since it conditions the fertility of the land, the development of plants or life in the water, as anyone who cares for an aquarium or a swimming pool knows.

The PH map in the body

The acidity or alkalinity is quantified by the pH value (hydrogen potential), which refers to the concentration of hydrogen ions in an aqueous solution.

The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14. Solutions with a pH less than 7 are acidic and those with a pH greater than 7 are alkaline. In the human body, the pH varies from one area to another. Inside the stomach there is extreme acidity (pH from 1.35 to 3.5) in order to promote digestion.

However, the walls of the stomach, to protect themselves, have a high pH (up to 8). The skin’s pH ranges from 4 to 6.5, which provides an acid mantle that acts as protection against fungi and bacteria. In the vagina, a pH of 4.7 keeps the flora in balance.

He blood pH It is a constant that rarely changes significantly. If it does, it can induce coma states, either by alkalosis or acidosis. A normal blood pH is considered to be between 7.35 and 7.45, that is, slightly alkaline. To keep it within those limits that make life possible, the body has mechanisms that quickly correct any deviation.

The effects of feeding

It is logical to think that the food we eat could influence the degree of acidity in the body. Since the studies of Dr. Heinrich Lahmann and the chemist Ragnar Berg at the beginning of the 20th century, it is known that people who consume more meat and fish tend to show more acidic urine.

Instead, this is more alkaline in those who consume more raw plant foods. Urine is considered an indicator of the body’s efforts to purify and balance the internal environment. Foods can be classified among those that increase the acidity or alkalinity in the urine.

Acidifying foods that should be consumed in moderation are those rich in animal protein. Instead, a diet based onfresh fruits and vegetables and seasonal tends to alkalize the urine. This type of diet is, in principle, advisable for all people and especially for those who systematically present an acid pH in their urine.

However, there may be exceptional cases that must be temporarily treated with less alkalizing diets.
When choosing specific foods, the PRAL classification based on “ability to potentially acidify urine” is useful. This is done from the content of five nutrients (proteins, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium) that modify the pH and serves to establish general recommendations.

More fresh fruit and vegetables

to tend to one alkalizing diet throughout the day it is important that there is a strong presence of fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables. In addition, it must be taken into account that cooking food reduces its alkalizing power, with which It is advisable to consume raw fruits and vegetables dailyalong with vegetables and tubers.

In this sense, the ideal vegetable soups with potato, celery, carrot or pumpkin, as well as steamed preparations. Citrus fruits, despite their acid taste, are also alkalizing once digested. In fact, it is recommended homemade citrus juices accompanied, if desired, with celery, apple, pear, carrot, grape or cherry.

It can also be important to be aware of the type of soil where they grew, that is, if they come from organic crops or intensive crops with fertilizers and pesticides that alter the pH of the soil. The care of agriculture is linked to the care of health, since the type of soil and its pH can influence the mineral content and the balance of the plant itself.

Most alkalizing fruits (in this order): raisin, dried fig, black grape, banana, apricot, cherry, orange, lemon, apple.Most alkalizing vegetables: spinach, celery, carrot, zucchini, potato, lettuce, eggplant, tomato, onion, broccoli and cabbages in general.

Attention to proteins

Meat and fish are considered acidifying, above all because of their richness in protein. Its excessive consumption has been associated with greater acidification in the urine and an overload of the mechanisms that act to regulate blood pH.

In this food group, the most acidifying are shellfish and canned fishincluding sardines in oil, with 1,316 PRAL points, compared to 7 for lean pork or 9 for chicken, for example.

As optimal sources of protein, Legumes are recommended in moderate quantities. Nuts and seeds They are more acidifying, but taking into account that they are consumed in small quantities, they can be considered healthy and recommended foods due to their contribution of polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

The almonds (PRAL 4.3) and the walnuts (6.8) are closer to neutrality than the rest of nuts. As a rule, it is convenient to choose the unsalted and unroasted presentations. The dairy products in general they are acidifying. especially cured cheeses (above 25).

a healthy lifestyle

On the other hand, a series of recommendations can be followed when designing daily menus that are alkalizing:

Avocados and vegetable oils from first cold pressing are in the neutral zone and are healthy sources of fatty acids.Drink one to two liters of water a day. A large part of the bottled waters in Spain are natural minerals, many of them sodium bicarbonate or mixed, which alkalize the pH of the urine.Reduce or avoid consumption of refined grainspreserves, pastries, chocolate, soft drinks, alcohol and coffee.Moderate salt intakesince the increase in sodium in the body increases acidosis with bone loss and muscle wasting.Infusions are also indicated: green tea, horsetail, dandelion…Honey and brown sugar They are preferable to white sugar.

In addition to diet, there are a few other factors that contribute to acidification. For example, him stress and the strenuous physical exercise. To avoid them, it is important to give importance to the rest and relaxation, and regularly engage in outdoor activities and deep breathing exercises. Seasonal cleansing diets are also recommended.

More details of the effects of acidity and alkalinity on the body will probably be known in the medium term. But what is currently known already justifies the commitment in favor of natural and essentially vegetarian food.