An alkaline diet is a diet where you can eat only fruit, vegetables, and ancient grains. In this diet, you will be limiting your consumption of foods that are rich in protein. Hence, food that is high in protein can be acidic. An alkaline diet plan seeks to limit the excess production of acid in the body. Therefore, too much acid in the body will cause diseases. For instance, cancer, diabetes, and heart problems are some.
To guide you from the common misconceptions about the alkaline diet plan. Here are some of the facts about it.
1. Helps in Losing Weight
This diet is very useful when it comes to weight loss because it follows a low-calorie diet. Also, any diet that has a low-calorie diet plan can be an effective weight-loss strategy. So, this benefit is not that surprising if you are doing an alkaline diet plan. Additionally, this diet involves foods that are low in calories that may help you in maintaining a healthy body weight.
2. It can Improve Kidney Health
Moreover, some available diets are acidic. Hence, having an alkaline diet may help in preventing you from any kidney problems. If you have any kidney problems, this type of diet is best for you.
3. Might Help in Preventing Cancer
There are no concrete studies that support this claim. But, a piece of evidence from a 2010 study shows that eating less meat might prevent cancer. Therefore, the American Cancer Society is recommending the same diet. However, it is not like the alkaline diet. The diet recommended by the ACS advises avoiding processed foods and soft drinks. Also, by starting to eat more fruit, vegetables, and whole grains.
4. Lowers your Chances of Having a Heart Disease
An unhealthy lifestyle is one of the risk factors for this disease. The alkaline diet is low in fat and calories. That is why it will lower your risk of having heart disease. In this diet, it is good to stay away from red and processed meats. These are the top causes of heart disease. Meaning, having this type of diet will prevent you from consuming these kinds of food.
5. Helps in Increasing Muscle Mass
As you age, you will lose your muscle mass. Hence, it would make your risk of falls and fractures higher. If you continue to lose muscles, you will feel weak and in pain. Also, many females who participated in the research showed an increase in muscle mass. Also, it is because these females were eating alkaline diet foods.
People who are undergoing this type of diet eat these alkaline diet foods.
- Vegetables
- Seeds
- Legumes
- Tofu
These foods are good sources of protein. However, having this type of diet, you will be removing meat and dairy products. Likewise, it is essential to eat enough amounts of these foods to make up for all the protein that your body needs.
Food to Avoid
Here are some of the foods you have to avoid when you are on this kind of diet.
- Processed foods
- Fish
- Coffee
- Alcohol
- Soda
Following an alkaline diet will not change your blood’s pH level. Your body can maintain the pH balance in your blood. The acidity of your blood is being regulated every time you pee. That is when your body is removing excess acid. But the pH in your urine still depends on what type of food you eat.
There is no recent study that shows protein is bad for your bone health. The study shows that protein is important in maintaining good bone health. No evidence can prove an alkaline diet will maintain calcium and protect bones.
It is best to include different foods in your diet. If you stick to a diet with only limited food choices, it will not allow you to consume nutrients from other food. You may experience a lack of nutrients that you can get from other foods. Choose a diet that will encourage you to eat a variety of foods with moderation.
If you are having kidney problems, this diet will be good for you because it will not overwork your kidneys. But if you do not have any issues with your kidneys, try other diet options that would best suit you.
