The Alkaline Diet
The Alkaline Diet – The Alkaline Diet is gaining popularity in Hollywood. Find out what all the fuss is about in this video.
Expert: Karen Ansel, MS, RDN, CDN Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Transcript
The alkaline diet is gaining popularity from Hollywood to Hyde Park. It’s based on the premise that our 21st century diet-high in fats, sugars and processed foods— tips the Ph balance in our bodies so it becomes too acidic. That, say advocates, is a serious health risk, setting you up for the full range of modern maladies, from diabetes to cancer.
Advocates also say that shifting to an alkaline diet restores a healthy Ph and offers protection against disease. That’s why the alkaline diet consists of mainly fruits and vegetables, and eliminates all meat, dairy, processed foods and caffeine.
But is there any scientific basis for this concept? Not really. You can alter the Ph of your URINE by eating too many acidic or alkaline foods, but that is not a measure of your BODY’S Ph. Your lungs and kidneys regulate the Ph balance of the blood, keeping it at a healthy 7.4 or slightly alkaline. And that process is not influenced by what you eat.
On the other hand, adopting a mostly-vegetarian diet may also make you healthier and help you lose weight. Just make sure you don’t eat too much refined and processed carbohydrates and fat, and be sure to watch your portion sizes.
Remember, though, BALANCE is key. Don’t be too restrictive and make sure you get all the nutrients–like protein and B12-that your body needs. B12, for example, you can only get from animal sources or supplements, and although you can get protein from vegetables, you have to make the right choices, such as whole grains and legumes.
Some studies indicate that a plant-based diet may improve bone health. For more information on healthful nutrition, watch the other videos on this site.
Last Modified: 2013-09-04
Category: Health and Nutrition, Videos
