What You Can And Can't Eat On The Alkaline Diet

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With so many fad diets out there it's overwhelming and difficult to navigate through all their claims. You may have heard about the alkaline diet but don't overlook it as just another trend. It can actually be beneficial to your health and prevent or even fight cancer. With claims like these, it's definitely worth taking a look. 

What Is The Alkaline Diet?

The theory is such that certain foods are harmful because they produce acid in the body. Creators of the alkaline diet believe that if you consume certain foods and beverages, you can change your pH levels. Eating red meat can affect your pH levels and lead to poor health. The alkaline diet claims it can help prevent cancer and arthritis. High pH levels are also associated with obesity, increased blood sugar levels, and high amounts of the inflammatory marker CRP. Research has shown that cancer cells thrive in environments that are highly acidic. High acidic equals low pH levels. Therefore, you want to limit acidic foods you eat to raise your pH levels and make your body more alkaline.

What Can I Eat On The Alkaline Diet?

The rule of thumb is to eat 80% alkalinized foods and 20% acid-forming foods. It's best to fill your plate and stomach with plant-based foods and tofu in replacement for meat as much as you can. Vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, and soybeans are all alkaline-promoting foods. Here is a list of more foods that will keep your pH levels in check and help prevent diseases:

* Green leafy vegetables - spinach, mustard greens, lettuce, arugula, kale, celery

* Cruciferous vegetables - cauliflower, broccoli

* Citrus fruits - lemons, oranges, lime

It seems counter-productive to consume acidic fruits however, these specific fruits prevent acid reflux and are loaded with vitamin C to help detoxify the body.

* Sea salt

* Root vegetables - beets, carrots, sweet potato

* Fruit - pineapple, kiwi, watermelon, apples, nectarines, grapefruit, apricots

* Nuts - almonds, cashews, chestnuts

* Flavor enhancers - garlic, onions, ginger

Foods To Avoid On The Alkaline Diet

The obvious suspects are convenience foods, packaged snacks, and processed foods. You also need to limit eggs, dairy, most grains, and meat which are all on the acidic side. Alcohol and caffeine should be limited or omitted completely. 

* Red meat and other animal proteins

* Soda and sugary drinks

* Tomato-based products

* Processed foods

* White rice

* Caffeinated beverages

The alkaline diet seems to be a healthy one. It asks to eliminate all of the foods we've been told for decades are harmful to our health. Comment below if you've followed or are following the diet and how you're doing.