Alkaline diet benefits: Below we will tell you everything you need to know about this type of diet. keep us reading
What is the alkaline diet?
The alkaline diet is based on the theory that diseases develop in an acid medium (that is, with a low pH) and that, therefore, to prevent them, it is convenient to “alkalinize” our body, that is, increase its pH.
In this way, this plan supposes the consumption of 80% alkaline or alkalizing foods (fruits, vegetables and legumes), plus 20% of acidic nutrients, which are concentrated in protein and dairy foods. This diet also promotes the consumption of collagen, magnesium, calcium, bicarbonate and systems for the consumption of alkalinized water.
food classification
Although there are variations between the different food tables that are used for the alkaline diet, there is a classification according to Saber Vivir, this is:
Alkalizing foods (80% of diet): cucumber, spinach, soybeans, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, lemon, grapefruit, avocado, beets, eggplant, celery, garlic, ginger, green beans, lettuce, onion, radish , tomato, artichoke, asparagus, carrot, zucchini, potato, peas, buckwheat, quinoa, lentils, almonds, olive oil.
Neutral or moderately acidifying (limited to 20%): chickpeas, kidney beans, seitan, melon, nectarine, plum, watermelon, cashews, walnuts, hazelnuts, apple, apricot, banana, blueberries, grapes, orange, mango, peach, rice and whole wheat pasta.
Highly acidifying foods (not recommended): red meat, chicken, pork, eggs, fish, shellfish, dairy products, mushrooms, chocolate, coffee, tea, alcohol.
Benefits
lighter digestion
The diet is based on the consumption of vegetables, ingredients that have fiber and digestive enzymes that will improve stomach processes.
Improve the health of the stomach and digestive tract
This is because the stomach is very acidic and hardly any food can change its pH. All foods that leave the stomach and go to the intestine are acidic. There, the pancreas secretes substances to neutralize these acids. If we eat more alkaline foods, the stomach will reduce acid shipments to the intestine and the work of the pancreas will decrease.
Balances the hormonal system
Eating more foods that increase urine alkalinity improves growth hormone secretion, which reduces cardiovascular risk and enhances memory and cognition. It also influences the secretion of hormones through the action of magnesium.
Growth hormone
A good maintenance of the acid-base balance of the organism, with the help of the consumption of sodium bicarbonate and potassium citrate, improves the performance of the growth hormone, which regulates postnatal growth, height, muscle mass and regulation of metabolism.
Prevents and helps treat cancer
Many chemotherapy treatments are more effective and less toxic in an alkaline environment favored by a plant-based diet. On the other hand, a diet rich in alkaline foods and antioxidants can prevent carcinomas of the oropharynx, esophagus, stomach, uterus, and intestine, which appear to be associated with changes in pH.
Improves Vitamin Absorption and Prevents Magnesium Deficiency
Magnesium is essential for the functioning of hundreds of enzymes and processes in our body. Due to a deficiency of this mineral, many people can experience heart problems, muscle aches, headaches, sleep problems and anxiety. In addition, the availability of magnesium is also required to avoid insufficient vitamin D, which functions in the immune and endocrine systems.
fewer infections
Infections associated with acidification of the urine, such as urinary infections, can be avoided. Treatment with plants such as lingonberry is also more effective if the urine is more alkaline.
Helps Maintain a Healthy Weight
Limiting the consumption of «acidic» foods protects the body from obesity by reducing leptin levels, which directly affects the feeling of hunger and the ability to burn fat. Alkaline foods help us feel more satisfied with our meals, consuming the calories we really need.
increased energy
It is also a recommended diet for people who want to have more vitality in their day to day. The reason is that the diet is inspired by increasing the consumption of nutritious foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
prevents osteoporosis
If the body becomes acidic, it draws on the calcium reserves in the bones. In this way they lose density and osteoporosis can develop. Excess protein in the diet can be one of the main causes of brittle bones.
Alkaline menu example:
Breakfast
A fruit plate of your choice (melon, coconut, dates, papaya, watermelon)
Omelette with vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, spinach and mushrooms)
ginger tea
snack in the morning
A handful of almonds or walnuts
Lunch
Leek and potato soup
Salmon or grilled chicken breast with green salad with your favorite vegetables. Accompany with homemade vinaigrette with olive oil, mustard, balsamic vinegar, a few drops of lemon and pepper.
afternoon snack
A piece of fruit of your choice (melon, coconut, dates, papaya, watermelon)
Dinner
Turkey breast accompanied by quinoa salad prepared with tomato, onion and cilantro.
Contraindications of the alkaline diet
The alkaline diet should not be followed in patients suffering from diabetes, kidney failure, in growing children who need dairy products or in pregnant women, in whom the lack of certain substances such as iron and calcium can affect their health and of his son.
It is a diet that has to be well controlled, this is because, by eliminating some foods from the diet, a deficiency situation can occur that requires the provision of certain nutrients through drugs or food supplements.
Being a diet based on the consumption of fruits and vegetables, and, by reducing the consumption of fats and substances such as alcohol and refined sugars, which lead to a greater contribution of calories in our diet; the alkaline diet results in significant weight loss in most cases.