The body is always trying to maintain a state of balance known as homeostasis. The alkaline acid diet is designed to help you reach this balance when the internal environment has become more acidic. If you are experiencing health problems, try the alkaline acid diet.

The basics

Acidity and alkalinity are measured on the pH scale. Numbers from 1 to 6 are considered acidic with 1 being the most acidic. On the other end, numbers from 8 to 14 are considered alkaline with 14 being the most alkaline. The body maintains a neutral internal environment which corresponds to a pH of 7. The stomach contains a weak hydrochloric acid but it is maintained within the organ.

Your food

Have you ever had to take an antacid for a sour stomach or heartburn? The formulation in acid indigestion pills is designed to be alkaline to neutralize the overabundance of stomach acid.

Each cell in the body has to operate in a neutral environment. When the environment is acidic, the theory is that you can become more prone to diseases like cancer, digestive distress, obesity and heart diseases.

The culprit is the diet. Fast foods, processed foods, sweets and lots of meats can contribute to an unbalanced internal environment. The foods we eat contain sugar alcohols and other substances that tend towards the acidic side when they are digested.

Then there is stress, and one’s own tendency to produce digestive juices. Acid reducers such as famotidine can help with this.

Proponents of the alkaline acid diet contend that if the acidic environment is counteracted with more “alkaline” foods, disease and other chronic conditions can be avoided. This is the basis of the diet. By testing your saliva and/or your urine, you can determine the pH within your body. Normal levels for a homeostatic environment are around pH 7 ± 0.25.

Category, diets, disease prevention, healthy eating
tags: alkaline acid diet, health eating