The alkaline diet is a low-acid dietary model that involves replacing high-acid foods with alkaline foods. The underlying idea behind switching to an alkaline diet is that foods that cause the body to produce acid are harmful. In the alkaline nutrition model, foods containing lower acidity are preferred instead of foods with a pH greater than 7. Examples are beetroot, broccoli, mushrooms, peas, tomatoes, apples, cherries and pineapple.

What is Alkaline Nutrition?

Alkaline nutrition is a diet that involves consuming low-acid foods that are more alkaline instead of foods with a pH value greater than 7. The alkaline nutrition model aims to consume alkaline foods instead of foods that cause the body to produce acid because the underlying reason for the purpose is that foods with high pH values are harmful and cause excess acid production in the body.

The acid level in the body is expressed as pH. The idea behind the alkaline diet is that acidic foods can dangerously alter the pH level. Instead, consuming more alkaline foods is recommended to lower the body’s acid level. This is where the alkaline nutrition model comes into play. The alkaline nutrition model focuses on consuming fruits and vegetables with lower acidity.

Alkaline foods include non-starchy vegetables, fruits, nuts such as chestnuts or pumpkin seeds and legumes such as kidney beans or white beans. Acidic foods include meat, cheese, eggs and cereals. Milk and natural fats are considered neutral. Alkaline nutrition significantly limits meat consumption.

pH levels in the body

The pH value in the body is measured between -0 and 14. These value ranges give an idea about the pH value. These values mean the following:

• Acidic: 0-6
• Neutral 7
• Alkaline or basic: 8 to 14

Which Foods Does Alkaline Diet Include?

The alkaline nutrition model involves the consumption of foods suitable for an alkaline diet. These foods include beetroot, broccoli, mushrooms, peas, apples, cherries, pineapple, pumpkin seeds, kidney beans, and white beans. The consumption of these foods forms the basis of the alkaline diet.

The foods included in the alkaline nutrition model are as follows:

• Beetroot
• Broccoli
• Mushroom
• Peas
• Apple, cherry, pineapple
• Pumpkin seeds
• Kidney bean
• White beans

The alkaline nutrition model particularly limits the consumption of processed foods and meat. Because of this limitation, the above foods are recommended. Although this consumption does not guarantee the cure of diseases, it makes the body less acidic.

What are the Benefits of Alkaline Nutrition?

Since the alkaline diet is a nutritional model focusing on consuming fruits and vegetables, it has potential benefits. Among them, it is suitable for heart health, supports kidney health, strengthens immunity, increases body resistance and supports weight loss. However, these benefits are potential, and the alkaline nutrition model should be coordinated with a specialist doctor.

The potential benefits of the alkaline dietary pattern are as follows:

• An alkaline diet may be suitable for heart health
• May support kidney health
• May boost immunity
• It can increase body resistance and energy
• It can help with weight loss
• Can strengthen bones
• A useful dietary model for vegans
• It may reduce the risk of diabetes

The potential benefits of the alkaline nutrition model for the body can be listed as above. However, the point that this diet provides definite protection against diseases is still being studied for definitive results. Controlling your diet with an alkaline nutrition model is essential if you are an expert dietician. Alkaline nutrition has some disadvantages in protein intake because it limits meat consumption.

Alkaline Nutrition Model Harms and Disadvantages

In the alkaline nutrition model, it is essential that the body is not subjected to prolonged nutrient restriction and that both acid and alkaline balance is maintained. Alkaline nutrition models applied in this way do not have any significant disadvantages but may have some potential side effects.

Side effects that may occur in the alkaline nutrition model may be as follows:

• Protein deficiency may occur in the body
• Calcium, iron, zinc and B12 deficiency may occur
• The calorie requirement is limited to fruit and vegetables
• Muscle development may be adversely affected

Frequently Asked Questions About Alkaline Nutrition

What does the alkaline nutrition model mean?

The alkaline diet is a vegetable and fruit-oriented model that aims to balance the pH balance of the body and blood and reduce the acidity level of the foods consumed.

What does the alkaline nutrition model aim for?

The aim of the alkaline diet is to avoid acid-forming foods such as meat, dairy products, fish, eggs, cereals, and alcohol, consume plenty of alkaline-forming foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes, and limit neutral foods such as starches, sugars, and natural fats.

What are very alkaline foods?

Foods such as lemons, grapefruits, avocados and coconuts are among the less alkaline foods.

What are less alkaline foods?

Soy milk, rice milk, buffalo milk, yoghurt, farmed salmon, tuna, anchovies, sardines, and mackerel are examples of low-alkaline foods.

Which foods are not consumed in an alkaline diet?

Foods that are not recommended to be consumed in the alkaline diet are red meat, poultry, canned products, processed foods and refined sugary foods.