Theory behind alkaline diets

For centuries scientists and researchers have claimed that our body is an “incredible machine”. This is based on the perfection of all its operation and today we are going to talk about the subject relating it to the alkaline diet.

PH control 

With several main mechanisms that are in charge of controlling the pH, the so-called “Buffers” (buffers).

Thus, it is possible to distinguish two that dampen acidity changes thanks to two components such as acid and alkaline:

• Intracellular buffers (bicarbonate, hemoglobin, intracellular proteins).
• Extracellular buffers (bicarbonate and extracellular proteins).
• Respiratory system: It is in charge of eliminating volatile acids, not being as effective as the other two Buffers when balancing the pH.
• Renal system: They are responsible for eliminating non-volatile acids thanks to the glomerular filtration.

Thanks to these mechanisms, there are no changes in the pH of the blood, even when the diet is varied or the acid load of the diet is drastically reduced.

The alkaline diet can modify the blood pH?

Modifying the pH is trying to alkalize it and this is precisely the goal of the alkaline diet and the inclusion of alkaline foods in a specially designed meal plan.

The theory of alkaline diets is then based on modifying the pH of the blood and various benefits are attributed to it such as better bone health and therefore a lower risk of suffering from diseases such as osteoporosis.

In fact, the benefits of following this type of diet are still being questioned since the pH is not the same in all parts of the body.

Theory of alkaline diets

The alkaline diets are based on the theory that our body breaks down food intake and leaves residues which may be acidic or alkaline, therefore consuming foods that leave many waste acids affects the pH levels in the body and this produces greater vulnerability to ailments of many kinds.

Following this theory, it is recommended to eat a diet high in alkaline foods, to promote health and well-being. Following an alkaline diet it is possible to modify the blood pH, therefore this type of diet aims to try to alkalize it.

Multiple benefits are attributed to the alkaline diet, especially improving bone health and even feeling better emotionally. But, although the defenders of this type of eating plan recommend it, it is necessary not to attribute to this diet benefits that have not yet been proven as preventing cancer.

What is pH?

The potential of hydrogen ions is called pH, which is used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of the internal environment or a solution. 0 to 7 is acidic, 7 is neutral, and 7 to 14 is basic or alkaline.

As we have already said, the purpose of the alkaline diet is to alkalize the pH of the blood through the consumption of certain foods. That is, balance the pH by including “alkalizing” foods, improve our health, prevent diseases and even help cure them.

The alkaline diet or acid diet , as it is also known, has been gradually gaining popularity and is famous among celebrities, who recommend it for its benefits that also include weight loss and increased energy.

Acidic foods with high nutritional power

• Blueberries.
• Blueberries
• Plums
• Chicken.
• Cereals.
• Eggs.
• Fish.
• Cordero.
• Bread of all kinds.
• Pork.
• Corn.
• Seafood.
• Chickpeas.
• Green peas.
• Lentils.
• Rice.
• Soy.
• Rye.
• Soy milk.
• Cheese (cow, goat, sheep).
• Peanut.

However, supporters of the alkaline diet do not agree very much with this and claim that by consuming more alkaline foods, you can avoid creating an acidic environment in the body. They suggest that by modifying the diet it is possible to change the pH levels in the blood and protect against disease.

Although the advantages of lowering the pH are not supported by science, there are good things about alkaline diets:

• They include a lot of fruit and vegetables
• Promote the consumption of whole grains
• Eliminate soft drinks
• Eliminate processed or fast foods
• They are high in fiber

Finally, it should be remembered that specialists warn that it is not possible to significantly alter the pH of the blood through food since the cells work under a fairly reduced range of pH strictly controlled by certain mechanisms that work to correct any disproportion in the body.