Acid Alkaline Diet

An alkaline diet is also referred to as acid alkaline diet or alkaline acid diet.



Legumes, nuts, tubers, roots, fruits and vegetables are the essential part of an alkaline diet. It includes reduced amount of processed foods. The pH of blood is between 7.35 and 7.45. An alkaline diet affects the pH of the blood and increases the secretion of alkali containing urine.



An acid producing diet is supposed to affect the mineral status of the body, thereby increasing the risk of illnesses. Individuals on nasal congestion, ovarian cyst, lack of energy, anxiety, nervousness, excessive mucus and cold and flu in a frequent manner are.

Increased intake of alkaline diet results in alkalosis. Reduced availability of carbon dioxide causes respiratory alkalosis.



Typical symptoms of alkalosis include nausea, vomiting, numbness, confusion, tingling sensation, muscle twitching and light headedness and muscle spasms. The residue or remnants left by foods, after metabolism refers to the kind of food. Alkaline foods are those that result in an alkaline based residue. Cooked foods are alkaline in nature. Vegetables and fresh fruits are also a part of an alkaline diet.

Acid producing foods such as processed foods and simple sugars are avoided. Processing of foods, affect the alkalinity of foods. Processed foods and simple sugars are not only acid producing, but also raise the blood glucose levels, thereby affecting the health of the individual. Certain drinks, such as carrot juice, juice of green leaves, citrus juices, pineapple, celery and beet juice are alkali forming juices. A major portion of the intake, around 75 to 80 per cent, should comprise of alkali forming foods. A maximum of 20 to 25 per cent of acid producing foods are recommended.

Some of the alkaline vegetables are cabbage, asparagus, celery, garlic, beans, carrot, spinach, lettuce, onion, kale, brussels sprouts, tomatoes, red cabbage and peas. Avocado, lemon, watermelon, rhubarb and grapefruit are alkaline fruits. Lemon water, herbal tea, almond milk, vegetable juice, soy milk and vegetable broth are alkaline drinks.

A diet high in acid producing foods affects the neutrality of the blood.



The pH of blood is in the range of 7.35 to 7.45. When the levels increase more than 7.8, or reduce to lesser than 6.8, it affects the functioning of the cells, thereby resulting in death. High acid producing foods affects the neutrality of blood. Depletion of certain minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium are seen to occur with acidic diets, such as caffeine, sugars, processed foods and animal protein. This also results in degenerative diseases, such as osteoporosis, as demineralization is seen.