Risks and benefits of eating an alkaline diet

The diet known as “alkaline diet”Is based on the presumption that, by strictly restricting the intake to foods with a basic pH (alkaline) -eliminating the consumption of acidic foods-, it is possible to stay healthier, further proclaiming that this type of regimen is capable of curing or reverse certain diseases. Let’s see the evidence in this regard.

Benefits of the alkaline diet

1. Those who follow this type of diet report feeling with increased vital energy Y endurance.
2. They also report the marked reduction and disappearance of constipation problems, or those derived from the imbalance of the intestinal bacterial flora, such as irritable bowel syndrome.
3. Some appreciate a progressive loss of overweight, whose reduction could be explained many times as a consequence of the abandonment of the consumption of processed products rich in sugars and saturated fats.
4. The preferential consumption of vegetables, grains and fruits – avoiding red meat, dairy products and other processed products- gets better the Na / K balance of the body, resulting in better muscle performance (including the heart), in bone resistance, and could mitigate the damages and symptoms derived from some chronic diseases, such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, hypertension and the tendency to stroke.
5. The alkaline diet produces an increase in intracellular magnesium, which is essential for the balance of a large number of enzyme systems in the body, in addition to improves vitamin D activation.
6. In general, it improves the health of its followers, since due to the intake of a very varied spectrum of products of plant origin brings benefits without causing the alteration of blood pH, also helping to balance hormonal levels that maintain and improve cognition and memory, especially in the elderly.
7. Despite the restriction in the intake of certain foods, the alkaline diet does not completely prohibit the consumption of any particular group. The less purists continue the consumption of certain products of animal origin that provide some acidifying groups, but reducing it to a minimum.
8. It is an economically affordable regime by anyone, as food combinations can be made based on a broad spectrum of market prices.

Risks of the alkaline diet

1. The most important thing to limit is that there is insufficient scientific evidence that it supports all the great benefits assigned to this regimen, and that those who have a serious health condition, or have a previous history of nutritional problems, should consult their treating physician before adopting this regimen.
2. As the intake of meat products, eggs and dairy products is severely restricted, access to the right amount of protein that provides essential amino acids and other nutrients can be compromised.
3. These people must ensure that they consume sufficient quantity and variety of proteins to meet the nutritional requirements of each age group. This is especially critical in postmenopausal women, and in all elderly people, where the loss of muscle mass and bone density could be very marked by the effect of this diet, and difficult to reverse.

Does this type of diet work?

Specialists argue that alkaline diet can be beneficial in some cases, but that there is not enough research to support most of the claims made by its adherents, and its follow-up may incur risks to the health of some people.

On the other hand, there is also no evidence to support that chronic diseases are effectively reduced or eliminated, beyond the general benefits of sticking to any healthy diet.