Acid Alkaline Diets Promote Improved Health
Written by ama on July 2, 2010Acid alkaline diets, also known simply as alkaline diets, appear to be growing in popularity. Once known only to a few, this diet has been pushed into the public consciousness by best-selling books and TV appearances. However, many people are still hazy about the details. That's why one of my goals for this article is to explain what is meant by the term "acid alkaline diets." I will also briefly discuss the benefits and potential risks of these diets.
To begin with, what exactly are acid alkaline diets? I am referring to these diets in the plural, because there are several competing variants of the alkaline diet. Nonetheless, all of these acid alkaline diets are based on the same underlying principles. According to authorities on alkaline diet foods, you are most likely to achieve optimal health if your body is somewhat alkaline. Unfortunately, the typical Western diet contains too many acid-forming foods, such as meat, dairy, wheat, and sugar. Accordingly, the goal of these diets is to help you eat more alkaline foods, and fewer acid ones, leading to an improved internal pH balance.
Next, let's talk about the benefits of acid alkaline diets. Your body's pH balance can have many unexpected effects on your health. For example, food is transformed into usable energy by tiny structures called mitochondria. Like lots of other things, the mitochondria work best when the fluids around them are pH-balanced. If you would like to have more energy -- and who wouldn't? -- alkaline foods could be just the ticket.
Before I conclude this article, I want to say a few words about the safety of acid alkaline diets. For the most part, these diets pose few risks. In contrast to gimmicky fad diets that force you to live on nothing but grapefruit and cottage cheese, a well-designed acid alkaline diet encourages you to consume a wide variety of whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables.
These foods are rich in vitamins and minerals, including potassium, an alkalizing mineral that performs many important functions within the body. This is good news for most people. On the other hand, those with impaired kidney function need to be cautious about consuming a lot of potassium. If you suspect that this warning may apply to you, consult a qualified health professional before you increase your consumption of alkaline foods.
