There are all various types of diets— some good, some bad — but there is no diet better for longevity and shaking off disease than an
alkaline diet.How do alkaline diets work? Research shows that diets consisting of highly alkaline foods — fresh vegetables, fruits and unprocessed plant-based sources of protein result in a more alkaline urine pH level, which helps protect healthy cells and balance essential mineral levels. Alkaline diets have been shown to help prevent plaque formation in blood vessels, stop calcium from accumulating in urine, prevent kidney stones, build stronger bones, reduce muscle wasting or spasms, and much more.
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What Is an Alkaline Diet?
An
alkaline diet is one that helps balance the pH level of the fluids in the body, including blood and urine. pH is partially determined by the mineral density of the foods you eat. All living organisms on earth depend on maintaining appropriate pH levels, and it’s often said that disease cannot take place in a body that has a balanced pH.
Human life requires a very tightly controlled pH level of the blood of about 7.365–7.4. As Forbe’s Magazine puts it, “Our bodies go to extraordinary lengths to maintain safe pH levels.” Your pH can range between 7.35 to 7.45 depending on the time of day, your diet, what you last ate and when you last went to the bathroom. If you develop electrolyte imbalances and frequently consume too many acidic foods, your body’s changing pH level can result in increased “acidosis.”
Alkaline Diet Benefits
- Protects Bone Density and Muscle Mass
Your intake of minerals plays an important role in the development and maintenance of bone structures. Research shows that the more alkalizing fruits and vegetables you eat, the better protection you might have from experiencing decreased bone strength and muscle wasting asyou age, known as sarcopenia. An alkaline diet can help balance ratios of minerals that are important for building bones and maintaining lean muscle mass, including calcium, magnesium and phosphate. Alkaline diet also helps improve production of growth hormones and vitamin D absorption, which further protects bones.
- Lowers Risk for Hypertension and Heart Attack
One of the anti-aging effects of an alkaline diet is that it decreases inflammation and causes an increase in growth hormone production. This improves cardiovascular health and offers protection against common problems like high cholesterol, hypertension, kidney stones, stroke and even memory loss.
- Lowers Chronic Pain and Inflammation
Researchers have found a connection between an alkaline diet and reduced levels of chronic pain. Chronic acidosis contributes to chronic back pain, headaches, muscle spasms, menstrual symptoms, inflammation and joint pain. One study conducted by the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements in Germany found that when patients with chronic back pain were given an alkaline supplement daily for four weeks, 76 of 82 patients reported significant decreases in pain as measured by the “Arhus low back pain rating scale.”
- Boosts Vitamin Absorption and Prevents Magnesium Deficiency
An increase in magnesium is required for the function of enzyme systems and bodily processes. Many people are deficient in magnesium and as a result experience heart complications, muscle pains, headaches, sleep troubles and anxiety. Available magnesium is also required to activate vitamin D and prevent vitamin D deficiency, which is important for overall immune and endocrine functioning.
Unlike many other complex and strange diets, the alkaline diet is actually quite healthy. It encourages a high consumption of fruits, vegetables and healthy plant foods, while restricting processed junk foods. It should help you lead a healthy and good life!
