{"id":1851,"date":"2022-01-17T17:23:13","date_gmt":"2022-01-17T17:23:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/plixlife.com\/blog\/?p=1851"},"modified":"2023-02-24T13:01:40","modified_gmt":"2023-02-24T13:01:40","slug":"alkaline-diet-facts-benefits-and-sources","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.plixlife.com\/blog\/alkaline-diet-facts-benefits-and-sources\/","title":{"rendered":"Alkaline Diet \u2013 Facts, Benefits and Sources"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-4337 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.plixlife.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Alkaline-Diet-\u2013-Facts-Benefits-and-Sources-1-300x202.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"876\" height=\"590\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.plixlife.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Alkaline-Diet-\u2013-Facts-Benefits-and-Sources-1-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.plixlife.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Alkaline-Diet-\u2013-Facts-Benefits-and-Sources-1-450x304.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.plixlife.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Alkaline-Diet-\u2013-Facts-Benefits-and-Sources-1-225x152.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.plixlife.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Alkaline-Diet-\u2013-Facts-Benefits-and-Sources-1-20x13.jpg 20w, https:\/\/www.plixlife.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Alkaline-Diet-\u2013-Facts-Benefits-and-Sources-1-142x96.jpg 142w, https:\/\/www.plixlife.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Alkaline-Diet-\u2013-Facts-Benefits-and-Sources-1.jpg 630w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 876px) 100vw, 876px\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Back in the school days, you must have come across \u2018acids\u2019 and \u2018alkalis\u2019. For those who don\u2019t remember it clearly let\u2019s refresh our memory a bit. Acids and alkalis are substances found in nature. They are measured on a pH scale that determines if they are acidic or alkaline, which can give us an idea about their reactivity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">As per the scale, a pH of \u20180\u2019 is considered the most acidic and a pH of \u201814\u2019 is considered the most alkaline. Water which has a pH of 7 is considered neutral.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Anything above 7 is alkaline in nature.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Our human body is slightly alkaline with a pH of around 7.4. But our stomachs, in particular, are acidic in nature with a pH of 2-3.5, which is kind of required to breakdown the food.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Now, the pH of urine and saliva can change depending on what you\u2019re eating and the medications you\u2019re taking. But the pH of blood in your body pretty much remains the same. In general, it is slightly more alkaline in nature with a pH value of around 7.36-7.44, which is what determines the overall health or well-being of a person.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p4\"><span class=\"s1\">What is an alkaline diet?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">An alkaline diet promotes the consumption of fresh fruit juices, vegetables, seeds and nuts by cutting down on sugary and processed food like dairy, caffeine, sweets and alcohol. It is based on the premise that replacing acid-forming foods with alkaline foods can benefit our health in positive ways.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">The followers of this diet claim that this diet can alter the pH value of the body by consuming more alkaline based food, which is based on how the metabolic process works. After the breakdown of food, metabolic ashes are left in the body, which can be either acidic or alkaline, depending on the nature of the food item.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Acidic ashes can damage the body and leave it susceptible to many diseases. Whereas, foods that leave an alkaline residue is considered to have a protective effect on the body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Generally, food components like protein, phosphate, and sulphur are prone to leave an acidic residue, whereas calcium, magnesium and potassium produce alkaline ashes in your body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">All kinds of food that we eat can be categorised as acids, bases (alkalis) or neutral. Some common examples would be:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Acidic:<\/b>\u00a0meat, fish, poultry, dairy, eggs, grains, alcohol<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Neutral:<\/b>\u00a0Natural fats, starches, and sugar<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><b>Alkaline:<\/b>\u00a0fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">But can alkaline diet actually change blood pH?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Truth be told, no, they don\u2019t.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>That\u2019s because our body\u2019s pH is very closely regulated. Even a minor drop in the normal range can prove to be fatal as our cells would stop working.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Because it is so important our bodies acutely monitors and manages these changes, a process known as the acid-base homeostasis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">In fact, scientifically speaking it is not possible for food to change the pH value of blood unless affected by any serious medical condition like diabetes, excessive alcohol intake or serious form of starvation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">However, food does impact the pH of urine. For example, having consumed large amounts of proteins like meat and steak can cause your urine pH to remain acidic for several hours later.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">In fact, excreting acids in the form of urine is the body\u2019s way of maintaining optimal levels of blood pH.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Does that mean alkaline diet provide no benefit?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">No, absolutely not.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Following an alkaline diet alone is never a good idea, to begin with. What is indeed required is a healthy balance of nutrition-specific to your body requirements, which includes nutrition from lean protein sources, nuts, legumes, fresh vegetables and elimination of processed and packaged food items from your list.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Those who follow the diet have stayed with it for the many positive changes they personally experienced. Things like lack of energy, fatigue, difficulty in concentration, radiant and glowy skin, weight loss and good mood are some of the benefits they would swear by.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Let\u2019s take a further look at the benefits of an alkaline diet:<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"s1\">1. More energy<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">Alkaline diets can help you balance your system by flushing out excess acid from the body in the form of urine. As you continue to consume your green juices, it gets easier for the body to absorb the nutrients and result in a surge of energy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"s1\">2. Helps in weight-loss<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">An alkaline diet is a low-calorie high nutrient diet. Coupling your alkaline juices with regular exercise and proper hydration can give you great results.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">A lot of the acids are stored in the fat cells, which when left for a longer period can damage the other cells in the body. But regular intake of green juices can help you eliminate that and give you a lean body.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"s1\">3. Reduces inflammation:<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">Inflammation has been known to be the marker of many diseases like hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, reflux and gastrointestinal diseases. Reflux diseases or acid reflux is when the acid in your stomach reaches the oesophagus and causes irritation. Over time, this can lead to scarring of the oesophagus walls and become more serious.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">While processed foods are known to increase the body\u2019s inflammatory response, alkaline diet helps to do just the opposite.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>Following an alkaline diet can help to inactivate pepsin (a stomach enzyme that loves acid) and buffer the production of HCl, a stomach acid overproduced in people with reflux disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"s1\">4. Is loaded with natural vitamins and minerals:<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">An alkaline diet is rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin A, C, K and a host of other micronutrients that is essential for the body.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>They support the body by improving your eyesight, keeping your bones, gums and teeth healthy and making your skin glow from within.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">They are rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants, natural minerals and active plant enzymes that are easily assimilated by the body and help you fight oxidative stress and boost immunity.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"s1\">5. Improves bone density and vitamin absorption<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">Leafy greens are good sources of calcium, which helps in building bones. They contain vitamin C that acts as an antioxidant to protect the bones from cell damage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p6\"><span class=\"s1\">High amounts of potassium present in vegetables helps to promote the absorption of calcium. Finally, high levels of magnesium in alkaline foods helps to convert Vitamin D into its active form, which goes onto &#8216;turn on&#8217; calcium absorption and prevents mineral loss from your bones.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p4\"><span class=\"s1\">Best sources and List of alkaline foods to include in your diet:<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">There is a more accurate way to categorise foods as acidic or alkaline. PRAL (Potential Renal Acid Load) can help us measure the exact amount of acidity and alkalinity in food items once metabolised.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>A negative PRAL score is indicative of alkaline food, while positive goes for being acidic. Let\u2019s check out some of the top alkaline foods there is:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol class=\"ol1\">\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Beet Greens \u2013 PRAL score: -16.7<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Spinach \u2013 PRAL score: -11.8<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Kale \u2013 PRAL score: -8.3<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Swiss Chard \u2013 PRAL score: -8.1<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Bananas \u2013 PRAL score: -6.9<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Celery \u2013 PRAL score:-5.2<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Kiwi \u2013 PRAL score: -4.1<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Pineapple \u2013 PRAL score: -2.7<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Zucchini \u2013 PRAL score:-2.6<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"li1\"><span class=\"s1\">Apples- PRAL score: 2.2<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Try PLIX\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.plixlife.com\/product\/green-elixir\/\">Green Elixir multivitamin supplements<\/a>\u00a0packed with the power of 21 superfoods in delicious lemon flavour. Get your hands on easy to consume, fizzy effervescent tablets that work in just 30 seconds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>You can also buy our immunity-boosting<span data-sheets-value=\"{&quot;1&quot;:2,&quot;2&quot;:&quot;Immunity Boosting Supergreens &quot;}\" data-sheets-userformat=\"{&quot;2&quot;:513,&quot;3&quot;:{&quot;1&quot;:0},&quot;12&quot;:0}\">\u00a0super greens from\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.in\/gp\/product\/B08DHZFNV7\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=3638&amp;creative=24630&amp;creativeASIN=B08DHZFNV7&amp;&amp;keywords=supergreenslinkCode=as2&amp;tag=satiyapoonam-21&amp;linkId=4693e192bc7d7e9769fd409ec04dbde7\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Amazon here.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.in\/gp\/product\/B08DHZFNV7\/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;amp;camp=3638&amp;amp;creative=24630&amp;amp;creativeASIN=B08DHZFNV7&amp;amp;&amp;amp;keywords=supergreenslinkCode=as2&amp;amp;tag=satiyapoonam-21&amp;amp;linkId=4693e192bc7d7e9769fd409ec04dbde7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/51YdV5g1qfL._SL500_.jpg\" width=\"836\" height=\"836\" alt=\"\" title=\"\"><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Back in the school days, you must have come across \u2018acids\u2019 and \u2018alkalis\u2019. For those who don\u2019t remember it clearly let\u2019s refresh our memory a bit. Acids and alkalis are substances found in nature. They are measured on a pH scale that determines if they are acidic or alkaline, which can give us an idea [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":4337,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"two_page_speed":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[201],"tags":[],"thb-sponsors":[],"class_list":["post-1851","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-weight-loss"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.plixlife.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1851","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.plixlife.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.plixlife.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.plixlife.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.plixlife.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1851"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.plixlife.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1851\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8609,"href":"https:\/\/www.plixlife.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1851\/revisions\/8609"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.plixlife.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4337"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.plixlife.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1851"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.plixlife.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1851"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.plixlife.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1851"},{"taxonomy":"thb-sponsors","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.plixlife.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/thb-sponsors?post=1851"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}