The Truth About Alkaline Water and the "Alkaline Diet"

One of the newest fad diets is the Alkaline Diet and drinking alkaline water. The basis of the diet suggests that eating high amounts of acid producing foods will lower the body’s pH and cause potential problems, whereas eating alkaline or neutral foods/water can increase pH and improve health. Furthermore, the diet recommends limiting legumes, any red meat, eggs, and dairy (acid producing) and encourages consuming specific fruits and vegetables (alkaline producing).

The theory suggests that having a more alkaline pH will promote potential weight loss, less disease development, muscle mass preservation and diabetes prevention.

THERE IS NO SOUND EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT THIS IS TRUE FOR HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS.

The truth is that the body is VERY efficient at regulating the pH of our blood. Our lungs, kidneys, and other chemical reactions help keep our body’s pH between 7.35 - 7.45.

WHO MIGHT BENEFIT FROM EATING MORE ALKALINE PRODUCING FOODS HOWEVER?

Since the renal system (kidneys) is one of the ways the body controls the pH, people who do not have fully functioning kidneys would benefit from cutting down on acid producing foods.

WHY?

Some potential problems associated with acidosis (lower pH) include:

• protein breakdown

• bone disease

• muscle wasting

• chronic inflammation

• impaired blood sugar levels

• impaired heart function

For more information on alkaline diets and chronic kidney disease, feel free to contact me.