Health & Well-Being A-Z

Alkaline Diet

PH Acid Scale Measurement Vector Illustration Diagram
Description

The alkaline diet focuses on eating foods that are slightly alkaline (have a pH above 7). This is based on the idea that acidic foods can lead to disease.

Proponents of the alkaline diet believe that eating a diet rich in acidic foods might disrupt the pH of the bloodstream, because the body's normal pH is slightly alkaline.

People use the alkaline diet for aging, athletic performance, breast cancer, heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Is It Effective?

Effective

There is interest in using the alkaline diet for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Is it Safe?

Safety

The alkaline diet is possibly safe for most people. There's no reason to expect safety issues as long as nutritional needs are being met.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if the alkaline diet is safe to use while pregnant or breast-feeding. Avoid use unless under medical supervision.

Drug interactions

It is not known if this treatment interacts with any medicines. Before using this treatment, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.

Herb interactions

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

There is no specific alkaline diet. Advocates of the diet suggest consuming 75% to 80% alkaline foods and 20% to 25% acidic foods. Acidic foods include meat, eggs, dairy, white flour, sugar, caffeine, saturated fats, processed foods, carbonated beverages, peanuts, and white rice. Raw fruits and vegetables are a focus of this diet. Be sure to seek and follow relevant directions from your physician or other healthcare professional before using this diet.

Other names

Acid Alkaline Diet, Acid Ash Diet, Alkaline Acid Diet, Alkaline Ash Diet, Alkaline Diet, pH Diet, Régime alcalin.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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