Alkaline Balance Diets

The alkaline balance diet is used to neutralize the level of acid in the body. This level is referred to as the pH. A normal pH level is between 7.35 and 7.45. A neutral balance of alkaline and acid in the body is 7. Reducing the acid level is the goal of an alkaline balance diet. The average Western diet features a lot of acidic food. Many advocates of the alkaline balance diet believe this imbalance is linked to illness and poor health. Eating a diet high in alkaline foods might help you lose weight, feel healthier and bring the acid and alkaline in your body to a more balanced level.

Foods to Avoid

• Acidic foods are the items you should eliminate from your diet when trying to create balance. Foods that are acidic include those high in saturated fat, as well as dairy products, processed foods, most meats, white rice, carbonated sodas and coffee. Other acidic foods include cashews and peanuts, sugar, pasta and fruits other than grapefruit, watermelon, lemon, lime, avocado and tomato. Even though some of these foods are not unhealthy, they are not recommended if you are trying to balance your body's pH level.

Foods to Include

• Alkaline foods lower pH levels, and should be eaten frequently if you are trying to neutralize your body. Foods considered alkaline include essential fats, grasses and sprouts, vegetables, and some fruits. A common alkaline meal includes salad made with lettuce, cucumber, spinach, seeds, avocado, tomato, onion, chickpea, broccoli and peppers. You can make your salad more flavorful by adding garlic, basil, mint, barley or lemongrass. If you prefer salad with dressing, combine olive oil and lemon or lime juice and drizzle over the vegetables.

Potential Benefits

• Proponents of this diet believe it reduces the risk of cancer, obesity, fatigue, heart disease, muscle problems, obesity and premature aging. Since the food consumed on an alkaline diet is primarily healthy, whole foods, you are eating healthier this way regardless of a change in pH. Since an alkaline balance diet is a diet of elimination and you eliminate meat and dairy, get enough protein by eating other high-protein foods such as almonds and walnuts.

Is It Effective?

• According to Stephanie Vangsness, a senior clinical nutritionist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the diet might not be all that effective. Vangsness believes the body is capable of keeping pH levels balanced without a change in eating habits. Factors such as breathing rates and the excretory system are responsible for pH balance. She believes it is nearly impossible to create a lasting difference in your body's pH level. However, the eating plan on an alkaline balance is healthy, so even if it is not effective at controlling pH levels, it does not hurt you and may help improve your health.