Header Photo by Askar Abayev from Pexels
Is an Alkaline Diet the Key to Longevity and Fighting Chronic Disease?
The Alkaline diet has consistently been lauded as one of the best ways to reimagine long-term health. If you’re looking for a diet that promotes whole foods, plant-based proteins while preventing the development of chronic conditions, the Alkaline diet is for you. Low in fat, calories, red meat, and highly processed foods, the Alkaline diet reduces inflammation and contributes to an overall healthier lifestyle that reduces the risk of health problems later on.
When it comes to chronic diseases, many have common origins and pathways which also means they tend to respond to the same interventions. When a chronic condition has already developed, like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis and more, eating more healthful food and making exercise a priority can help you better manage an illness and further complications.
And for those simply looking to live healthier, longer, an Alkaline diet can restore pH balance, balancing your body's health. Here’s a refresher on the diet and how it can support longevity and aid in the fight against chronic disease.
Photo by Marcus Aurelius from Pexels
What is an Alkaline Diet?
This diet is based on the same principles of hydrating with Alkaline water: balancing the pH in our bodies. In other words, it involves eating foods that fall in the alkaline level of the pH charts (8-10), removing any acidic foods from your diet.
Doing this allows for the stomach to neutralize and rebalance, while subsequently encouraging you to eat more fruits and vegetables, fewer processed meats, dairy, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine which overall improves health.
What to Eat on the Alkaline Diet?
This diet celebrates whole foods that have a naturally higher pH. Unlike other diets that limit intake, the Alkaline diet allows you to eat as much as you want, while keeping with Alkaline foods.
The biggest changes you may notice when switching to an Alkaline diet is the lack of red meat, fish, dairy, sugar, alcohol and caffeine which can all be supplemented with Alkaline approved protein and healthier, less processed alternatives.
Food changes the pH in your body based on the existing pH of different foods. By choosing more alkaline foods, you should be able to balance the pH in your body and improve your health.
Photo by Mor Shani on Unsplash
Foods that are part of the Alkaline Diet:
- Most fruits and vegetables (especially leafy greens)
- Potatoes
- Soy food
- Legumes
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Alkaline Water
The Health Benefits
Preventing Osteoporosis:
Science has shown that eating an increased amount of acidic foods can harm bone density leading to osteoporosis in many people, especially women, as they age. Foods that are Alkaline tend to be high in nutrients which benefits calcium retention and activates bone and muscle repair.
Improves heart health:
The Alkaline Diet is rich in antioxidants and can decrease acid reflux and heartburn, supporting a healthier digestion. Alkaline diets also support heart health thanks in large part to the removal of red meat and dairy that is traditionally high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Replacing those foods with healthy fats and fiber protects our hearts and keeps them healthy in years to come.
Promotes weight loss:
This diet relies on fueling our bodies with healthy, whole foods and a high intake of fruits and vegetables. The Alkaline change alone can assist weight loss which can be attributed to eating less processed foods and sugars.
Photo by Marcus Aurelius from Pexels
Anti-aging qualities:
Foods that might seem highly acidic, think lemons and limes, are actually alkaline acceptable and reinforce anti-aging qualities. Plenty of skin issues and inflammation stem from high levels of acid in the gut and digestive systems. Replacing those foods with alkaline foods, you can reduce inflammation and support your skin’s normal function.
Increases energy levels:
Even if you don’t have existing conditions, the nutrients in the Alkaline diet have the ability to improve energy levels. These plant-based foods, rich in nutrients and fiber, allow energy to be released slowly throughout the day while helping you feel fuller longer.
Sample Alkaline Diet
Day 1
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs and tofu
Snack: Orange
Lunch: Sesame zoodles and vegetables
Snack: Nuts
Dinner: Kidney bean and lentil chili
Day 2
Breakfast: Apple and almond butter oats
Snack: Slices mango
Lunch: Thai quinoa salad
Snack: Dates
Dinner: Kale caesar salad
Will an Alkaline Diet Support Longevity and Fight Against Chronic Disease?
An alkaline diet can be incredibly impactful in reducing inflammation, making a healthier lifestyle change that will support longevity and helping to fight against chronic conditions. A few simple changes to your diet is the key to balancing your body’s pH and in return, enjoying the lifelong benefits of a clean and nutritious diet.
