Science Behind The Celebrity Favorite Alkaline Diet

If the diet realm were Hollywood, then the alkaline diet would totally be Dwayne Johnson. Boy is it hot and trending or what! The diet has been a celeb favorite for quite some time now with everyone from Kim K to Elle Macpherson have been following the routine.

So what is it that’s got the alkaline diet trending in every nutritionist’s book? Turns out that apart from all the star-studded glamour, the diet does come with a solid scientific backing.

The Science

The alkaline diet finds its roots in the bodily pH chapter and is based on the fact that different foods affect the body’s pH in different ways. For example, fuits and veggies are more alkaline and therefore promote the soma; unlike meats, grains and dairy that have the opposite, a.k.a. acidic, effect.

Additionally, there are certain exceptions to this rule because it’s not just the food that matters but also the way our body reacts to it. This explains why, despite being acidic, tomatoes and oranges have an alkaline effect.

Our blood – by default –is inclined towards the acidic side and our lungs and kidney are pegged to a basic 7.4. So the major reason why everybody is harping about the alkaline diet is that our cells function best when they are on the alkaline side.

Why Alkaline Diet?

Alkaline diets have, in a 2102 study, been linked to higher magnesium level in the cells, which in turn supports many enzymes systems and activates vitamin D. A few other notable pros of following the alkaline diet include preservation of muscle mass with aging, prevention of kidney stones, healthier bones and reduced risk of chronic disease.

Though the alkaline diet has a lot of science to explain its effectiveness, it has a lot in common with the longstanding nutrition advice of consuming more colorful foods vegetable protein and fewer fatty meats, sweets, refined carbs and sugary drinks.

Beyond pH

That said, one must not blindly follow the diet simply because of the pH factor. Yes, it is important. It is important like a ton of other facets that go into balancing meals.

For example, judging on acid-alkaline grounds, one would categorize white bread healthier than shrimp and mushrooms will be the same value as sugars. Whereas, in actuality that is far from the truth.

So before you give yourself up to this scientific plan, consult a nutritionist as well.