The acid alkaline balance diet is more often called the alkaline diet, and by several other names. But whatever you call it, this approach to eating is one of the most interesting nutritional techniques for weight loss, increased energy, and the resolution of many common health problems.
Practically all foods create acidifying or alkaline substances once digestion and assimilation have taken place. If there were no way to maintain acid alkaline balance, acids would add up, eventually causing severe illness and even death.
But on the bright side, the body does have multiple mechanisms for neutralizing acids and eliminating them from the body. It is unfortunate that the most important of these mechanisms operate by neutralizing acids with alkaline minerals, including calcium and potassium.
These systems for eliminating acid do keep acid from reaching a deadly concentration. Yet they do so at the expense of gradual mineral depletion. When people eat foods that create a lot of acid, but do not provide adequate amounts of alkalizing minerals, illness is the upshot. This takes place for two reasons: One, because the process of removing acids leaves the body depleted of alkalizing minerals, which perform numerous essential functions. Also, because the quantity of acid often overwhelms the body’s ability to remove it, causing a condition of excessive acid production.
The Benefits of the Acid Alkaline Balance Diet
Perhaps the most common benefit of the acid alkaline balance diet is increased energy. The body’s cellular mechanisms function best within a very specific range of pH values. In reality, the mitochondria, which take care of producing energy, are negatively affected if the body is too acidic.
Of course, losing weight is the most important result that many people want from a diet. The acid alkaline balance diet may well be the best diet for weight loss, because it focuses on non-fattening foods. The key to sustainable weight loss is to eat foods that are low in caloric density, such as asparagus and apples, both of which contain fewer than 20 calories per ounce. These foods will fill you up, but they don’t add very many calories to your daily total.
In the final analysis, the acid alkaline balance diet is an excellent diet for anyone who wants more energy, long-term weight loss, and superior general health.