How an Alkaline Diet Can Prevent Illness and Chronic Disease

Our bodies alkaline and acidity levels are measured on a scale from 1 to 14. In order for our bodies to remain in tip top condition, our pH levels need to be at the 7.4 mark on this scale.

The Effects of Acidosis

When our bodies level drops below the desired figure 7.4, our systems become acidic, which is commonly referred to as acidosis. This then causes our bodies to extract essential nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium from our vital organs including our teeth and bones. This is our body’s natural defence in action and is its way of neutralizing the effects of acidosis.

If prolonged acidosis goes undetected, it can lead to a whole range of health issues including, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, diabetes and many forms of cancer to name just a few.

Acidosis has also been proven to accelerate the signs of aging including poor eyesight, memory loss and wrinkles.

Preventing Acidosis and Maintaining the Correct pH Level

So now that we know that prolonged acidosis can lead to poor health, what can we do to get things back on track and produce a more alkaline state within our bodies?

The answer as with many health issues is in our diets. By adopting a more alkaline diet, we can gradually bring our pH levels back to the required 7.4 and produce a healthier environment.

As a guide, our diets need to comprise of 60% alkaline forming foods and 40% acidic forming foods. If your body is acidic and you are looking to reduce the acidity, it is advisable to adjust this to 80% alkaline and 20% acidic foods for a short time until the correct pH balance is achieved.

Alkaline Forming Foods

Below you will find a list of some of the most popular alkaline forming foods. We have also included some links to sites that have more extensive lists for you to look at.

It is also worth noting that when we say alkaline forming, we mean once the food is digested and then processed by the body. As an example, Lemons are acidic by nature, yet once consumed are very alkaline and are therefore referred to as alkaline forming. So it’s alkaline forming foods that we are interested in attempting to bring our acidosis under control.

Alkaline Forming Fruits

Blackberries, Cantaloupe Melons, Dates (Dried), Figs (Dried), Grapes, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi Fruit, Lemons, Limes, Mango, Papaya, Passion Fruit, Pears, Pineapple, Raisins, Tangerines, Watermelon

Alkaline Forming Vegetables

Alfalfa Grass, Alfalfa Sprouts, Asparagus, Barley Grass, Collard Greens, Dandelion, Endive, Sorrel, Spirulina, Watercress, Wheat Grass

Alkaline Algae’s 

Spirulina, Chlorella, Hijiki, Wakame, Nori 

Alkaline Dairy

Buttermilk, Cottage Cheese, Milk (Raw), Whey

Alkaline Drinks

Fresh Fruit Juice, Ginger Tea, Ginseng Tea, Green Tea, Herbal Tea, Mineral Water, Vegetable Juice

Alkaline Minerals 

Calcium, Cesium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sea Salt, Sodium 

Alkaline Oils 

Flaxseed Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Olive Oil, Canola Oil, Avocado Oil

Alkaline Herbs and Spices

Cayenne, Chillies, Chilli, Pepper, Chives, Cinnamon, Curry, Garlic, Ginger (Fresh), Herbs (All), Miso, Mustard, Parsley, Pepper, Sea Salt, Tamari

Alkaline Nuts and Seeds

Almonds, Brazil, Cashews, Chestnuts, Flax Seeds, Macadamia, Pumpkin Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Squash Seeds, Sunflower Seeds

For a number of other excellent resources and alkaline food lists, please see the resources below.

Budwigcenter: Alkaline forming foods for a balanced and healthy diet

Healthline: The alkaline diet myth

https://www.smartalkalinediet.com/alkaline-acid-food-chart/

Need to see someone? You can search Sanitas dietitians and nutritionists by area to find a dietitian or nutritionist near you.

Already have a condition? Read our guide to how pre-existing conditions are treated in the Health Library.