The alkaline diet is a diet that promotes an acid-base balance, often abused by our contemporary lifestyles. The diet rich in fiber would relieve several pathologies.
What is the principle of the alkaline diet?
For its proper functioning, the body requires the presence of acids and bases, this is called acid-base balance. “In a state of balance, our body is slightly alkaline but it is abused by our way of life and the modern diet, unbalanced and transformed in a predominantly acidifying way“, explains Marie-Antoinette Séjean, nutritionist. alkaline diet is based on the idea that certain foods can have an alkalizing effect on the body and thus improve health.
What are the benefits of the alkaline diet?
“When intakes of acidifying foods are excessive, the body no longer has the capacity to eliminate them, explains Dr. Marie-Antoinette Séjean, acids are deposited in the tissues, causing cellular clogging responsible for inflammation and accelerated aging of cells“. Several pathologies can be relieved by the alkaline diet such as “chronic fatigue, lack of tone, digestive disorders, muscle or joint pain“.High in fiber and low in saturated fat, the alkaline diet”contributes to weight balance and can help with weight loss especially when the organism is subjected to a lot of stress which increases the acidity”.
“It’s above all a way of lifereports the doctor, who advocates more living, green vegetables and fruits on the plate!” It remains easy to apply on its own, “provided respect an adequate protein intake“. A nutritionist or dietician can accompany you “if the dietary notions are deficient or in case of need for a stimulating accompaniment”.
Does the Alkaline Diet Benefit Inflammation?
“Yes, answers the nutritionist, thanks to a good supply of green vegetables, fruits rich in antioxidants and active compoundsit is beneficial on tissue inflammation”. Some foods are more concentrated, “garlic and onion have anti-inflammatory properties by the presence of allicin, an enzyme which also has a cardioprotective effect”. We can also count on the effect of citrus “rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids which have anti-inflammatory properties“, reports the nutritionist. turmeric is also a powerful anti-inflammatory,”provided you consume a teaspoon a day.
Does the alkaline diet have cancer benefits?
A balanced diet, giving pride of place to fibers such as fruits and vegetables, recommended in the alkaline diet, helps reduce certain cancers. “I have for my part no decline for this type of pathologies“, explains the doctor.
What is the list of foods to eat in an alkaline diet?
“You can refer at the index PRAL (Potential Renal Acid Load) which separates food into acids and bases“, explains the doctor. A plate of an alkaline diet must “bring mostly (nearly half) green vegetables and fruits, nuts, all rich in mineral salts (magnesium, potassium, calcium, citrate, malate)“. In addition, alkaline starches such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, cassava, quinoa, fruit bananas or plantains will be preferred to wheat-based foods that are acidifying (bread, pasta, etc.). As part of an alkaline diet, it is also necessary reduce foods that are too acidic such as “animal protein, cheese, processed products, alcoholic beverages“. Caffeinated beverages such as coffee and sodas should be scaled back, they reduce the absorption of magnesium and calcium, essential for a good acid-base balance.
What are the dangers of an alkaline diet?
“The danger of the alkaline diet would be to eat only alkalizing foods which are mostly fruits and vegetables, reports Marie-Antoinette Séjean, this would have the major consequence protein deficiency. Despite their acidity, we must not neglect proteins, especially animal ones which “have the advantage of decrease cravings, fight against water retention, repair and heal tissues and in particular the intestines“. These should always be accompanied by a good portion of green vegetables.
What are the contraindications to the alkaline diet?
“Apart from the functional colonopathies which do not support excess fiber, especially when uncooked, I do not see any major contraindications”reports nutritionist Marie-Antoinette Séjean.
Thanks to Marie-Antoinette Séjean, nutritionist doctor.