ALKALINE DIET: HOW DOES IT WORK? PROS AND CONS OF A DISPUTED DIET

The alkaline diet is one of the diets designed for weight loss that has benefits but has also received a lot of criticism. But how does it work? With our advice we provide you with all the information you need to learn more about this diet, from the foods to eat to lose weight to the risks reported in some cases by industry experts who accuse this diet of being unscientific.

According to some favorable experts, in fact, the alkaline diet is not limited to weight loss but also decreases the possibility of heart disease, insomnia, improves mood and memory, helps control hormones and, as if that weren't enough, makes the stronger hair, nails and teeth. Critics, on the other hand, accuse this diet of not being very balanced, as it eliminates foods such as meat and eggs, and focuses on an abundance of fruit and vegetables. Discover all the features of this diet to find out more.

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How does it work

Let's start with the basics: the alkaline diet is based on the theory that, given our slightly alkaline blood, our diet should be too. On the other hand, most of us eat too often foods with high acidity (meat, pasta, rice) which alter the natural alkaline balance and cause obesity and disease.

Nutritionist Elisabeth Phillips states: "It is about maintaining the natural balance. The purpose of the alkaline diet is not to abolish all acidic foods, such as meat and certain grains, but to ensure that you are eating everything in a balanced way, especially generous daily portions of alkaline foods, such as vegetables. However, sugar intake should be minimized, alcohol and caffeine'.

Those who follow a serious alkaline diet eat 70% alkaline foods and 30% acidic foods. There is no type of calorie restriction or calorie calculation.

What are the typical foods of an alkaline diet? As anticipated, it is a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, although it is not a vegetarian diet as many people think. Those who recommend this diet suggest eating fruits such as apples, pears, bananas, pineapples, and red fruits such as strawberries and cherries. In the vegetable section, on the other hand, you can find cauliflower and broccoli, chard and spinach. There are also more substantial foods, such as cereals, legumes (especially beans) and fish. Once the meat is completely eliminated, it can be done with salmon, tuna, trout and sea bass. A diet very similar to the alkaline diet is the blood group A diet, which is part of the extensive diet program according to the blood group to which one belongs.

Discover all the typical foods of the alkaline diet in the gallery below.

The foods indicated by the alkaline diet: lots of fruit and vegetables, fish and legumes

See also: Alkaline Diet: Recommended Foods for Weight Loss

The benefits

Although this diet has no scientific basis, even experts admit that the benefits obtained are quite surprising. The women who follow her feel much more energetic and optimistic and their skin also looks more beautiful (it has been shown that acidic foods, especially sugar, contribute to premature aging of the skin, which manifests itself with wrinkles and tones opaque). As our body's internal organs age, this type of diet could also improve joint stiffness, arthritis, headaches and back pain.

Foods to avoid

As for weight loss, the alkaline diet is based on the assumption that low-calorie foods help the digestive system work better. Weight loss therefore occurs thanks to a diet low in fat and refined sugars. That's why with the alkaline diet there are many foods that are not recommended, such as meat, eggs, dairy products of all kinds, including soy milk, nuts and peanuts, bread, pasta, white sugar and tomatoes, as well as drinks such as coffee and tea, preferring green tea instead.

The pros and cons of the alkaline diet

As mentioned, the alkaline diet has received and receives a lot of criticism, among those who say that it is not scientific or balanced and those who instead emphasize its benefits and effective weight loss. We have therefore collected, to conclude, the pros and cons of this diet. .

Benefits

We eat a lot of fruit and vegetables.
You feel healthier and full of energy. Even the skin becomes more beautiful.
Unlike many diets, it doesn't include calorie counts. For this reason it is easier to follow this diet for extended periods of time.
Many delicious recipes can be made with alkaline foods.

Disadvantages

As with any diet, there is always the risk of regaining the lost pounds once you return to your old eating habits.
Although most of the food on which the diet is based is very healthy, there is a risk of a protein deficiency.
The biggest criticism of the experts is that this diet is not based on any kind of scientific evidence.

If you wish to undertake the alkaline diet, or any other diet, consult your physician before starting.

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