An alkaline diet is based on the principle that the foods we eat release byproducts into our blood that do 1 of 2 things: increase or decrease the acidity of our overall system. Meats, dairy, wheat and grains and salty foods are said to produce an acidic effect on our system while fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts are understood to create alkalinity and reduce the acids on our system.

All doctors will tell you that eating more fruits and vegetables and less animal fats, salt and grains will lead to a healthy lifestyle, but does this mean that the acid vs. alkaline theory is behind such a recommendation?

Proponents of this theory claim that acidity leads to many health problems in the system because we get out of balance. These problems may include headaches, cancers, undue stress on our organs, anxiety, fatigue, and depression. It is believed that most common illnesses stem from too much acid in the bloodstream.

The acidity is thought to eat through cellular walls and damage red blood cells which can impact the body’s natural ability to fend off illnesses. Some will also argue that the body can actually manufacture its own viruses if the environment is very acidic or acidic for an extended period of time.

According to the theory, in order to provide the body’s systems with the optimal environment to operate and maintain consistent health, one must regularly test the blood, urine or saliva and maintain a pH range of 7.35-7.45. Under these conditions, the body will naturally keep balance, stay healthy and disease free and keep the person looking younger and feeling more energetic than ever before.