The ‘acid’ factor in your food

Also known as the pH or the Acid-Alkaline diet, this new diet aims at balancing the pH levels in the body In an effort to stay healthy and sport a svelte body, you've tried various diets either recommended by a friend, a colleague, a health professional, or in some cases, followed celebrity diets. If you are a celeb diet junkie, you probably know about all of them. The most well-known ones include The Atkins Diet, The South Beach Diet, The Zone and the Macrobiotic diet. But there's another diet called the Alkaline or the pH diet that is gaining popularity among celebs like Kirsten Dunst, Anna Faris and Gwyneth Paltrow, to name some. Diet theory The Alkaline diet is based on the theory that as we consume more foods of an acidic nature, it may lead to health complications. Skin and hair expert Dr Jaishree Manchanda describes the diet as one "that emphasises fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes." It's a diet based on the theory that certain foods, when consumed leaves an alkaline residue, the food is thus classified as alkaline food." Nutritionist and naturopath Zainab Sayed says, "The Alkaline diet maintains the balance of acid-base homeostasis in the blood, which is the balance of acids and bases (commonly known as pH), in the body. Without this balance, the body is unable to sustain itself. Being acidic means that our body's pH level is less than optimal. The optimal pH level is around 7.35 to 7.45, slightly alkaline." What are acidic & alkaline foods? Foods are classified under three groups as neutral, acid-forming or alkalising depending on the effect they have on the body. Clinical nutritionist Dr Nupur Krishnan explains, "An acid-forming food contributes hydrogen ions to the body, making it more acidic. An alkalising food removes hydrogen ions from the body and reduces acidity level in our body." A common misconception is that if a food tastes acidic, it is more acid-forming effect on the body. It is important to note that this classification is based on the effect foods have on the body after digestion, not on their own intrinsic acidity or alkalinity (how they taste to us). For example, citric fruits like lemon, lime, grapefruit melons are considered as acidic because of their taste. However, their mineral content after digestion has alkalinising effect. How does it work? The Alkaline Diet focus is to balance the pH level of your body, achieve a healthy pH level, rebuild your cells and your tissues, and eventually leading to a healthy body. Your body is an easy target for disease to occur only if, your pH levels are acidic, opines Sayed. Dr Manchanda says that she would recommend this diet as it can be followed easily. For proper cell functioning it is important to detox all the toxins from the body and it can be done through this diet. Apart from this it also makes teeth healthier, reduces pains and slows down ageing. In short it helps in proper digestion of food and to give you a perfect body. Benefits and drawbacks The benefits of the pH diet include renewed energy levels, good digestion, weight loss, reduce aches and pains, and control of hypertension and better management of blood sugar levels. Besides these, there's healthier teeth and gums, better immune system and slowing of the ageing process. As for the drawbacks, Sayed says that one shouldn't go overboard with the diet. One needs to keep in mind that you have to stick to the 80:20 per cent factor whereby, you consume 80 per cent alkalising foods to 20 per cent acidifying foods. Certain fats and oils that are restricted from the alkaline diet can provide essential fatty acids, which are required to maintain immunity and make healthy cells. However, Dr Manchanda opines that not all of the benefits claimed for this diet is supported by scientific research. Alkaline foods vegetables Broccoli, Carrot, Cauliflower, Cucumber, Eggplant, Garlic, Tomato, Alfalfa, Asparagus, Barley Grass, Spinach, Coconut Fruits & nuts: Apple, Apricot, Avocado, Banana, Blackberries, Coconut, Grapefruit, Grapes, Lemon, Lime, Muskmelons, Orange, Almonds, Chestnuts Liquids: Water, herbal and green tea Oil: Cold pressed organic olive and flax seed oil Condiments and sweeteners: Apple cider vinegar, molasses, herbs, organic honey and maple syrup. Acidic foods vegetables Corn, Lentils, Olives, Potatoes Fats and Oils: Animal fat and other vegetable oils Grains: Oats, Rice, Wheat, Buckwheat, Barley Animal protein: Beef, Chicken, Lamb, Oyster, Lobster Dairy: Milk, Butter, Cheese, Ice cream, Margarine Condiments and sweeteners: Sugar, bottled dressings, artificial sweetners, Vinegar