The Marchioness of Worcester who has survived breast cancer credits her recovery to alkaline diet, but as an 'additional' therapy. A former director of the Soil Association, a charity that promotes organic food, she claimed that alkaline diet helped her overall health – a must in the therapy of breast cancer or any other cancer for that matter.
Let us take a look at what alkaline diet is really about and why is it such a rave these days. Unlike most diets that focus primarily on weight loss, alkaline diet focuses on preventing diseases caused by acid-base imbalance in the body.
Alkaline diet is all about consuming foods that help maintain a neutral (pH=7) or slightly alkaline (pH=7.4) blood reading. The pH is a measurement of the concentration of hydrogen ions in a substance. A pH of less than 7 is acidic and a pH of more than 7 is alkaline, water being neutral with pH=7.
Since one of the most important measurements of health is the pH of the body fluids, it is very important to have an acid-base balance. Any imbalance, especially those leaning towards acidic, could be associated with health disorders including obesity, tiredness, premature aging, heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
In a way, the Marchioness has a point when she says that alkaline foods helped her overall health and aided her in cancer recovery. For example, a review of the relationship between diet-induced acidosis (pH imbalance caused by accumulation of acids or depletion of bicarbonates) and cancer published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism reveals that acidosis has a role in the initiation and progression of cancer. Says Ian Forrest Robey, the author of this review, ‘While there are no studies showing a direct link between diet-induced acidosis and cancer, acid-base disequilibrium has been shown to modulate molecular activity including adrenal glucocorticoid, insulin growth factor (IGF-1), and adipocyte cytokine signaling, dysregulated cellular metabolism, and osteoclast activation, which may serve as intermediary or downstream effectors of carcinogenesis or tumor promotion.
In short, diet-induced acidosis may influence molecular activities at the cellular level that promote carcinogenesis or tumor progression’.
The acid-base status is not only important in dealing with cancer, but studies published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology and Occupational Physiology have shown that alkalization increases the capacity for high intensity exercise. Similarly, clinical nutrition studies have shown that the use of infant and preterm formulas that contain excessive amounts of acid equivalents may cause growth retardation of the infants.
Green leafy veggies are said to have an alkaline effect in the body. These veggies are bestowed with vast reserves of vitamin A, B, E, folic acid and minerals iron, calcium and phosphorus that is vital for the system to perform normal operations and build a robust immunity. Try incorporating spinach, lettuce, kale, celery, cabbage, collard and mustard green in your regular diet regimen.
Cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli are known to balance alkaline pH in the system. They contain immense amounts of vitamins A, C, k and folate and phytochemicals plant compounds that are valuable in lowering inflammation and avert the risk of cancer.
Popular to the belief that citrus fruits are highly acidic and would have an acidic effect on the system, surprisingly they are the best source of alkaline foods. Lemon, sweet lime and oranges overpowered with vitamin C that helps in detoxifying the system and offers respite from heartburn and acidity.
Sweet potato, beets, radish, turnips and carrots are an amazing source of alkaline foods which facilitates to keep up the pH balance. They are a great source of soluble and insoluble dietary fibre that helps to boost gut good bacteria, diminish high levels of cholesterol and lowers the risk of heart disease and bowel cancer.
Munch on a fistful of nuts to curb hunger pangs and keep you satiated. Packed with healthy sources of fats, they also render an alkaline effect in the system. The huge array of antioxidants, protein and plant sterols present in almonds, walnuts and cashews regulate blood sugar spikes, improve heart health and manages weight.
Considering these facts, there may be value in promoting alkaline environment in your body and have an ideal acid-base balance by making smart food choices in the form of alkaline diet.
You must be logged in to post a comment.