Exposing The Alkaline Diet Myth

Now don't get me wrong, I wish this alkaline diet theory were true, because then it'd be so much easier to prevent or treat common health conditions. But the whole concept is just flawed.

Now proponents of the alkaline diet have attempted to give the foods we eat a pH rating based on the compounds they produce when digested.

In the alkaline diet these compounds are referred to as "ash". So a food's ash determines if its classified acidic or alkaline.

This image from MindBodyGreen illustrated this theory, with acidic forming foods on the left, and alkaline on the right.

However, they have very conveniently left out the nutritious foods on the acidic side, like meat, seafood, dairy, legumes, nuts and some whole grains...

But as you could see the so called "alkaline" foods are really good for you. Because they're vegetables and fruits and water, which are nutritious and generally not calorie-dense.

But their health properties have got nothing to do with alkaline ash.
In fact acids are actually some of the most important building blocks of life… including amino acids, fatty acids and even your DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).

So what does the research say about the alkaline diet?

A review of 55 previous studies that looked at the relationship between how much dietary acid we consume and occurrence of osteoporosis concluded "there is no evidence an alkaline diet is protective of bone health."

This makes sense considering high protein diets (which are acid forming) are typically linked with healthier bones, not weaker bones.

What about cancer, which favors acidic environments?

Firstly, as mentioned earlier what we eat cannot influence blood pH or other bodily tissues.

Secondly, even if we assume it could, cancer cells are able to grow in alkaline environments as well.

Tumors do grow faster in acidic environments, but the tumor actually creates this acidity itself.

So it's not the acidic environment - or diet - that creates the cancer, it's the cancer that creates the acidic environment.

A 2016 review focused on the possible link between dietary acid load, alkaline water and cancer. The authors concluded that despite the promotion of the alkaline diet and alkaline water by the media and salespeople, there is almost no actual research to either support or disprove these ideas. Therefore promotion of the alkaline diet and alkaline water to the public for cancer prevention or treatment is not justified.

Now where there is lack of evidence for or against a claim, the onus of proof always falls on the party making spectacular claims.
That mean we must always first assume a food or nutrient DOESN'T help, until there is solid evidence to indicate otherwise.

Now in another earlier review study looking at acid load and cancer, the authors concluded that there is limited evidence to suggest that dietary acidosis alone is sufficient in increasing cancer risk, but it may function in concert with other factors associated with cancer risk, such as obesity.

Interestingly this particular study was funded by the National Centers for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and yet that was the most positive spin they could put on these findings because the evidence just isn't there.

All that said, the alkaline diet does encourage a high consumption of fruits and vegetables, while restricting junk foods. So it's pretty healthy, and you won't be unhealthy for following it.

But has absolutely nothing to do with being acidic or alkaline.

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Studies mentioned:

Images used:

[goncalvesalves]

I see a lot of similarities between the alkaline diet and the blood type diet.
Despite their concepts having no scientific evidences, at their core they DO teach you how to eat healthy, i.e., having more fruits and vegetables, drinking more water, and avoiding processed foods and pseudo-foods. Such habits are pretty much the epitome of good health, and it explains why so many people have good results with these diets.
At the end of the day, it is the same old formula of good nutrition, but in fancy, different presentations.

[arathaemaxus]

A pH of 7 is neutral. Blood is 7.35-7.45 which is hardly anything at all. Not only can it be harmful to drop below 7.35 (acid) but it is also harmful to go above 7.45 (alkaline)

[AfroCubanlife]

I came here for entertainment only. Nice try Healthline 😂

[MiStABeNtLy]

You left out naturally healing herbs 🤔

[GaryMcCaffrey]

I agree with your stance on this diet, though I thought the diets proponents thought eating these foods increased the PH of the bodies interstitial fluids, which was where the benefit comes from, not from affecting the PH of the blood. Maybe I was giving them too much credit.

[LK-ebxo]

So good to hear your view on the Alkaline Diet. I was following one and my blood pressure, Iron, other vitamins have always been perfect and now my blood pressure is low, Irons and vitamins are low and I feel faint all the time. Think its time to back to what Fruit and veggies and a very small amount of meat.
Thank you.

[arathaemaxus]

So many people posting “facts” about diets without citing these facts. Don’t believe any of the comments. Too many factors to take into consideration and what works for one doesn’t work for everybody

[RazEdits]

1:47 lemons, limes and oranges are alkaline? Who knew...

[NASTEfilms]

2:07 so LEMONS have a ph level of 9.5?
and peas have the same PH as lye?
ok.

[Lunarplex]

Way to go, man! Finally, someone has debunked this pseudodiet! keep it up!

[Kurleykath]

Countless people are reversing dis-eases through an alkaline diet. 🙏🏽

[Mullet-ZubazPants]

Your largest organ, your skin, is slightly acidic. At least healthy skin is acidic

[arathaemaxus]

Lol I find it hilarious how many people disagree with a dietician. Not a "nutritionist" which anyone can call themselves. A "dietitian" which you cannot call you're self unless you have an official education in nutrition.

[grmalinda]

What about reducing gerd with pharmaceutical?

[Bhratri]

Kim’s story just blew my mind! How propaganda works!

[ChrissieLane]

It's a shame he thinks that dairy and meat are essential to health. What about life-long vegans?

[racheljones]

I was diagnosed with emphysema about 3 years ago. I was on medication and cough so hard and so much I felt like my body was going to fall apart. I went on the alkaline diet suggested by Dr, Sebi. Through Prayer and this way of eating in two days no medication was needed within three days the coughing stopped. I no longer suffer with emphysema. Please stop telling people what works or does not work if you have not experienced situations yourself. I now combine alkaline and going to incorporate plant based, because the choices in akaline eating alone are not broad enough for me. I like variety. You said that our food is good, with all the pesticides and chemicals that are being put in food how can you let that statement come out your mouth. Just with that statement I cannot take you serious and believe what you say.

[katewagner]

My take on this is that the meat and dairy may have been excluded because the chart was meant to show what to avoid on the acidic side and what to eat on the alkaline side. My understanding is that it takes a long time to change your body's PH with diet. What I remember about my mother-in-law as she was dying in the ICU was that they were measuring the PH regularly and very concerned about her acidity. My question to you is why and how do we get acidic?

[DJPoundPuppy]

She reversed her condition from cancer to no cancer. This is true. You didn't say why she died.

[kaymarie]

This was a very informative video, thanks very much.. makes sense to me! All I need to do is cut the dairy, I think grass fed meats and veggies especially organic and drink teas and use spices and herbs you should be okay; I read that people will get sick if they are lacking nutrients so eat up and get a variety from the best foods.