Alkaline diet: principles, pros and cons
The alkaline diet, also known as the acid-base diet, relies on a balanced intake of acid-forming and alkaline foods. This diet is considered beneficial for the body, as it helps to neutralize excess acidity and absorb all the beneficial substances from foods containing large amounts of protein.
Basic principles of the diet
Acid-forming foods such as meat, eggs, dairy products and white bread should make up no more than 30% of the diet. Alkaline foods such as fruits, vegetables, soy and legumes should make up at least 70% of the diet. It is recommended to avoid sugar, alcohol, coffee and animal fats.
Pros of an alkaline diet
One of the main benefits of an alkaline diet is that it helps improve the body's metabolism and digestive functions. Thanks to this, you can feel a surge of strength and energy. Additionally, an alkaline diet can help you lose weight because avoiding acid-forming foods helps reduce stomach acid production, which can lead to decreased appetite.
Another benefit of an alkaline diet is that it can help prevent a number of diseases associated with excess acidity in the body. Such diseases include arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, etc.
Cons of an alkaline diet
The disadvantages of the alkaline diet include that it can be difficult for those who are not used to dietary restrictions. Also, during the transition to an alkaline diet, some unpleasant sensations may occur, such as headaches, nausea and fatigue.
Also, keep in mind that losing weight on an alkaline diet may be slow. If you want to lose weight quickly, you may want to choose a different diet.
Menu for the first three weeks
First week:
- Breakfast: soy milk and various fruits (apples, peaches, pears).
- Lunch: baked poultry with vegetable salad (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, etc.).
- Afternoon snack: soy yogurt.
- Dinner: fish stewed with vegetables (zucchini, green beans, celery, etc.).
Second week:
- Breakfast: vegetable or fruit juices, soy milk or yogurt, fruit.
- Lunch: vegetable salad with nuts or seeds, a side dish of cereals or vegetables, a piece of fish or chicken fillet.
- Afternoon snack: fruit or nuts.
- Dinner: vegetable stew with the addition of legumes, baked vegetables with a piece of chicken fillet.
Third week:
- Breakfast: Oatmeal with fruit or nuts, soy milk or yogurt.
- Lunch: vegetable salad with tuna or chicken fillet, a side dish of cereals or vegetables.
- Afternoon snack: fruit or nuts.
- Dinner: vegetable soup with legumes, baked vegetables with a piece of fish or chicken fillet.
It is important to remember that before starting any diet, you should consult your doctor or nutritionist. They will be able to help you choose the optimal diet, taking into account the individual characteristics and needs of the body.