Alkaline Diet For Diabetes has a number of features that mark it as both a healthy diet and one that allows a certain amount of flexibility. Foods that we eat in Alkaline Diet can have an effect on the pH levels inside our body. That is eating certain foods has a tendency to raise the acidity within the body. Other foods help to make the body more alkaline.
What is An Alkaline Diet?
An alkaline diet describes a group of loosely related diets based on the misconception that different types of food can have an effect on the pH balance of the body. It originated from the acid ash hypothesis, which is primarily related to osteoporosis research. The theory behind the diet is that certain foods cause our blood pH to drop and become more acidic. This is said to lead to all kinds of illnesses. On the other hand, eating more foods that alkalize our blood is claimed to heal and prevent disease.
Despite its popularity with many celebrities, the acid/alkaline theory has traditionally been dismissed by mainstream medicine. That is, perhaps, until now. Several large-scale studies have revealed a strong and compelling link between an alkaline diet and improved insulin resistance. This benefit has also been found to lower the incidence of developing diabetes.
Why an Alkaline Diet?
The premise behind the alkaline diet dates back, not surprisingly, to our hunter-gatherer ancestors. Way back then, the diet consisted largely of fresh fruit, roots, vegetables, and tubers. Things apparently went awry when grains, meats, sugars, and dairy foods were introduced, and the diet became more “acidic.”
People who promote the alkaline diet believe that the typical Western diet (which definitely has its flaws) makes the blood more acidic and upsets the acid-base balance in the body. In addition, an acidic diet is believed (by proponents of the alkaline diet) to lead to a loss of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium from the body. Hence, an alkaline diet should be followed to restore balance and prevent mineral loss.
In addition, some alkaline diet influencers believe that this way of eating can correct certain health conditions that may be triggered or caused by too much acid. Some of these conditions include:
- Cancer
- Headaches
- Ovarian cysts
- Congestion
- Colds and flu
- Excess mucous production
- Back pain
On the other hand, researchers speculate that an alkaline diet could possibly slow the loss of bone (important in preventing osteoporosis) and muscle mass, as well as prevent kidney stones. But there are no credible studies, particularly large clinical trials, to back up these claims.
What are PH levels?
PH balance is extremely important for our health. It stands for the power of hydrogen, which is a measurement of the hydrogen ion concentration in the body. The total pH scale ranges from 1 to 14, with 7 considered to be neutral. A pH less than 7 is said to be acidic and solutions with a pH greater than 7 are basic or alkaline. Our ideal pH is slightly alkaline – 7.30 to 7.45.
To rebalance PH levels you need to strictly follow an alkaline diet. This diet is a great decision for people who want to rebalance PH levels and fight inflammation. It doesn’t include acidic foods that promote inflammation and disease. Alkaline diets prevent bloating, insomnia, poor memory, kidney stones, poor energy levels, high blood pressure, headaches, diabetes, heart disease, muscle pain, and weak bones.
Here is a 7-day Alkaline Diet plan for Diabetes :
Day 1
- Breakfast: chia and strawberry quinoa
- Snack: an orange
- Lunch: sweet and savory salad
- Snack: 1/2 cup toasted nuts and dried fruits
- Dinner: simple green salad with olive oil and apple cider vinegar, 3-4 oz. roasted chicken with roasted sweet potatoes and parsnips.
Day 2
- Breakfast: vegan apple parfait
- Snack: 1 pear
- Lunch: savory avocado wraps and white bean stew
- Snack: 1 handful of toasted pumpkin seeds
- Dinner: simple cucumber salad with olive oil and apple cider vinegar. 3-4 oz. roasted chicken with roasted Brussels sprouts with red peppers.
Day 3
- Breakfast: berry purple smoothie
- Snack: 1 mango
- Lunch: Asian sesame dressing and noodles
- Snack: a handful of dried apricot
- Dinner: 4 oz. oven-roasted salmon, ½ baked sweet potato, curried beets, and greens
Day 4
- Breakfast: apple and almond butter oats
- Snack: 1 banana
- Lunch: green goddess bowl
- Snack: a handful of almonds
- Dinner: kale pesto zucchini noodles
Day 5
- Breakfast: power smoothie
- Snack: an avocado
- Lunch: quinoa burrito bowl
- Snack: a handful of dates
- Dinner: wild rice mushroom and almond risotto
Day 6
- Breakfast: chia breakfast pudding
- Snack: ½ cup of blueberries
- Lunch: miso soup with fermented tofu
- Snack: a handful of macadamia nuts
- Dinner: roasted root vegetables with 4 oz salmon
Day 7
- Breakfast: quinoa porridge
- Snack: a few slices of cantaloupe
- Lunch: Mexican quinoa salad
- Snack: a handful of dried coconut slices
- Dinner: pumpkin soup.
Health benefits of the Alkaline Diet:
An alkaline diet could benefit the body in the following ways:
- Facilitate weight loss
- Improve bone health
- Improve heart health
- Reduce muscle wasting
- May benefit outcomes in chemotherapy
Any health risks of an Alkaline Diet?
If you are on diabetes medication that can bring on hypoglycemia, you will need to ensure that the diet does not increase the risk of low blood sugar levels. It is advisable to speak with your doctor or a dietitian before starting a diet that is significantly different from your current one.
Diets are great, but your body will thank you if you supplement your healthy nutrition plan with a good workout!
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