The Alkaline Diet- Why Elle Macpherson Swears by it
Thursday, January 29, 2015
What is an Alkaline diet?
With the introduction of modern agriculture, the standard Western diet has changed greatly from what our hunter-gatherer ancestors consumed. The increased consumption of high acid foods such as grains, fish, meat, cheese, milk and salt can disrupt how acidic or alkaline our blood is. Too much acid can disrupt the body's natural process leading to poor health and disease.
The aim is to maintain the body's normal pH level which is between 7.35 - 7.45. To achieve this balance you can adopt an alkaline diet which is designed to provide everything you need in its best natural form.
What are the benefits of an Alkaline diet?
The Alkaline diet was a turning point for Elle MacPherson, who believe it or not was experiencing weight gain despite following a strict diet. By decreasing her consumption of acidic forming foods she noticed a change in her waistline, the sugar cravings disappeared, her mood stabilised and an overall improvement in energy levels.
Other reported benefits are:
- Weight loss - acidic foods are generally linked to weight gain when eaten in access.
- Less colds and flus - acidic foods contribute to a growth of unhealthy bacteria leading to a poor immune system.
- Clear skin - your skin is often seen an external indicator of your internal health. Acidic foods create a toxic build up and show on your skin when your body can not get rid of them quick enough.
- Reduced inflammation - this may be particularly beneficial for people suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Read more: https://www.gwnt.com.au; The Low Down on IBS
- Protection of bones - more alkaline forming foods will help slow down the leech of calcium from your bones.
- Faster recovery- if you are an athlete the reduction in inflammation helps your muscles work more functionally, allowing you to push harder for longer.
Do I have to eat only alkaline foods?
As with any diet, you're more likely to stick to a new way of eating if you make gradual changes to your existing diet and fit it in with your lifestyle. To maintain the optimal pH balance you don't have to eliminate all acidic foods from your diet, simply aim for an 80/20 ratio of alkaline foods to acidic foods.
This could mean that instead of three coffees a day you only have one, greens are included with every meal and soft drink is replaced with coconut water. An alkaline diet shouldn't be seen as a quick fix, it will first detoxify the body and then create and maintain a more alkaline environment in which the body can heal itself.
What are alkaline foods?
- Greens - kale, sprouts, spinach, cucumber, wheatgrass.
- Fruits - banana, rockmelon, berries, mango, lime and lemon.
- Grains - quinoa, amaranth, rye, rice, buckwheat.
- Nuts/seeds - pumpkin seeds, almonds.
- Healthy fats - avocado, olive oil, coconut oil.
- Drinks - water, herbal teas, almond milk, green smoothies, coconut water, apple-cider vinegar.
Sugar, coffee, dairy, alcohol, carbohydrates (pasta, white bread, animal protein).
What else can contribute to too much acid in the body?
Stress, lack of sleep, pollution, too much exercise and eating too fast can upset your body's pH balance.
If you would like to know whether an alkaline diet is right for you, it is recommended you speak to a TCM Practitioner or your GP. We are lucky enough to have Dr Robert Kang heading up our TCM department, with over 35 years of experience to guide you through to good health!
