this Review systematically analyzes the health effects of an alkaline diet. The author is atPubmedFind relevant documents. Keywords are: PH valuePH, kidney acid stress, bone health, muscle, growth hormone, back pain, vitaminsD , chemotherapy, etc. Books on alkaline diets are also analyzed from a medical research perspective. Conclusion: Alkaline diets have a certain effect on reducing mortality and the incidence of chronic diseases. Further research in this area is necessary.
1.
With With industrialization over the past 100 years, due to the deposition of carbon dioxide, the pH of the ocean has increased from 8.2Down to8.1. This has a negative impact on marine life and may lead to the destruction of coral reefs. The pH of the soil also has a considerable impact on plant growth and the mineral content of the food we eat (since minerals are buffers that regulate pH). The pH of the soil most conducive to the growth of essential nutrients is 6and7between. The pH is lower than 6's soil may have low calcium and magnesium content, while the pH is higher7may lead to manganese, copper, and zinc deficiencies. When the soil pH is lower than 6, adding dolomite can increase soil pH.
About The pH and net acid load of human diets have changed significantly from the early days of food gathering to modern times. With the development of agriculture over the past 10,000 years and industrialization in the past two hundred years, the ratio of potassium (K) and sodium (Na) in human diet has declined, while the ratio of chloride (Chloride) and carbonic acid has also decreased. Hydrogen(Bicarbonate) ratio has increased. The potassium to sodium ratio has been completely turned upside down. The ratio of potassium to sodium (K/Na) used to be 10:1 and in the modern diet is 1:3. It is generally accepted that modern diets are deficient in magnesium, potassium, and fiber and contain too much saturated fat, sugar, sodium, and chloride compared to the past. SuchThe consequence is that our diet may lead to metabolic acidosis and is inconsistent with our genetically determined nutritional needs. As age increases, the function of the human kidneys in regulating acid-base balance gradually loses, leading to metabolic acidosis caused by modern diet. Low-carb, high-protein diets increase acid load. The acid-base balance in the blood may change slightly, but the change in the urine may be large. Urinary magnesium, citrate, and pH levels decrease, while urinary calcium, unbroken uric acid, and phosphate concentrations increase. All of these can increase the risk of kidney stones.
Many Information in the literature and on the Internet supports the benefits of an alkaline diet. This review attempts to provide a balanced analysis of the available scientific evidence.
2.
Human body The pH varies with different parts. The gastric juice with the highest acidity (PH1.5-3.5) helps digestion and prevents microorganisms from invading the human body from the digestive tract. But even in the stomach, the cells in the outer layer of the epithelium are alkaline, helping to prevent mucosal damage. Studies have shown that the reduction of gastric mucosal bicarbonate secretion and the reduction of the alkaline/acidic contrast of duodenal secretions may play a significant role in the occurrence of duodenal ulcers. Human skin is acidic (PH4-6.5), providing the human body with a protective film against external microorganisms. From the stratum corneum (PH4) on the surface of the skin to the stromal layer (PH6.9) inside, the pH increases gradually. When the pH in the vagina is lower than PH4.7, it helps inhibit the growth of vaginal microorganisms.
Urethra The pH of food varies depending on the need for acid-base balance in the body. It can be acidic or alkaline. acid in urineThe excretion amount can be estimated using the formula described by Remer (sulfuric acid + chloride + 1.8X phosphate + organic acid) - (sodium + potassium + 2X calcium + 2X magnesium)mEq. Foods can be selected based on their acid load on the kidneys (Potential Renal Acid Loads,PRAL) to classify (see table). Fruits, vegetables, juices, potatoes, and alkaline-rich and low-phosphorus drinks (red wine, white wine, soda mineral water, etc.) have a negative acid load on the kidneys. Cereal foods, meat, dairy, fish, low-alkali and high-phosphorus beverages (such as beer, cola, etc.) have a relatively high acid load on the kidneys. Measure the pH of your urine (twice every morning, total study5years) does not predict fractures or bone density lost. But simply measuring urine pH does not mean these are being studiedPatients have been following either an acidic diet or an alkaline diet. For details, see chart1.
Table1: pH of various body fluids, organs, and membranes (PHvalue)
Body fluids, organs, and membranes
PH
PHFunction
Skin
4-6.5
Barrier to protect microorganisms
Urine
4.6-8.0
Inhibiting microbial growth
Stomach
1.35-3.5
Break down protein
Bile
7.6-8.8
Neutralizes gastric acid and aids digestion
Pancreatic juice
8.8
Neutralizes gastric acid and aids digestion
Vaginal fluid
<4.7
Inhibit the growth of opportunistic microorganisms
cerebrospinal fluid
7.3
Protect the brain
Intracellular fluid
6.0-7.2
Acidic due to the production of acidic substances in cells
Venous plasma
7.35
Strictly regulated by the human body
Arterial plasma
7.4
Strictly regulated by the human body
3.
Calcium, in the form of phosphates and carbonates, is a storehouse of alkalis in the body. As a response to modern diets, calcium is released into the body fluid circulation to maintain acid-base balance. Some studies estimate,Because the amount of calcium lost from urine in modern diet is 20May be as high as 480< span lang="ZH-CN" style="word-wrap: normal; word-break: normal; " xml:lang="ZH-CN">g, quite Contains half of the calcium in human bones. Of course, the loss of calcium in the urinary tract cannot be used as a direct indicator of osteoporosis. Many mechanisms in the human body compensate for the loss of calcium in the urethra. When the pH of the arterial blood remains within the normal range, the negative calcium balance caused by a slight decrease in plasma bicarbonate can be compensated by supplementation of potassium bicarbonate. Studies have found that increasing food's alkaline bicarbonate, but not potassium, slows bone loss in healthy older adults. Calcium lost through urine may not be fully replaced through intestinal absorption, leading to osteoporosis. But when needed, enough vitaminsDHelps intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium, and phosphate. Sadly, most people living in the northern hemisphere are vitamin deficientD. In people with chronic renal failure, correcting metabolic acidosis with bicarbonate can significantly increase parathyroid levels and activated vitaminD Level. Recently, some studies have found thatRemer's renal acid load (PRAL) Importance of phosphate in the formula. According to this formula, elevated phosphate may lead to increased urinary tract calcium loss and bone calcium loss. It should also be noted that phosphate supplementation in ambulatory patients reduced urinary calcium excretion but did not prevent bone loss. Recent literature reviews and systematic studies have shown that phosphate supplementation can maintain and improve calcium balance, which is contrary to the hypothesis that high urinary acid excretion causes osteoporosis. A recent study also found no causal link between drinking carbonated drinks (which contain high phosphates) and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Very likelyRemer's renal acid load (PRAL) formula needs to be adjusted, especially with phosphate supplementation. There are online sources and books that promote the bone health benefits of an alkaline diet. However, recent systematic literature studies have found no evidence to support the beneficial effects of an alkaline diet in alleviating osteoporosis.
Another important component of the modern diet is excessive sodium (salt) intake. There is evidence that high salt intake in healthy people on an acidic diet can lead to hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis . At the same time, studies have proven the adverse effects of high-salt diets on older people. High-salt diets can lead to bone resorption and protein waste, which can worsen bone and muscle loss due to reduced activity. In women, too much salt can lead to high blood pressure. and osteoporosis. At the same time, the lack of potassium in the modern diet also causes it to be unable to effectively regulate the adverse effects of excessive salt.
In When the kidneys have a high acid load, excessive protein intake may reduce bone density if not supplemented by alkaline foods. Of course, to prevent osteoporosis and muscle loss, it is necessary to consume enough protein. Therefore, it is better to increase your intake of alkaline foods such as fruits and vegetables rather than reduce your protein intake.
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We Muscle is lost as we age, which increases our risk of falls and fractures. A three-year study showed that high-potassium foods, such as fruits and vegetables, which also have a lower acid load on the kidneys, reduce muscle loss in older adults. Diseases like chronic renal failure that cause chronic metabolic acidosis can accelerate the breakdown of skeletal muscle. For conditions that tend to cause muscle breakdown, such as diabetic ketosis, trauma, sepsis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and kidney failure, correcting acidosis can help preserve muscle. In situations where acute acidosis is possible, supplementing sodium bicarbonate (alkaline) before heavy exercise can significantly reduce the risk of acidosis.
5.
A long time It is known that severe metabolic acidosis in children, such as renal tubular acidosis, can lead to reduced growth hormone secretion and smaller body size in adulthood. Correcting acidosis with potassium bicarbonate or potassium citrate significantly increases growth hormone secretion thereby promoting growth. Potassium bicarbonate supplementation for postmenopausal women to neutralize excessAcid loading can significantly increase the secretion of growth hormone and osteocalcin. Increasing growth hormone can improve quality of life, reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease, improve body shape, and even improve memory and cognitive abilities. At the same time, it can reduce urine calcium loss, equivalent to 5% of bone calcium.
6.
DThese have been shown to relieve back pain.
Chemotherapy The effectiveness oford-wrap: normal; word-break: normal; " /span>Epirubicin(Rubicin) andAdriamycin (doxorubicin)etc. requires an alkaline environment to be effective. Drugs, such ascisplatin (shunPlatinum), mitomycin C（MicrosporumPrimeC）, and thiotepa（thiantiPipe),etc., cells are more toxic in an acidic environment. Cell death is related to acidosis. At the same time, the increase in intracellular pH (increased alkalinity) after chemotherapy may indicate the effect of chemotherapy. Some studies have found that the use of sodium bicarbonate ,carbicab, furosemideAlkalizing agents such as fffff;">can enhance the effect of chemotherapy. Alkalizing the extracellular environment with bicarbonate may increase the effect of chemotherapy. However, so far there is no scientific evidence directly proving that an alkaline diet can prevent tumors.
Table2: Food renal acid load ( Potential Renal Acid Loads, PRAL)
Food
Kidney acid load:Cl+PO4+SO4-Na-K-Ca-Mg
Dairy products
Parmesan Cheese
Fresh cheese
Whole milk yogurt
Ice cream
Whole milk
< wbr />
34.2
11.3
1.5
0.8
0.7
Egg
Egg yolk
Egg white
Whole eggs
< wbr />
23.4
1.1
8.2
Meat
Canned lunch meat
Lean beef
Ham
< wbr />
10.2
7.8
6.7
Sugar
White sugar
Honey
< wbr />
-0.1
-0.3
Vegetables
Cucumber
WestOrchid
Tomatoes
Eggplant
celery
Spinach
-0.8
-1.2
-3.1
-3.4
-5.2
-14.0
Fat and oil
Butter
Olive oil
0.6
0.0
Fruits, nuts and juices
Peanut
Walnut
Grape juice< /span>
Orange juice
Apple or apple juice
Banana
< wbr />
8.3
6.8
-1.0
-2.9
-2.2
-5.5
Cereals
Brown rice< /p>
White rice
Oats
< wbr />
12.5
4.6
10.7
Beans
Mung beans
-3.1
Fish
Cod
Trout
< wbr />
7.1
10.8
Drinks
Coca-Cola
White wine
Red wine
Coffee
< wbr />
0.4
-1.2
-2.4
-1.4
8.
Human body It has an amazing ability to maintain acid-base balance, mainly through the compensatory mechanisms of the respiratory system and kidneys. Many membranes in the human body rely on an acidic environment to protect the body and digest food. Studies have shown that an alkaline diet can prevent a range of diseases and significantly benefit health. Just looking at the above analysis of bone health, some benefits have yet to be proven. There is not enough evidence that milk or cheese is likeRemer/Sodium ratio is indeed important. Excessive salt intake is harmful to health. Some government departments have begun to limit the amount of salt in food. A high-protein diet can also affect bone health, but adequate protein is necessary for bone health.want. An alkaline diet can reduce muscle breakdown and relieve back pain at the same time. An alkaline environment helps improve the effectiveness of some chemotherapy drugs, but not all.
9.
Alkali A sexual diet can increase the pH of urine and reduce calcium loss in urine. However, some studies suggest that this does not necessarily lead to changes in overall calcium balance due to the effects of buffering agents such as phosphate. There is currently insufficient evidence that an alkaline diet promotes bone health or prevents osteoporosis. However, an alkaline diet can bring some of the following health effects:
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From Based on the above evidence, it is worth considering adopting an alkalizing diet to reduce the incidence and mortality of chronic diseases. Most alkalizing diets include vegetables and fruits. These should also be considered when considering an alkalinizing dietThe soil environment in which vegetables and fruits grow, because the soil environment can affect the mineral content of these foods. At present, research on the health effects of alkalizing foods is limited. More research is needed on alkalizing diets, especially on their effects on muscles, growth hormones, and vitaminsD.