#19 What is an Alkaline Diet? (Part 1)

Yes, yes, I know, I am really looking into this food and eating topic! But it’s an important part of life! It’s no use you have a really cool car but it can’t drive because you’re putting in Energade instead of petrol. 🤪

So, what is a “alkaline based” diet (pun intended)?  🥗 And is it good fuel for your car, I mean body?

You’ve probably heard that many doctors and homoeopaths recommend eating an alkaline diet. But what do they actually mean when they say this? And is it a valid recommendation?

When people talk about eating an “alkaline” diet, they don’t mean changing your stomach or blood pH. Your stomach is supposed to be acidic (to digest food), and your blood stays slightly alkaline (pH 7.35–7.45) no matter what you eat—otherwise, you’d be seriously ill.

What they do mean is reducing the acid load your body has to deal with after digestion.

So what actually becomes acidic or alkaline?

Your urine changes pH based on what you eat because it is trying to maintain balance.

Your tissues and fluids between cells (interstitial fluid) are where this balance matters. Too much acid load over time may affect things like bones, kidneys, and cause inflammation. This can cause and contribute to many different ailments.

Your body uses minerals (like calcium or magnesium) to buffer acidity, which is why a mineral-rich, plant-based diet is often called “alkaline-forming.”

Acid-forming foods: meat, dairy, sugar, processed foods.
Alkaline-forming foods: leafy greens, fruits, veggies, legumes

Funny enough, lemons are acidic in taste but alkaline-forming in the body.

Where does healing happen? When people say “healing happens in an alkaline environment,” they often mean that healthy tissue is better maintained when your cells aren’t overwhelmed by acidic waste. It’s not about making your body more alkaline—it’s about not overloading it with acid-forming by products so it can function well and heal.

So, can you test your urine to see if your ph is good?

Well, yes, but you are going to need to do it a few times and remember certain things. (And I should probably put a disclaimer: these blog posts are not to be used as medical advice.  Common sense and talking to your doctor about your specific situation is always recommended.)

Urine pH is usually more acidic in the morning, that’s normal.
The body is smart: it uses the urine to dump extra acids or bases to keep your blood stable.
If your urine is always below 6, you may want to eat more vegetables, fruit, and whole plant foods to help your body stay in balance.

But wait, I have more thoughts on this alkaline concept…. will write them in the next post.