Alkaline Diet

Alkaline Diet is a nutritional model focused on acid-base balance. The primary aim of the diet is to reduce the acid load introduced into the body through food and to increase the consumption of foods with high alkaline properties. Arterial blood pH is approximately 7.4, which is slightly alkaline. Various buffer systems—including bicarbonate buffers, protein buffers, the respiratory system, and the renal system—function to maintain pH balance in the body.

Classification of Acidic and Alkaline Foods

The classification of foods as acidic or alkaline is based on the metabolic waste they leave behind after digestion in the body. Foods containing components such as phosphorus, sulfur, and protein are classified as acidic, while foods containing elements such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium are classified as alkaline.

• Alkaline foods: Fruits, vegetables, legumes, and some nuts.^【1】
• Acidic foods: Meat, dairy products, eggs, grains, processed foods, fried products, chocolate, and caffeine.^【2】
• Neutral-effect foods: Fats and certain types of sugars fall into this category.^【3】
• In an alkaline diet, a consumption ratio of approximately 80% alkaline and 20% acidic foods is generally recommended.

Food Examples in the Alkaline Diet (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)

Calcium Metabolism and Bone Health

High acid loads can increase calcium excretion through the kidneys, leading to mineral loss in the body. There is an association between the consumption of alkaline-rich vegetables and fruits and bone mineral density. However, further research is needed to determine the impact of alkaline interventions on bone mineral density and bone turnover markers.

Chemotherapy and Alkaline Environment

The efficacy of certain chemotherapeutic agents can be influenced by intracellular and extracellular pH levels. It has been reported that agents such as epirubicin and doxorubicin are more effective in an alkaline environment, whereas cisplatin and thiotepta are more effective in an acidic environment. Therefore, pH balance during treatment may be one of the factors affecting therapeutic responses.

Kidney Stones and Acid-Base Relationship

Some studies have indicated that diets with high acid loads may increase the risk of kidney stone formation, while increased intake of alkaline minerals may reduce this risk.^【4】

Acid-Base Balance in Children

Diets with high acid loads can affect growth and development in children. Conditions such as renal tubular acidosis may be associated with growth retardation and reduced growth hormone levels. Positive outcomes have been observed in the treatment of such cases using potassium citrate and bicarbonate supplementation.

Alkaline Supplements and Supplementation

The use of potassium and alkaline salts as supplements has been studied for their effects on bone health and calcium excretion. Doses of 60 mmol per day or higher have been shown to reduce bone loss and maintain calcium balance. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects of such supplements.^【5】

Nutritional Guidelines and Practices

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2015–2020) recommend consuming 10 servings of vegetables and fruits per day. The Türkiye-Specific Nutrition Guide (2015) sets this recommendation at a minimum of 5 servings and advises prioritizing foods such as leafy green vegetables and citrus fruits. Neither guideline explicitly uses the term “alkaline diet,” but both promote similar recommendations to increase vegetable and fruit intake.