Benefit
According to Sushma PS, Head of Nutrition at Jindal Naturecure Hospital (India), alkaline foods act as a preventive measure against acid build-up in the body, aiding in a gentle detoxification process.
Consuming alkaline foods also promotes digestive health by combining ingredients that are low in acidity and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, all of which are essential for digestive health.
However, their effectiveness on the gut depends on the individual and how the diet is applied.
The benefits of alkaline foods for gut health include:
Balance pH in the body: Alkaline foods help maintain pH balance in the body, minimize acidification, contribute to reducing indigestion symptoms and improve intestinal health.
Reduce inflammation: Alkaline foods often have anti-inflammatory properties, such as green vegetables, fresh fruits, and nuts. Inflammation in the gut is a contributing factor to digestive problems. Eating alkaline foods can help reduce inflammation levels and aid in the repair of the gut lining.
Improve gut microbiota: Alkaline foods such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts contain fiber and nutrients that support the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. A healthy microbiota plays an important role in maintaining digestive function and the immune system.
Aids digestion: Alkaline foods rich in fiber, such as green vegetables and fruits, can help improve bowel movements, relieve constipation and aid digestion.
Alkaline foods to choose
Green vegetables: Spinach, kale, broccoli, bok choy.
Fruits: Bananas, watermelons, apples, pears, oranges.
Nuts and grains: Almonds, chia seeds, flax seeds.
Root vegetables: Sweet potatoes, radishes, carrots.
Nutritionist Sushma PS notes that while alkaline foods are beneficial for gut health, focusing on just one food or an alkaline diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Therefore, you should combine an alkaline diet with a varied diet that includes acidic foods such as meat proteins and dairy products.
