INTRODUCTION TO
THE ALKALINE DIET
The alkaline diet -- also known as nutripathy -- is based on the proposition that alkalinity in the cells of the body is conducive to health, while acidity is conducive to illness. When foods are metabolised in the cells, they are effectively "burned up" and leave behind an "ash". This ash tends to be either alkaline, acidic or neutral, depending largely on the mineral content of the food.
This state of alkalinity or acidity can be measured and charted on a scale -- known as the pH scale -- which goes from zero to fourteen. A rating of 7 is neutral, less than 7 is acidic and more than 7 is alkaline. The human bloodstream is rated at 7.4, which is mildly alkaline. The human body goes to great lengths to maintain the blood at 7.4, if necessary drawing alkaline minerals from the cells. If the body has to draw too many minerals from the cells, however, the result is acidity, which is conducive to a large variety of illnesses.
To maintain alkalinity in the body, it is necessary to consume foods that supply the necessary alkaline minerals. The balance of foods should be in the ratio of four parts of alkaline foods to one part of acid-forming food. This ratio is necessary because it takes four parts of alkaline to neutralise one part of acid. In short, the diet should be 80% alkaline foods and 20% acid-forming foods.