According to some alternative practitioners, the shift to an acid-producing diet is the cause of a number of chronic diseases. Some practitioners recommend the alkaline diet if a person has the following symptoms and other illnesses have been ruled out.

Lack of energy

Excessive mucous production

Nasal congestion

Frequent colds and flu

Anxiety, nervousness, irritability

Ovarian cysts, polycystic ovaries, benign breast cysts

Headache

Although conventional doctors do believe that increasing consumption of fruit and vegetables and reducing one's intake of meat, salt, and refined grains is beneficial to health, most conventional doctors do not believe that an acid-producing diet is the foundation of chronic illness.

In conventional medicine, there is evidence, however, that alkaline diets may help prevent the formation of calcium kidney stones, osteoporosis, and age-related muscle wasting.

What is the Evidence for Alkaline Diets?

Not too much. Large, well-designed clinical trials on the effectiveness of the alkaline diet for general health are lacking.

Are There Any Safety Concerns?

It's a good idea to consult your doctor before trying a new diet. The alkaline diet should not be used by people with acute or chronic kidney failure unless under a doctor's supervision. People with pre-existing heart disease and those on medications that affect potassium levels in the body should check with their doctor first.