Many diets are popular because of their promise to lose great amounts of weight in a short period of time. This is often achieved by dramatically reducing or totally eliminating a certain food group such as carbohydrates. Of course, depriving ourselves of something that our body is used to is a big challenge.

However, this is not the principle behind the breakthrough alkaline diet, which is also known as the alkaline ash diet, the alkaline acid diet and the acid alkaline diet. This diet allows moderate consumption of both alkaline-producing and acid-producing foods.

The typical Western diet includes meat, dairy, saturated fats, sugars, alcohol and caffeine. These foods can cause a build up of acid wastes in the body which is unhealthy. When there is a high level of acidity in the body, such an imbalance will most likely result in the creation of a perfect breeding ground for yeasts, fungus and molds as well as bacteria and viruses. Over-acidification will have adverse effects such as weight problems, allergies, fatigue, diabetes, heart problems and cancer.

When starting a diet, one of the main concerns is to understand the effects of the foods involved. The alkaline food chart has classified two main food groups which are the acid-producing foods and the alkaline-producing foods. The acid-producing group includes sugar, dairy products, meat, caffeine, high sugar fruits, saturated fats, processed foods, certain nuts, condiments and pasta. On the other hand, alkaline-producing foods include broccoli, celery, cucumber, spinach, asparagus, cabbage, certain nuts, avocados, carrots, basil, parsley, flaxseed oil, olive oil, lemons and grapefruit. The ideal daily intake of foods is 80% alkalizing and 20% acidifying.

It is necessary that this 80/20 balance be kept to maximize the benefits of the alkaline diet. This balance will regulate the body's acid/alkaline chemistry. With just a few simple changes in the diet, it is possible to boost energy levels. Alongside an energy boost, you will also see the correct regulation of weight, an increase in stamina, more clarity in thinking, an improvement in the immune system and a greater sense of wellbeing.