Special Diets: Alkaline Diet

These guidelines are recommended for “acidic” conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatism and cystitis.

Acidic by-products, which come naturally from the intestines, are usually neutralized and eliminated through the liver, lungs and kidneys. Illnesses can occur if the body produces too much “acid” or if the metabolic processes fail to detoxify it.

The foods allowed in this “alkaline” diet can reduce the general levels of “acidity” in the body.

Foods Allowed

• Fish, preferably fresh and white

• Soya milk

• Goats and sheep produce such as milk, cheese and yoghurt

• Pulses (peas, beans, lentils)

• Oats, brown rice, corn (maize), whole-wheat pasta, millet, 100% rye crisp bread and gluten-free bread

• Sugar-free oatcakes and muesli, tapioca and white rice bread

• All dried bruit and fruit except citrus fruit and tomatoes, which can be eaten twice a week

• All vegetables

• All nuts, especially hazel, almond, cashew and walnut

• Sugar-cane molasses and sugar-free jam

• Grain coffee (health coffees – barley, chicory), herbal teas, unsweetened fruit/vegetable juices and miso soup

• Salt substitute and vegetarian stock cubes

• Vegetable oil and spreads made from vegetable oil or olive oil

• Carob

Foods Allowed Only Twice a Week

• Smoked or tinned fish

• White meat and poultry

• Eggs

• Tomatoes

• Butter and non-vegetable margarine (as little as possible)

Foods to Avoid

• Red meat (lamb, beef, pork)

• Cows produce, such as milk, cheese and yoghurt

• Foods containing brown flour, including bread, cakes and pastries (whole wheat pasta may be eaten)

• Bran

• Any product where wheat starch, edible starch, cereal filler or cereal protein is listed as an ingredient

• Citrus fruit and waxed fruit (although citrus fruit are acidic initially, they become alkaline after being digested)

• Dry-roasted nuts, crisps and other salty snacks

• Sugar, treacle, syrup and honey and any foods containing them

• Coffee, decaffeinated coffee, cocoa and tea

• Salt, pepper and vinegar

• Chocolate

• Alcohol

• Spicy foods

• Fried foods

• Refined, processed foods

Note: White flour and junk food should be avoided altogether and should not be reintroduced to the diet.