Acid Alkaline Diet

What it is: The Acid Alkaline diet is based on the theory that our diet should reflect the natural pH level of our bodies, which is typically between 7.35 and 7.45. The meal plan encourages dieters to strongly feature medium to high alkaline (basic) foods in their diet.

How it works: The authors of the diet book believe that a diet rich in acidic foods offsets our body’s balance, which results in a loss of essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium, and thus makes us more prone to illness.

What you do: The diet recommends eating about 70-80% alkaline foods. These foods include things like pumpkin seeds, avocado, broccoli and cucumbers. You are also permitted to eat foods with lower acidity like wild fish, pecans and nectarines.

Benefits: The diet will help you avoid illnesses like cold and flu, boost your energy, and reduce anxiety.

The Down Side: There is no scientific evidence or clinical trials backing the Acid Alkaline Diet. The diet book emphasizes the benefits of exercise, but does not lay out a clear exercise regimen for dieters.