The Alkaline Diet: Where It Misses the Mark — and Why It's Downright Dangerous

 

When preparing to give a talk on The Importance of Nutrition for Cancer, I felt it was essential to clear up the confusion between fact and fiction, especially regarding popular myths about how diet impacts cancer prevention or treatment. One myth that particularly stands out is the Alkaline Diet, or which you might have seen peddled as “The pH Miracle Diet”. This diet has been linked to dangerous practices, so I wanted to take a closer look and share the truth.

This is one of the reasons I pursued nutrition: to be part of an evidence-based community, steering people away from potentially harmful advice. I hope this blog encourages you to think critically about the health information you come across and to feel more confident in making decisions based on solid evidence.

Thank you for reading, and much love.

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When it comes to nutrition and cancer, misinformation is everywhere. One of the most persistent myths out there is the so-called Alkaline Diet, which claims that by eating alkaline foods and avoiding acidic ones, you can change the pH of your body to prevent, treat, or even cure cancer. It sounds like a straightforward solution, but that’s exactly what makes it so dangerous — it’s based on pseudoscience.

What Is the Alkaline Diet?

The premise of the Alkaline Diet is that the foods we eat influence our body’s pH levels. Advocates suggest that by avoiding "acid-forming" foods (like meat, dairy, and grains) and eating more "alkaline-forming" foods (like fruits, vegetables, and nuts), you can shift your body’s pH to a more alkaline state, which they claim is hostile to cancer cells.

But here’s the kicker: your body’s pH doesn’t work that way.

The Body’s Incredible Ability to Self-Regulate

The human body is a self-regulating machine. Your blood pH is tightly controlled and remains within a very narrow range (around 7.35-7.45). If it veers outside of this, it can lead to severe illness or even death. The idea that food could significantly alter your blood pH is simply false. The body has mechanisms in place, like breathing and kidney function, to keep pH stable — regardless of what you eat.

While certain foods can temporarily change the pH of your urine, this has nothing to do with altering your overall body pH. In fact, the kidneys do most of the work to eliminate excess acids or bases, ensuring that your blood remains in a safe range.

The Misleading Cancer Claims

The Alkaline Diet gained traction largely due to misunderstandings around cancer research, especially how cancer cells grow. Proponents often cite that cancer thrives in an acidic environment, but this takes the science out of context.

Yes, tumors tend to produce an acidic environment locally due to their rapid growth, but this acidity is a result of cancer rather than a cause. More importantly, the pH of the tumor’s environment is not something you can influence by what you eat. The body’s buffering systems keep your blood pH stable, meaning the diet’s purported anti-cancer effects are entirely misplaced.

The Robert O. Young Scandal: A Cautionary Tale

One of the most prominent figures behind the Alkaline Diet is Robert O. Young, a man who built an entire empire around these false claims. He sold books, supplements, and even ran a clinic where desperate cancer patients sought treatment. However, Young was sentenced to prison for practicing medicine without a license, and it came to light that his PhD was bought from a diploma mill. One tragic case was that of a young woman with breast cancer who spent thousands on his treatments, only to die under his care. Her family later sued him, and her case serves as a heartbreaking reminder of why misinformation like this is so dangerous.

Source: BBC News, 2017

Why It’s Not Just Wrong — It’s Dangerous

The real harm of the Alkaline Diet is not just that it’s based on faulty science, but that it distracts people from evidence-based treatments. By promoting the idea that you can "alkalize" your body to fight cancer, proponents of this diet often encourage patients to abandon or delay proven therapies like chemotherapy or radiation. For people with cancer, time is critical, and delaying treatment in favour of an unproven and ineffective diet could have fatal consequences. And, we already know that this has tragically happened.

Beyond that, the diet is restrictive. By eliminating whole food groups, like grains and dairy, it could lead to nutrient deficiencies over time. And while the focus on fruits and vegetables is positive, it should never be done at the cost of neglecting a balanced, varied diet.

Critical Thinking and the Dangers of Internet "Experts"

In a world where anyone can present themselves as an expert, it’s crucial to think critically about where you get your information. Just because someone is wearing a stethoscope on TikTok or Instagram, it doesn’t mean they’re qualified to give medical advice. Always seek information from credible sources — registered dietitians, certified nutritionists, and medical professionals with legitimate qualifications. 

Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Cancer is complex, and while nutrition plays an important role in overall health and recovery, there’s no diet that can act as a magic cure. We need to stop looking for shortcuts and instead focus on well-researched, evidence-based approaches.

A Healthier Approach to Nutrition

Instead of following diets based on misinformation, focus on balanced eating. A diet rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support your overall health and help you feel your best, whether you're preventing illness or recovering from it.

Rather than demonizing certain foods as "acidic" or "alkaline," it’s far more helpful to look at nutrition holistically. Aim to nourish your body with a variety of foods, and don’t stress about what you can’t control. What you can control is making healthy choices that are sustainable and enjoyable for the long term.

That said, it’s also important that you are listened to, and I will always open my ears to any client’s concerns. Some dietary changes are safe to experiment with, just NOT ideally while you’re on the road to beating cancer. Such things can wait for your recovery and beyond.

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Conclusion: Think Critically, Eat Wisely

The Alkaline Diet is a prime example of how misinformation can mislead even the most well-meaning people. It’s not just a harmless fad; it’s a dangerous distraction from real medical care. As always, be skeptical of anyone promising simple fixes to complex problems like cancer. Focus on evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle choices, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek advice from qualified professionals.

And, be warned:

It’s scandalous that despite the serious consequences of his actions, figures like Robert Young remain active in the health space, perpetuating dangerous myths. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of critically evaluating health claims and seeking evidence-based guidance in our nutrition and wellness journeys.

Unconditional Permission To Eat (UPTE): What It Really Means and Why It’s Key to Your Weekend (and Everyday) Eating

 Unconditional Permission to Eat (UPTE) originated within the framework of Intuitive Eating, a concept introduced by dietitians Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch in their 1995 book "Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works." The idea behind UPTE is to break free from restrictive dieting rules that often lead to disordered eating patterns, such as guilt around certain foods and cycles of restriction and bingeing. UPTE encourages a healthier relationship with food by promoting trust in your body’s hunger and fullness cues, thereby fostering a more sustainable approach to eating.

Though UPTE was initially developed to address issues related to eating disorders, it has gained wider recognition as a helpful principle for anyone seeking to improve their relationship with food. By allowing yourself permission to eat all types of food without guilt, it encourages moderation and balance, ultimately preventing negative food relationships and the harmful mindset of food as "good" or "bad."

This principle has now expanded to serve as a preventative measure against disordered eating, offering a non-restrictive, balanced approach to long-term nutrition.

UPTE encourages you to allow yourself to eat all foods—without labeling them as good or bad, or setting strict limits on them. This doesn’t mean eating endlessly or without awareness; instead, it’s about rejecting rigid food rules and embracing a mindset that prioritises balance and self-compassion.

The idea here is that when food becomes less of a “forbidden fruit,” it loses its power. Instead of bingeing or overeating, you’re more likely to find a peaceful balance with food choices. In short: UPTE means you’re in charge of your eating, not your restrictive mindset.

Breaking the Binge-Restrict Cycle

Many people struggle with a vicious cycle: restricting food during the week, followed by weekend binges when cravings spiral out of control. This is where UPTE shines—it helps break the binge-restrict pattern.

When you give yourself permission to eat all foods, you eliminate the “scarcity mindset” that makes indulgent foods feel irresistible once they're allowed. Instead of swinging between deprivation and overindulgence, UPTE guides you to a more balanced approach. The weekend no longer feels like an all-or-nothing battle with food, but rather a time to nourish yourself just like any other day.

UPTE and Weekend Eating: A Perfect Match

So, how does this look in practice, particularly over the weekend? Let’s explore how UPTE can help you navigate those days when you’re more likely to eat out, celebrate, or relax:

1. Let Go of Guilt: Did you have a slice of cake at your friend’s gathering? Enjoy it, guilt-free! By recognising that no single meal will “ruin” your healthy eating, you free yourself from unnecessary stress and mental burden.
2. Tune Into Hunger Cues: Instead of eating because it’s a ‘cheat day’ or because the diet starts Monday, listen to your hunger and fullness cues. Are you actually hungry, or are you eating because food is available? Let your body guide you. (Incidentally, I absolutely won't let my clients punish themselves by using 'cheat day' to describe their indulgences!)
3. Enjoy the Moment: Food is social, pleasurable, and meant to be enjoyed. Whether it’s brunch with friends or a family barbecue, enjoy the experience without the stress of overthinking each bite.
4. Remember Moderation: With UPTE, you can absolutely indulge in the foods you love. But by tuning in to your hunger and fullness signals, you’ll also know when to stop. Moderation becomes something that feels natural rather than forced.

Why a Balanced Approach is Best for Long-Term Success

It’s important to note that any diet—whether it’s Keto, Paleo, or low-fat—can work for short-term goals. However, strict diets aren’t always sustainable for the long term. UPTE helps you create a sustainable approach by focusing on balance, flexibility, and variety, which are essential for maintaining health and enjoyment over time.

When you meet your goals, a more balanced approach is easier to maintain. You’re no longer confined by rigid rules but instead have the tools to choose foods that make you feel good, fuel your body, and satisfy your mind.

What UPTE Isn’t: It’s Not a Free Pass to Overeat

It’s worth stressing that Unconditional Permission to Eat doesn’t mean giving up on healthy eating habits. It’s not about eating in excess or disregarding your body’s needs. Rather, it’s about trusting yourself and your body to make food decisions that align with your overall health goals, while letting go of food-related guilt.

If you do overeat on occasion, UPTE teaches you to forgive yourself and move on—because one meal doesn’t define your health journey. The key is compassion over criticism.

Final Thoughts

Unconditional Permission to Eat gives you the freedom to enjoy food without guilt while also tuning into what your body truly needs. Whether it’s a weekend dinner out or a weekday snack, the goal is to honor your hunger, eat with satisfaction, and trust your body’s wisdom.

Next time you feel bad for enjoying yourself over the weekend? Firstly, I say: "Really, try NOT to!" It’s okay. You can start afresh anytime. UPTE helps you embrace the flow of life, where food fits in naturally, without unnecessary restrictions.

My philosophy, when working with clients, is that they are in charge. We'll talk about concepts of UPTE and intuitive eating (mindful eating) regardless of whether their goals are to lose weight, or just eat healthier. Having had the benefit of studying with Mac Nutrition (MNU), where eating disorders was lectured, I know how to spot 'red flags' that might lead me to admit when something could be out of my  scope of practice. In the event this should happen, I will always help a client find the right counselling, if I believe they might be bordering on/have an eating disorder. For most, hopefully, that won't be necessary. It's simply a matter of learning to put UPTE into practice thereby stopping escalation in its tracks.