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.
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.
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