Entsäuerungsprogramme

Entsäuerungsprogramme, sometimes translated as "acid-cleansing programs" or "detoxification diets," are a category of dietary and lifestyle approaches that aim to balance the body's pH levels. Proponents of these programs believe that the modern diet, rich in processed foods, sugar, and certain animal products, leads to an acidic internal environment, which they associate with various health problems such as fatigue, weight gain, and inflammation. The central tenet is that by consuming more alkaline-forming foods, the body can become more alkaline, thereby improving health.

These programs typically involve a significant reduction or elimination of acidic foods, which are often identified as meat, dairy, refined grains, sugar, and alcohol. Conversely, they emphasize the consumption of alkaline-forming foods, which include most fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Hydration, often with purified water or herbal teas, is also a key component. Some programs may also recommend supplements or specific detoxification practices like enemas or colonics, though these are not universally included.

The scientific basis for the need for such programs is debated. While the body does have sophisticated buffering systems to maintain blood pH within a very narrow range, the idea that dietary changes can significantly alter this internal pH for health benefits is not widely supported by mainstream medical science. Many of the reported benefits are anecdotal or may be attributable to the general improvement in diet quality often associated with following such programs, such as increased intake of nutrients and fiber from fruits and vegetables, and a reduction in processed foods.