In recent months the Alkaline diet has shot to the top of our radars - but is following the diet a healthy way to lose weight?
According to the diet’s advocates, by eating mainly alkaline foods and keeping the body's pH between 7.35 and 7.45, we achieve optimum health.
Although the idea of eating mainly alkaline foods isn’t a new one, the diet has recently gained popularity thanks to Honestly Healthy - the food delivery service and popular cookbook.
Fans of the diet reportedly include Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston and Kirsten Dunst.
Founder of Honestly Healthy Natasha Corrett claims the diet has greatly improved her health.
“I have been following the Alkaline diet for five years, have never since dieted and I’ve slowly lost all the weight I wanted to lose," she told HuffPost UK Lifestyle.
“It got rid of my Polycystic ovary syndrome, my bloating and I have more energy. I find I don’t have to eat as much, I don’t get cravings and my mood swings have gone."
So what are the rules of the diet?
The Alkaline diet is based on the idea that foods high in acid cause us to lose essential minerals, which leads to us feeling ill and gaining weight.
Acidic foods aren’t completely banned on the diet, but it is recommended that they only make up 30% of food intake. This means caffeine, sugar, cow’s milk and gluten are limited.
The remaining 70% of food intake should consist of alkaline-heavy foods.
But does it work?
The key principles of the Alkaline diet have been questioned by health professionals. According to the NHS, your body regulates its acidity levels regardless of diet.
However, the NHS does note that the diet could lead to weight loss as when you cut out alcohol and processed foods, you're likely to replace them with healthier choices.
The British Dietetic Association (BDA) said: "The theory of the alkaline diet is that eating certain foods can help maintain the body's ideal pH balance (acidity levels) to improve overall health. But the body maintains its pH balance regardless of diet.
"The diet lacks evidence and some versions that advise cutting out entire food groups should be avoided. The more balanced versions of the diet provide variety and include all the food groups. If you are going to try the alkaline diet choose a balanced plan, stick to it to the letter and stay clear of supplements and other diet-related gimmicks."
If you want to try the diet the natural way but you're not sure where to start, the slideshow below is here to help….