Whether it was through social media, a family member, or that random friend on Facebook, you've probably heard about the alkaline diet. Now you might've wondered, what exactly is an alkaline diet and why is Steve raving about it on FB?! In today's post, we're going to go over what an alkaline diet is, briefly look into its history and the man behind it, and the benefits that have made it so popular for decades!
What is an Alkaline diet?
An alkaline diet is based on the idea that replacing acid-forming foods with alkaline foods can improve your health. Yet, if you were to look up "alkaline diet" on google, you would be met with a lot of conflicting information in regards to what you should eat, and how to go about it. That's because there's a wide variety of diets that are considered alkaline, like the alkaline ash diet, or acid-alkaline diet. There's even a "mucusless diet" that goes all the way back to the 1800 that promotes avoiding acidic foods.
Nevertheless, the core principle of an alkaline diet is usually the same, avoid acidic foods like meats, alcohol, eggs, grains, and choose more alkaline foods like vegetables, legumes, fruits, and nuts. Now in the last few years, the alkaline diet has been a hot topic throughout social media. Why? Because of a man named Alfredo Bowman, more commonly known as Dr. Sebi. He was an herbalist that made global headlines when he was able to cure people, even famous artists, from diseases that are known to be incurable by modern medicine. In today's blog post, we'll be focusing on Dr. Sebi's version of an alkaline diet.
Dr. Sebi Biography
Alfredo Bowman was born on November 26th, 1933 in Llanga, Honduras. Growing up, he ate the typical S.A.D diet that is common throughout most of the world. When he came to America as a young adult he was diagnosed with asthma, diabetes, impotency, and obesity. After many years of failed attempts by western medicine to heal him, he was told to see a herbalist in Mexico by the name of Alfredo Cortez.
During his treatment with Cortez, he took part of a 90 day treatment which included fasting and taking particular herbs. On the 30th day of this treatment, it is said that he reversed his diabetes, on the 52nd day, his impotence. By the end of the 90th day, he was cured of all ailments that took him to Mexico in the first place.
Healed, transformed, and completely inspired by his personal experience, Dr. Sebi spent decades studying the plants and herbs of Africa, the Caribbean, and North, South, and Central America. He also created natural vegetation cell food compounds geared into inter-cellular cleansing and the revitalization of the cells that make up the body.
Dr. Sebi Healing Center
In 1980, he gave birth to the USHA research institute and the USHA healing village in La Caba, Honduras. It is there that he helped many people, including a few celebrities such as, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopez, Steven Seagal, John Travolta, and even Michael Jackson. The center has been there for over 40 years now and has helped thousands people. He also has practices in New York City and Los Angeles.
Dr. Sebi’s Famous Court Case
In 1987, Dr. Sebi ran ads in the Amsterdam News, the Village Voice, and the New York Post newspapers claiming that he had a cure for AIDS, HIV, diabetes, herpes, paralysis, and several other diseases. The New York Attorney General Robert Abrams had ordered him to remove the ads. Sebi refused and was soon arrested on charges of practicing medicine without a license, selling products not approved by the FDA, and his claims.
On Feb. 10, 1987, detectives arrested Dr. Sebi in his New York office. “Everybody in my office was crying,” Sebi said in an interview, “but not me, I was happy. “ I had the diagnostic sheets of everyone that I had cured showing their medical diagnosis from American doctors from credible American medical schools. I also had written statements from not one, but two independent doctors verifying that the patient’s disease no longer existed.”
The judge demanded Sebi bring to court one of each of his patients who could testify that he or she had been cured by Dr. Sebi of these fatal diseases. Dr. Sebi brought in 77 patients. After hearing the testimonies of each of them, the jury found Sebi not guilty.
Before Sebi’s triumphant acquittal, there were 2,781 cases that came before the New York Supreme Court on fraudulent medical claims - all ending with a verdict of guilty.
Dr. Sebi’s Death
In May 2016, Bowman was arrested in Honduras after being found carrying thousands of dollars in cash with no intention of telling officials of its origin. During several weeks' detention in jail, he supposedly contracted pneumonia and died in police custody as he was being transported to a hospital.
There is a lot of controversy surrounding his death. Many believe that Dr. Sebi was a threat to the billion-dollar medical and pharmaceutical industry, and that his death was no accident.
Dr. Sebi was 82 years old when he passed. He left behind a legacy of holistic health, wisdom, and inspiration. He was able to help thousands of people in his lifetime and even now his knowledge and work is being carried on by his family.
What is an Alkaline Diet according to Dr.Sebi?
Dr. Sebi recognized that disease is a symptom of the accumulation of mucus and excess acid in the body and that disease can only thrive in an acidic environment. He taught that there is in fact only one true disease, which is caused by the consumption of acidic foods.
The aim of the alkaline diet is not to try and raise the pH of the blood, but to support the body’s efforts to maintain our optimal pH. When we eat acidic foods, our bodies go to extreme lengths to maintain safe pH levels. When the body becomes acidic, it is forced to strip minerals from bones and vital organs to restore alkalinity. Mucus is then produced to protect the delicate cell membranes from acidic damage. This leads to compromised membranes and sticky mucus that reduces the cell’s ability to absorb vital nutrients and remove toxic waste. Blood flow is hampered, pressure builds, oxygenation is reduced and waste stagnates. Which ultimately leads to the perfect environment for disease.
Dr. Sebi also taught that uric carbonic and lactic acid are responsible for most of the gradual damage that occurs in the human body. Starchy foods are the number one source of carbonic acid so they are not included in his alkaline food guide. Sebi also discovered that hybridized or man-made foods do not contain a naturally occurring molecular structure and must use binders such as starch, therefore, hybrid foods are also excluded from nutritional guide.
Our Current Dilemma
The serious problem we face today is that the standard Western diet is extremely acidic. Full of animal products, starch, coffee, and alcohol. Things that are putting constant pressure on the body to neutralize these acids which over time breaks down our organs and leads to serious health problems. Dr. Sebi taught that it's essential to eat foods that when mixed with our bodies chemistry, create an alkaline environment.
Dr. Sebi created a guide that promotes an alkaline environment in the body, supporting the return to homeostasis. The diet consisted of only non-hybrid alkaline vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, and legumes, which would alkalize and remove mucus from the body.
Keep in mind
I would like to note that Dr. Sebi was constantly adding and removing foods from his alkaline guide, and there is a very high chance that there is an abundance of healthy, alkaline foods that are not listed as he is no longer with us and never finished the list. I personally use his teachings as a GUIDE on the best foods to eat. I see some judgment on social media towards people that are trying to eat plant based but still eat things that are not on the "alkaline list", and I don’t agree.
My Journey
My healing journey has been just that, a journey. It didn’t happen overnight. In my experience, it's more important to build a healthy relationship and habits with your food and body. This can take time. I grew up eating a standard American diet, but 8 years ago my body guided me towards a plant based diet. My body started showing me symptoms and signs that I couldn’t ignore, and as soon as I went vegan my health was transformed and I felt better than I ever had.
Although I was thriving on a plant based diet, my healing journey was about to get deeper. 3 years ago I started experiencing a lot of gut issues and food sensitivity towards tofu, sweets, and other starchy foods. Around this time I was also studying to become a holistic nutritionist, and happened to learn about the alkaline diet and Dr. Sebi. I was amazed by his story and decided to test out his teachings.
I cut out hybrid, starchy, acidic foods like tofu and rice, and replaced it with alkaline foods like quinoa and garbanzo beans. What happened? No more gut pains or issues! So you see, my body guided me towards an alkaline diet, not a list. Do I still occasionally eat or drink things that are not on Dr. Sebi's guide? YES! Do I stress about it? Not one bit. I continue to listen to my body above all. I'm a strict vegan for ethical reasons, and I love eating alkaline because of how it makes me feel, but if I'm out with friends and there's a vegan dish that isn't 100% alkaline, it's okay! If it's made out of plants, that's all that matters to me. I eat mainly alkaline foods because that's when I feel at my best, not because of any restrictions in mind.
The bottom line, it's more important to be consistent than perfect. So with that in mind, whether you're ready to go 100% alkaline, or simply want to incorporate more plant based, alkaline foods into your diet, be proud of yourself! Any step towards growth and healing should be applauded.
Dr. Sebi's Nutritional Guide
Having said that, let‘s take a look at Dr. Sebi’s list
VEGETABLES
Amaranth greens – same as Callaloo, a variety of Spinach
Avocado
Bell Peppers
Chayote (Mexican Squash)
Cucumber
Dandelion greens
Garbanzo beans
Green banana
Izote – cactus flower/ cactus leaf
Kale
Lettuce (all, except Iceberg)
Mushrooms (all, except Shiitake) •
Okra
Olives (not soaked in vinegar)
Purslane (Verdolaga)
Sea Vegetables (wakame/dulse/ arame/hijiki/nori)
Squash - except pumpkin
Tomato – cherry & plum only
Tomatillo
Turnip greens
Watercress •
Nopales (Mexican Cactus)
Onions
GRAINS
Amaranth
Fonio
Kamut
Quinoa
Rye
Spelt
Teff
Wild Rice
NUTS & SEEDS
Hemp seeds
Raw sesame seeds
Raw sesame seeds /tahini butter
Walnuts
Brazil nuts
FRUITS
Apples
Bananas – the smallest one or the Burro/mid-size
Berries – all varieties – no cranberries
Cantaloupe
Cherries
Currants
Dates
Figs
Grapes – Seeded
Limes (key limes preferred with seeds)
Mango
Melons – Seeded
Orange (Seville or sour preferred)
Papayas
Peaches
Pear
Plums
Prickly Pear (Cactus Fruit) • Prunes
Raisins – Seeded
Soft Jelly Coconuts
Soursops – (Latin or West)
Tamarind
SPICES AND SEASONINGS MILD FLAVORS
Basil
Bay leaf
Cloves
Dill
Oregano
Parsley
Savory
Sweet Basil
Tarragon
Thyme
SALT SEASONINGS
Pure Sea Salt
Granulated Seaweed -(Kelp/Dulce/ Nori – has “sea taste”)
SWEETNERS
100% Pure Agave Syrup (from cactus)
Date Sugar/Syrup
Coconut Sugar/Nectar
PUNGENT AND SPICY FLAVORS
Achiote
Cayenne/ African Bird Pepper (omitted on ahealtycrush.com)
Coriander (Cilantro)
Habanero
Onion Powder
Sage
HERBS
Allspice
Anise
Burdock
Chamomile
Elderberry
Fennel
Ginger
Raspberry
Sarsaparilla
Tila (Linden flower)
Valerian
OILS
Coconut oil (do not cook)
Olive oil (do not cook)
Avocado oil
Grape-seed oil
Hempseed oil
Sesame seed oil
Aside from sticking to the outlined foods, other recommendations in Dr. Sebi’s guide include:
• Avoiding animal products, including dairy and fish, as well as hybrid foods and alcohol.
• Drinking 1 gallon of natural spring water daily.
• Avoiding microwave
• Eliminating canned or seedless fruits.
Health Benefits
Now that we've gone over the brief history of Dr. Sebi, how the alkaline diet works, and his guide, let's dive deeper into some of the benefits.
Heart Health - A plant based, alkaline diet is one of the only diets that can prevent, treat, and reverse heart disease, our number 1 killer, taking more than 600,000 million Americans lives every year. Not to mention, Dr. Sebi promotes taking alkaline herbs and supplements such as Sea Moss, which is a mineral and vitamin rich algae which improves blood flow, circulation, and helps control and regulate blood pressure. It also helps build stronger blood vessels and greatly slowing their deterioration. (1)
Blood Pressure - When patients with high blood pressure begin a plant based diet, many are able to eliminate the need for medication. Based on a study of 89,000 people, those eating meat-free diets appeared to cut their risk of high blood pressure 55%, but those eating meat-free, egg-free, and dairy-free had 75% lower risk. Studies have also shown that adding meat to a plant based diet raises blood pressure levels rapidly and significantly. Source - (1)
Diabetes - Type 2 diabetes can be prevented, treated, and even reversed with a plant-based diet that's low in fat—something we’ve known since back in the 1930s. (2)
Kidney Disease - Kidney failure is both preventable and treatable with a plant-based diet. Harvard researchers found three significant dietary risk factors for declining kidney function: animal protein, animal fat, and cholesterol. Animal fat can alter the actual structure of our kidneys, fat literally clogging up the works in autopsied human kidneys. And, the animal protein can have a pro- found effect on normal kidney function—inducing what’s called hyper-filtration (increasing the workload of the kidneys); while, plant based protein doesn't do this. Then, there’s the acid load. Animal foods—meat, eggs, and dairy induce the formation of acid within the kidneys, which may lead to tubular toxicity. Animal foods tend to be acid- forming—especially fish, which is the worst, then pork and poultry, whereas plant foods tend to be relatively neutral, or actually alkaline (base-forming) to counteract the acid. (3)
Alzheimers - In studies across 11 countries, fat consumption appeared to be most closely correlated with the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease, with the lowest fat intake and Alzheimer’s rates in China to the highest fat intake and Alzheimer’s rates in the United States. Higher saturated fat intake was associated with a poorer trajectory of cognition and memory. Women with the highest saturated fat intake had 60 to 70% greater odds of the worst change in brain function. Meanwhile, a plant based - alkaline diet rich in mushrooms such as lions mane, have shown to help get rid of amyloid plaque as well as build myelin sheaths. Amyloid plaque is a protein that destroys healthy neurons, impairs cognition, and has been associated with Alzheimer’s disease. (4)
Cancer - In 2015, the World Health Organization classified both red and processed meats (e.g., bacon) as carcinogens. The World Health Organization and American Cancer Society recommend limiting consumption of processed meat and red meat for cancer prevention. Research links these types of meat with colon, stomach, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. In addition, research on red meat shows its link to breast cancer and bladder cancer.
Research also suggests a link between dairy and cancer. The growth hormone IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) is most commonly found in cow’s milk and encourages rapid cancer cell growth. Evidence suggests that low-fat, high-fiber diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans best protect against cancer. Not surprisingly, vegetarians, whose diets are full of these plant foods, are at the lowest risk for cancer com- pared to those who eat meat.” (5)
Mental Health - Studies have shown that eating an alkaline diet that has high-potassium foods like sea moss can significantly improve behaviour and mental functioning (especially for ADD children). High potassium foods are also very helpful for fibromyalgia, moodiness, agitation, depression and anxiety disorders. Seamoss is also an excellent source of a range of B vitamins, which are well known for supporting the nervous system and reducing stress!
Digestion - Creating a more alkalized environment throughout your body is proven to lower the number of harmful bacteria within your digestive tract. An alkaline diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables helps to cleanse the colon and detox the body which leads to better digestion and absorption
Sex Health - Due to the generous amount of zinc and other minerals that are vital for reproductive function and health, alkaline foods are great for anyone who desires an increased sex drive. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, sea moss promotes circulation throughout the entire body, especially our reproductive organs.
Bone and Muscle Mass - A three-year study showed that an alkaline diet rich in potassium, such as fruits and vegetables, resulted in preservation of muscle mass and bone strength in older men and women
An alkaline diet is also rich in minerals which is great for bone health by balancing the ratio of minerals that are important for building bones and maintaining lean muscle mass, including calcium, magnesium and phosphate. (6)
Back Pain Relief - Studies have found a connection between an alkaline diet and reduced levels of chronic pain. Chronic acidosis has been found to contribute to chronic back pain, headaches, muscle spasms, menstrual symptoms, inflammation and joint pain.
One study conducted by the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements in Germany found that when patients with chronic back pain were given an alkaline supplement daily for four weeks, 76 of 82 patients reported significant decreases in pain as measured by the “Arhus low back pain rating scale.” (7)
In Conclusion
There are many versions of an alkaline diet. Recently, the alkaline diet has gained traction through social media because of an herbalist known as Dr. Sebi. He made world headlines when he proved in front of the Supreme Court that he had a cure for AIDS, HIV, diabetes, herpes, paralysis, and several other diseases. He also has healing retreats in Honduras, New York City, and Los Angeles were he has treated thousands of people, including celebrities.
Dr. Sebi recognized that disease is a symptom of the accumulation of mucus and excess acid in the body and that disease can only thrive in an acidic environment. He taught that there is in fact only one true disease, which is caused by the consumption of acidic foods.
Dr. Sebi created a guide that promotes an alkaline environment in the body, supporting the return to homeostasis. The diet consisted of only non-hybrid alkaline vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, and legumes, which would alkalize and remove mucus from the body.
Some of the known benefits of an alkaline diet include improved heart health, blood pressure, mental health, digestion, bone and muscle mass, back pain relief, and helps prevent Cancer, Diabetes, Alzheimer's, Kidney disease, and Heart disease.
So now that you know a little bit more about an alkaline diet, what are your thoughts? Are you left with any questions? If so, I invite you to message me on IG so I can answer your question in my next blog post.
Medical Disclaimer: Alkaline and Thrive both free and paid post, programs, and ebooks herein referred to as (“products”) are intended for educational and informative purposes only, and are not intended to serve as medical or profession advice. You should consult your physician or other health care professional for medical advice.
References:
Dr. Sebi's Nutritional Guide. https://drsebiscellfood.com/wp-content/themes/sebi/assets/src/nutritional-guide.pdf (1) Source - https://nutritionfacts.org/2019/1
(2) Source - https://www.pcrm.org/health-topics/diabetes
(3) Source - https:// nutritionfacts.org
(4) Source - https://nutritionfacts.org/ video/why-is-meat
Comments