The importance of the alkaline diet on human health, despite the fact that it has become increasingly popular in recent years and is supported by many practitioners, is not a new concept. It is based on the same principles that we find in the writings of Hippocrates, in ancient Indian medicine, known as Ayurveda, and in the Cretan diet.

Today, the average human diet consists of almost 80% of what is referred to as acidic foods such as meat, dairy products, baked goods, and sugar, and only 20% of alkaline foods such as fruits, seeds, etc.

The metabolism of acidic foods leads to the development of free radicals, which, combined with adverse environmental conditions and stress, can lead to accelerated cellular deterioration and contribute to ageing. Modern lifestyles and working conditions can contribute to poor eating habits, however dietary supplements can correct nutritional deficiencies, maintain an adequate intake of certain nutrients, and support specific physiological functions.

As the value of alkalising the body has only started to be recognised by a broader audience in recent years, dietary supplements to regulate the body's pH that will provide the benefits of alkaline nutrition are not as common as other dietary supplements. Currently, there are only a few products on the market and it is apparent that an innovative body pH balancing supplement that combines essential minerals with nutrients and vitamins is needed.

In the EU-funded European project AQUABIOPRO-FIT we are developing specialised nutritional supplements which contain proteins and other bioactive ingredients, using by-products of fisheries and aquaculture, and which will provide users with essential nutrients. This supplement is specifically designed to help the body naturally cope with conditions that cause acidity and restore the body's normal pH.

The supplement will be tested for three months in a study involving approximately 100 participants, aged 35 to 70, with low urinary pH. The effectiveness of the supplement will be evaluated against a placebo based on the results obtained from a) measurement of the pH of morning urine after overnight fasting using appropriate pΗ strips each month, b) evaluation of subjective mental well-being through the WHO-5 questionnaire, and c) assessment of the general condition of the organs of the body with a bioresonance device.

Article written by Dr. Zoi Georgiou,Biochemist, Clinical Chemist Ph.D at Biognosis, Greece, partner of the AQUABIOPRO-FIT project