Do not think batteries -- think balance. That is the crucial element to improving your health and lowering your risk for diseases like cancer, according to proponents of the alkaline diet. They say the body's pH level should be considered when it comes to our diet. When we load up on large chunks of protein, sugar, caffeine and other highly-processed food, our pH levels are thrown out of order. This in turn drains the body of important alkaline minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, which prevent diseases such as osteoporosis.

Although there is no scientific research to back the claims of the alkaline diet, it is looked upon favorably by holistic doctors and some nutritionists who test pH levels through blood, saliva and urine.

The diet tells followers to eat 70 to 80% alkaline foods and 20 to 25% acid foods.
For alkaline foods, the higher the alkaline the better. For acidic foods, the lower the acidity the more benefits you will reap.

High to moderate alkaline foods include: broccoli sprouts, cucumbers, kale, wheat grass, parsley, pumpkin seeds, buckwheat, avocado, almonds, lima beans, soy beans, cayenne, sea salt and red chili peppers. Foods with low acidity include: cow's milk, wild fish, black beans, chickpeas, flaxseed, pecans, cantaloupe, dates and nectarines.