Humans are slightly alkaline – your blood should be a pH between 7.35 to 7.45. Anything outside that range can be life-threatening. So why are you being told to follow an alkaline diet? Proponents of the diet claim it can tackle everything from osteoporosis to cancer. Norman and Tegan do a litmus test on the alkaline-acid balance and whether it’s a driver of chronic disease. References: Physiology, Acid Base Balance The effect of acid ash and alkaline ash foodstuffs on the acid-base equilibrium of man Urine pH is an indicator of dietary acid–base load, fruit and vegetables and meat intakes: results from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Norfolk population study Why is there so much on the internet about the alkaline diet and cancer? – MD Anderson  Low-grade metabolic acidosis as a driver of chronic disease: a 21st century public health crisis Diet-Induced Low-Grade Metabolic Acidosis and Clinical Outcomes: A Review If you enjoyed this episode, check these out! Why Norman won't shut up about the Mediterranean diet Why is the internet telling me to lower my cortisol? MSG's messy myths and racist tropes