Eating More Alkaline Foods Can Enhance Intelligence
Eating More Alkaline Foods Can Enhance Intelligence
British scientists believe that the pH level of human brain fluids correlates with intelligence.
Within the allowable range of fluid acidity and alkalinity, higher acidity corresponds to lower intelligence, while higher alkalinity correlates with higher intelligence—similar to how body fluids become more acidic during fatigue due to increased lactic acid and urea. In a study of 42 boys aged 6 to 13, those with cerebral fluid pH above 7.0 had twice the intelligence quotient (IQ) of those below 7.0. This marks the first scientific discovery linking human IQ directly to brain fluid pH, termed by scientists as a "chemical marker" of intellectual level.
Since fluid pH can be regulated through diet, scientists propose improving dietary structure by increasing intake of alkaline foods to enhance intelligence. Foods are categorized into alkaline, neutral, and acidic types based on their elemental composition. Foods rich in potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium are alkaline, such as fruits, vegetables, soy products, dairy, seaweed, and alkaline beverages. Foods high in phosphorus, chlorine, sulfur, and iodine are acidic, like meats, grains, oils, and alcoholic drinks. However, sour-tasting foods aren't necessarily acidic; for example, oranges contain abundant potassium and are thus alkaline rather than acidic.
Scientists recommend children reduce consumption of large amounts of fish and meat, increase intake of soy and dairy products; limit oily foods, increase vegetables and fruits; reduce sweets, increase seafood. Such dietary habits benefit intelligence enhancement, especially in children.