Alkaline diet claims get sour response from doctors

“Eat the Alkaline Way,” by Vicki Edgson, says that meats, soda, wheat and other processed foods are acid-forming. Fruits, vegetables and grains, such as millet, are considered alkaline. The book claims that avoiding acid-forming foods will curb arthritis, obesity and cancer. The book lists soybeans, above, as an alkaline food. There’s no doubt that replacing beer and burgers with fruits and vegetables is good for you, but some experts say that the theory behind alkaline diets doesn’t jibe with basic facts about nutrition and physiology.   (James McQuillan / Getty Images)