Acid Alkaline Foods

Foods are categorized into two, based on the kind of ash left.



An acidic diet leaves an acidic ash, whereas foods in the alkaline diet category produce an alkaline ash. A diet which contributes to about eighty per cent of alkaline foods and twenty per cent of acidic foods are recommended. The pH of the blood is affected by the kind of food we eat. The pH of blood is 7.35 to 7.45.



When the pH levels decrease to 6.8 or increase to 7.5, the cell functioning is affected. It is a life threatening condition that calls for a proper diet. The pH of the system plays a vital role in the absorption and assimilation of nutrients.

Certain alkaline foods are tomato, lemon, red cabbage, beans, peas, lettuce, carrot, turnip, chives, cucumber, water cress, cauliflower, onion and so on. Acidic foods are fizzy drinks, caffeinated beverages, vinegar, whole meal bread, chocolates, fast foods, powdered soups, saturated fats and hydrogenated oil.



Increased alkalinity in the diet calls for supplementation of vitamin C, flaxseed oil and calcium.

Acidosis is a result of excessive acid producing foods, namely, sugar, white flour, processed foods, artificial sweeteners, caffeinated beverages and soft drinks. Fruit and vegetable juices are alkaline. They have an alkaline effect on the body. Vegetable broth, celery, beet, citrus, pineapple, fig juice and green leaves juice are alkali forming foods.

Increased physical activity and stress, results in acidification. Cereals, sugars and protein are generally taken in greater amounts, thereby making the diet more acidic. Fruits and vegetable that are more essential, are alkali producing and comprise minority part of the diet. Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee and tea are not preferred, as they are stimulants that result in an acidic ash. Alcoholic beverages and smoking also increases the acidic ash. Acidic foods, such as refined flour, processed foods and sugars are better avoided to prevent acidic ash and the increase in blood glucose levels.

Acid forming foods results in the depletion of certain minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium.



Bone demineralization happens to reduce the acidity, thereby straining the bones and other vital organs. The body's pH should be alkaline to heal or cure any kind of disease. Emotional stress, immune reactions and toxic overload also causes acidosis. Increased acidosis calls for an alkalizing diet. Stress and allergic reactions increases the acidosis. A balanced and well framed diet helps in averting all kinds of complications and improves the overall health of the individual.