All food compounds have a pH, or potential of hydrogen, level. The pH level of a food or beverage is measured on a scale of 0-14, with 0 being highly acidic, and 14 being extremely alkaline. Human blood ought to be slightly alkaline, with a pH range of 7.35 to 7.45.
Evidence exists that an acidic diet is detrimental to bone health, and also promotes the loss of muscle tissue in older people. Adding plenty of alkaline foods to your diet will counteract the effects of acidic foods and help your body maintain a healthy pH balance.
Step 1
Test the pH level of your body. Litmus paper strips used for pH testing can be purchased in pharmacies, health stores or from stores selling chemistry related products; there are also many online sources. In order to test your pH levels, you will need to dip the end of the paper in saliva or a urine sample. It is best to perform a test either two hours after eating. or one hour before a meal. Monitor your pH levels regularly to have a general idea of your acidic and alkalic levels, according to the website trans4mind.com.
Step 2
Add alkaline vegetables to your daily menu. Very high alkaline vegetables include all leafy green vegetables such as parsley, raw spinach and broccoli. Carrots, green beans and beets are also high in alkaline. Avoid pickled vegetables, as they are highly acidic.
Step 3
Eat plenty of fruits with a highly alkaline pH. Almost all fruits are somewhat alkaline forming, with figs, raisins, grapes, blackcurrants and pineapples being extremely high. Avoid canned or processed fruits as they are somewhat acidic.
Step 4
Cut down on your meat intake. According to Robert Young Ph.D. and author of the book "The pH Miracle" a diet rich in acid foods such as meat, shellfish, bread and dairy grains will cause acidic waste to accumulate in the body, which will accelerate the aging process and the onset of degenerative disease. Meats can be replaced with vegetarian protein sources such as tofu or soy.
Step 5
Lower your consumption of dairy foods. Eggs and cheese are acidic foods, with processed cheeses being highly acidic, and should be eaten in moderation. Alkalic alternatives are soy milk, goat cheeses and buttermilk, says "The pH Miracle," by Robert O. Young.
Step 6
Drink vegetable juice containing green or grass powders. In his book "Eating for Beauty," David Wolfe recommends drinking a glass of vegetable juice daily with an added tbsp. of dried grass or green powders to quickly add alkalinity to your diet.
Step 7
Avoid alcohol. All alcoholic drinks are acid forming, with beer and spirits being the worst offenders. While slightly less acidic, wine should also be drunk only occasionally.
Things You'll Need
- pH test strips
- Alkaline foods
- Green powder
References
- National Institutes of Health: Acidic Diet
- National Institutes of Health: Alkaline Diets
- Trans 4 Mind: Food pH List
- "The pH Miracle"; Robert O. Young Ph.D.; 2002
- "Eating for Beauty"; David Wolfe; 2002
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