High-alkaline Low-acid Diet

The human body has an ideal pH, between 7.35 and 7.45, which is slightly alkaline. A diet rich in acid-forming foods such as animal proteins, refined sugars, coffee or alcohol will cause an pH imbalance and possibly acidosis. Symptoms of acidosis include headaches, fatigue, mood swings, weight gain or weight loss; acidosis can also be detrimental to bone health. A high-alkaline, low-acid diet can help to address the imbalance and return pH levels to normal.

Fruits

The majority of fruits are alkaline forming and therefore are an optimal food to eat on a high-alkaline diet. Fruits that are exceptionally alkaline are dried figs, raisins and watermelons. Common fruits such as grapes, kiwis, pears and apples are also high alkaline-forming foods, but bananas and plums are slightly acid-forming foods. Canned fruit is acid-forming and should be avoided on a high-alkaline diet.

Vegetables

Very few vegetables are acid-forming, and most vegetables, especially when eaten in their raw fresh state, are highly alkaline forming. Optimal choices include raw spinach, freshly squeezed vegetable juice, broccoli and celery. Pickled vegetables, and some legumes, such as pinto or navy beans, should be avoided when you are trying to exclude acid-forming foods from your diet.

Protein Sources

Protein sources such as poultry and fish are acid-forming; red meat and canned fish, such as tuna and sardines, are extremely acidic. On a high-alkaline diet, it is preferable to consume vegetarian sources of proteins such as products made from soy or tofu. Nuts and seeds tend to lean on the side of acid-forming, with the exception being hazelnuts and almonds.

Dairy

Dairy foods are acid-forming. Hard and processed cheeses are especially high. Preferable alternatives are products made from soy milk, buttermilk or goat milk. Eggs are somewhat acid-forming and should be eaten in moderation.

Misconceptions

In his book "Eating for Beauty," David Wolfe explains a misconception. Many people are led to believe that acid-forming foods are "bad foods." Wolfe explains that to be in optimal health, a person should consume both types of foods, at a ratio of around 40 to 60 percent in favor of alkaline-forming foods. However, if you have been eating a standard American diet, which is high in acid-forming foods, you may be suffering from acidosis, warranting an 80-20 diet ratio in favor of alkaline foods until the natural pH of the body is restored.

Considerations

Litmus strips available at drugstores can help determine your body's pH level. The strips will give you a gauge of your pH level after you place the end of the strip in a saliva or urine sample. However, the results will not be completely exact; if you think your pH levels are acidic, or overly alkalic, consult with your doctor or a nutritionist.