Just because a food, such as a lemon, is acidic, does not mean its end-product in the human body is an acid. According to Preventdisease.com, lemons actually produce alkaline, or basic, residues in the body after digestion. Therefore they are classified as alkaline-producing foods despite the fact that they would test acidic before consumption. The human body tries to maintains a steady pH, and while studies have not proven that an excess of acidic or alkaline foods is harmful, balance is usually recommended. Talk to your doctor about what foods are right for your diet.
Acidic: Cranberries, Prunes, Plums
According to Preventdisease.com, acidic fruits include plums, sour cherries, rhubarb, cranberries and prunes. There are different levels of acidity, and the plums are considered lower in acidity while the cranberries and prunes rank highest. If you suffer from acid reflux or have mouth sensitivities to acidic foods, the University of Maryland Medical Center website recommends avoiding highly acidic foods.
Alkaline: Lemons, Limes, Grapefruits
Although you might think citrus fruits are acidic, according to Preventdisease.com and TheWolfeclinic.com, lemons, limes and grapefruit are actually highly alkaline as they are processed in the body. Dates, figs, melons, apples, kiwi, pears, raisins, mangoes and papayas are also listed as alkaline foods.
Acidic: Meats, Fish, Legumes
All meats are acidic once they begin the process of digestion. Regardless of lean cuts vs. fatty cuts of beef, according to TheWolfeclinic.com, meat forms acids in the digestive tract. Fish and shellfish as well as wild game also rank high on the acidity scale. Legumes such as black beans, kidney beans and chickpeas are acidic as well.
Alkaline: Vegetables
If all meats and fish are acidic, most vegetables create alkaline substances in the body. With the exceptions of spinach, zucchini, peas and carrots, most other veggies are higher bases. If you need to consume more alkaline foods, stock up on cauliflower, cabbage, eggplant, pumpkin, seaweed, daikon, sweet potatoes, mustard greens and broccoli.
Grains: A Bit of Both
Preventdisease.com says that buckwheat, amaranth, brown rice, millet, wheat, oat bran, maize and corn rank on the acidifying side of the scale. However, Preventdisease.com and TheWolfeclinic.com differ in their placement of oats and quinoa. The former website states that both are more alkaline, while the latter website ranks them in the acidifying groups of foods.
Alkaline Teas, Acidic Wines and Coffees
Unfortunately, if you are trying to avoid acidifying substances, you will have to leave out your morning cup of coffee. Try substituting with green or herbal teas. They actually produce alkaline substances in the body. Another tough drink to give up is the evening glass of wine. Wine is listed as acidic, as are all alcoholic beverages. However, according to the scale listed on Preventdisease.com, beer is actually the highest in acidity.
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