Acidosis is a buildup of acid in the body which can lead to illness and improper immune system function. The pH levels of the human body should fall in the range of 6.0 and 6.8. According to Phyllis A. Balch in the fourth edition of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," a pH of 7.0 is neutral. When those levels fall below 7.0, the body is acidic.
You can test your body's pH level with test strips that can be found in drug stores or online. You can use saliva or urine for the test.
Significance
An acidic diet plan can help to bring the body back into balance. This will help to strengthen your immune system and lessen your chance of illness. You may also lose weight and gain more energy.
Types
An acidic diet plan should aim to bring the body back into balance by emphasizing more alkaline foods. This can be accomplished by eating a lot of fruits and vegetables and by minimizing animal protein and processed foods.
On the pH Miracle Web site Dr. Robert O. Young suggests eating a diet that is made of 80 percent alkaline foods and 20 percent acidic foods. Examples of acidic diet foods are artichokes, onions, asparagus, lettuce, radishes, celery, garlic, cucumbers, green beans, Brussels sprouts, kale, broccoli, lemons and limes, avocados, grapefruit, and tomatoes. Young also recommends green juices, herbal teas, almond milk and almonds, spelt, lentils, flax, sunflower seeds and pumpkin.
Balch recommends 50 percent raw foods and to avoid sugar, processed foods and animal protein. She says honey, molasses, raisins, soy products and sprouts will also help to lower acidity in the body.
Symptoms
According to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," symptoms of acidosis include water retention, trouble sleeping, arthritis, migraine headaches, abnormally low blood pressure, dry and hard stools, bad breath, difficulty swallowing and a tooth sensitivity to vinegar and acidic fruits.
Prevention/Solution
Aim for a diet low in animal protein, processed foods and sugar. By eating a diet of healthy and wholesome foods, such as fruits and vegetables, you can keep your pH levels more in balance. Coffee and alcohol are acid forming so they should be limited or avoided.
Misconceptions
There are misconceptions about acidic foods and acidity in the body. They aren't the same thing. Young says some foods leave an acid ash in the body and some leave an alkaline ash. "This effect is based upon the ash residue that remains after our foods are consumed," he says.
References
- pH Miracle Living
- Book: Prescription for Nutritional Healing; Fourth Edition; Phyllis A. Balch
- Medline Plus: Acidosis
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