You may be familiar with the concept of balancing your body's pH in order to maintain optimal health. Dr. Ben Kim's website, drbenkim.com, reports that most people's bodies naturally maintain a blood pH level of between 7.35 and 7.45, which are the levels required for the body to function properly. However, if you continually eat too many harmful, acidic foods, it is possible to wear down your body's protection against pH imbalance and cause damage to your body. According to the Wolfe Clinic, the ideal dietary intake of acidic and alkaline foods should be 75 percent alkaline foods and 25 percent acidic foods. Dietary alkalinity often comes from fruits, vegetables and other healthy foods.
Bread and Pasta
It's interesting to note that most breads and pastas, which have been eschewed by so many low-carb diets, also are on the wrong side of the pH equation. DrBenKim.com reports that white flour products, including pasta, are considered to have a moderate to strong acid-forming effect in the body. Other grains considered to be acidic include rice cakes, wheat cakes, barley, corn, oats, rice, wheat, spelt, and hemp seed flour, reports the Wolfe Clinic. Most boxed cereals also fall into the acidic category.
Beverages
Many popular drinks are also considered acidic, reports DrBenKim.com, and being mindful of your consumption of these beverages may help you prevent excess acidity. Most alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine and hard liquor, are acidic. Other acidic beverages include soda, coffee and milk. Most other dairy products are also acidic, the Wolfe Clinic reports.
Meats
Most animal proteins are classified as acidic, according to DrBenKim.com. It's recommended that if you eat these foods, you should balance them with vegetables, fruits or other alkaline foods. According to the Wolfe Clinic, meats considered acidic are beef, carp, clams, fish, lamb, lobster, mussels, oyster, pork, rabbit, salmon, shrimp, scallops, tuna, turkey and venison.
Legumes and Nuts
Most beans are acidic, as are many nuts, the Wolfe Clinic reports. Because soy beans are also acidic, you should be aware of your consumption of soy products, including soy milk. Other acidic beans include black beans, kidney beans, chick peas, lentils, green peas, lima beans and pinto beans. Because peanuts are also acidic, peanut butter and other products containing peanuts are also acidic.
Member Comments