Trying to maintain a healthy diet isn't easy. However, it gets even more complicated when you have to consider the acidity and alkalinity of your foods. Highly acidic foods can damage the body, making it difficult for cells to repair and can increase your cancer risk. Many foods are acidic and dangerous in large quantities--and the list doesn't just encompass citrus fruits.
Coffee
While a cup of coffee is how many people start their days, this drink is highly acidic and contains caffeine, which further adds to the acidity of your stomach and digestive tract.
Soda
Soda contains corn syrup and caffeine, both of which increase the acidity in your body and can cause damage over time. As an added problem, sodas are carbonated, which complicates digestion and irritates the bladder, so you may wish to lay off the soda.
Alcohol
Drinking alcoholic beverages can send your acidity into overdrive. And it's not just hard liquor that sets your body off balance. Wine and beer do just as much damage.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are popular in an effort to still enjoy sweet treats despite a need to stick to diets to lose weight and manage diabetes. However, substances like Sweet 'N Low, NutraSweet, Spoonful, Aspartame and Equal not only increase your body's acidity; they also can create a toxic environment and may cause cancer when used regularly.
Whole Grains
Though grains are an essential part of your diet, they must be consumed in moderation, especially since they can increase your body's acidity. Examples of grains to watch out for include corn, flour, kamut, barley, bran, rice, oats, rye, wheat, crackers, pastas and breads.
Meats
Eating animal products can also increase your body's acidity. This includes any meats including fish, beef, pork, poultry, shellfish and organ meats. You don't have to eliminate meat from your diet, but make sure your dietary focus is on fruits and vegetables rather than meats.
Beans and Legumes
Many different kinds of beans and legumes like lentils, red beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, soy beans, black beans, chick peas, peanuts, cashews, tahini and walnuts are acidic and can change your body's pH level. These products can be dangerous if you eat too many of them, especially over an extended period of time.
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