The pH scale determines the alkalinity and acidity of foods. In your blood, a pH level of 7.0 is neutral, below 7.0 pH is acidic and above 7.0 pH is considered alkaline. A good range to achieve for optimum health is between 7.35 and 7.45, which is on the alkaline side. Excess acidity from food will cause your immune system not to function properly and it inhibits the absorption of nutrients. Also, foods that are high in acidity will cause acid reflux, which is also known as heartburn.
Difference Between Acidic And Alkaline Foods
According to Rense.com, generally most fruits, green vegetables, lentils, spices, herbs and seasonings, seeds and nuts are alkaline-forming foods, and acid- forming foods include meat, fish, poultry, eggs, grains, and legumes. A healthy diet should include 40% acid-forming foods and 60% alkaline-forming foods.
Acidic Foods
"Foods that have a higher fat content tend to take longer to digest and this leads to food and acid staying in the stomach longer, which will increase the chances of getting heartburn," according to the AstraZeneca website for Nexium. Dairy products such as milk, cheese and butter can be very acidic. Animal protein such as beef, bacon, seafood and turkey are acid-forming foods. Pasta, grains, beans and cranberries are also various foods that are acidic. Aspartame and caffeinated beverages such as coffee, soda and tea can be a problem for those who commonly have acid reflux because these drinks are very acidic as are beer, wine and liquor.
Alkaline Foods
Some alkaline vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, mustard greens, mushrooms, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, cabbage, carrots and celery. Various fruits that are alkaline forming include oranges, apples, watermelon, cherries, bananas, avocados, lemon, peaches, all berries and pineapples. Spices include cinnamon, chili pepper, all herbs, curry and ginger.
Sugars, including Stevia and Ki Sweet, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seed and almonds are alkaline. Fresh fruit juices, green tea, wheat grass, apple cider vinegar, ginseng tea, unpasteurized organic milk and mineral water are also alkaline forming.
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