The pH of the human body should be within the range of 7.35 and 7.45 making it slightly alkaline. Many foods eaten on a typical American diet are acid-forming, such as red meat, refined grains and soda drinks. When too many acid-forming foods are eaten in relation to alkaline-forming foods, acidosis is likely to occur. Symptoms of acidosis include weight gain, headaches and joint pain. Sufferers may also experience respiratory problems and psychological issues, such as mood swings and depression.
Benefits
Maintaining the body in its natural alkaline state is important for your overall health. David Wolfe, who has authored many books on nutrition, including "Eating for Beauty," claims one reason you might crave stimulants, such as caffeine, alcohol or tobacco is due to acidity. According to Wolfe, these drugs contain alkaline stimulants, which are also known as alkaloids. When you take an alkaline stimulant, it gives you the feeling of being alkaline, which creates a temporary high in an acidic body. By creating an optimal alkaline to acidic ratio in the body, the desire to take high-inducing drugs will naturally fade. Other benefits include more energy, a healthy skin condition and improved mood.
Fats
In order to be in optimal health you need to consume dietary fat, as it is vital for the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients contained in some fruits and vegetables. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that are derived from avocados, hemp and flax seeds are alkaline-forming. Some fat sources to be avoided or eaten in moderation on an alkaline-forming diet are red meats, shellfish and hydrogenated cooking oils.
Proteins
Proteins are necessary to help repair cells, and build healthy tissue. It is a vital component that is present in every cell of your body. Amino acids are needed to build protein. As the essential amino acids cannot be manufactured by the body they must be derived from the food you eat. Most protein food sources are acid-forming. However, according to Susan Brown, who co-authored the book "The Acid-Alkaline Food Guide," you should not avoid these foods completely, but instead reduce your protein portions and eat the protein food together with plenty of alkaline-forming foods. Protein sources that are highly acid-forming include meat and shellfish; poultry and lean fish such as sole, are less acid-forming. Alkaline-forming sources of protein include tofu, millet and almonds.
Carbohydrates
There are many carbohydrate food choices that are alkaline-forming. Most fresh fruits and vegetables are extremely alkalizing and can be eaten in abundance on an alkaline diet. Leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale and celery, are optimal choices. Acid-forming carbohydrate foods include rice, breads and pasta.
Beverages
Alkaline-forming drinks choices include raw fruit and vegetable juices, green and herbal teas and mineral water. Alcohol, milk and soda drinks are acidifying. Also, avoid drinking anything that contains artificial sweeteners on an alkaline diet.
References
- Ionizers: Acidosis
- Wolfe Clinic: Alkaline Food Chart
- Centers of Disease Control: Protein
- "The Acid-Alkaline Food Guide: A Quick Reference to Foods and Their Effect on pH Levels;" Susan E. Brown; 2006
- "Eating for Beauty;" David Wolfe; 2002
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