Holistic and non-drug solutions for the prevention of bladder and other infections often recommend an acidic diet because bacteria tend to thrive in an alkaline environment. You can use a litmus paper strip to test the pH level of your saliva. If your saliva is above pH 7.0, then your body is alkaline. You may want to adjust or lower your pH level by eating a more acidic diet consisting of foods that produces an acid ash once metabolized by the liver.
Acidic Foods
All meat, including bacon, beef, poultry, pork, chicken, veal, lamb and fish, are acid forming foods. Many dairy product including cottage cheese and cheddar cheese leave an acid ash. Also included in the acid food list are eggs, legumes and nuts such as Brazil nuts and walnuts. Food containing grains such as bread, cake, pasta and cereals are also acid forming foods.
Fruits and Vegetables
Most fruits are not acid forming with the exception of cranberries, plums and prunes, according to Mayo Clinic Diet Manual seventh edition. Additionally, some believe that pomegranates and strawberries have an acid ash, as written in "Staying Healthy with Nutrition" by Elson Haas. Vegetables are mostly alkaline with the possible exception of asparagus, Brussels sprouts and corn.
Other Acid Producers
Chemicals, drugs, medications, pesticides and herbicides can raise the acidity level in your blood, according to the Wolfe Clinic. Additionally alcoholic beverages including beer, wine and hard liquor produce an acid ash.
Controversial Acid Foods
Coffee, tea and distilled water are thought to be acidic by some nutritionists. Citrus fruits have an acidic pH level in their natural state, but once metabolized usually make the urine alkaline. Sugar is a controversial food; many classify it as acid and others claim it is neutral. Dairy products with active cultures that may include acidophilus milk and yogurt could be particularly acid forming. There is disagreement as to whether whole milk is acidic, alkaline forming or neutral. The Mayo Clinic considers butter and margarine, cooking fats and oils, candies, sugar, syrup and honey as neutral that have a pH level that is neither acidic nor alkaline.
Food Allergies
The "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine" writes low hydrochloric acid levels and poor digestion contribute to food allergies. If the stomach does not contain enough acid, food remains undigested and ferments in the intestinal tract causing gas, bloating and an upset stomach, causing the body to release histamines and produce allergic reactions.
Kidney Stones
Low alkaline diets may prevent certain types of kidney stones that are formed and prefer an alkaline environment. Magnesium phosphate, calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate stones develop in alkaline urine so an acid forming diet may be beneficial.
References
- Acid Base Tutorial: Acidosis and Alkalosis
- Foods to Make Your Diet More Acidic
- The Wolfe Clinic: Acidifying Foods
- Comparative List of Acid and Alkaline Forming Foods: Controversial & Noteworthy Foods
- Alkaline Foods - Acidic Foods: Neutral Foods
- Common Conditions That May Result from Low Magnesium Levels: Allergies and Chemical Sensitivities
