When foods are digested, they are classified as either acid or alkaline producing by nature. This is measured by the pH value of the remains after food has been metabolized. While it is important to consume both acid and alkaline foods to keep pH in balance, the typical American diet is rich in acid-forming foods. Excess acid can lead to a variety of health conditions.
Acid-Base Balance
According to the Mayo Clinic, the acid-base balance is tightly controlled by the body. A slight deviation from the normal range can severely affect many of the body's organs. Therefore, an important property of the blood is its degree of acidity or alkalinity. The body's acid level increases when acidic compounds in the blood rise, or when the level of alkaline compounds fall. This occurs when excessive amounts of acids are consumed or elimination is increased. The body's balance between acidity and alkalinity is referred to as acid-base balance.
Acidosis
The Merck Manual reports an increase in acid can overwhelm the body's pH buffering systems, causing the blood to become acidic. As blood pH declines, respiration becomes faster and deeper, thereby increasing the amount of carbon dioxide exhaled. The kidneys compensate by excreting more acid in the urine. However, if the body continues to produce too much acid, these systems will become overwhelmed and result in severe acidosis and even coma. Initially, acidosis leads to nausea, vomiting and fatigue. As it worsens, individuals feel weak and drowsy, confused and nauseated. Eventually, blood pressure will fall, resulting in shock, coma and death.
Alkalosis
Alkalosis is a condition in which there is excessive blood alkalinity. This may be caused by a lack of acid in the blood, an accumulation of bicarbonate in the body or by a low level of carbon dioxide from rapid or deep breathing. Alkalosis may cause muscle cramps or twitching, irritability, confusion, light-headedness, nausea, vomiting, and numbness or tingling of extremities. Prolonged alkalosis results in tetany, or contractions and spasms of muscles.
Balanced pH
Alkaline-Alkaline states a balanced pH is essential for proper health and avoidance of disease. Once food is digested and then metabolized in the body, it creates either an acid or an alkaline ash. Therefore, individuals should consume the appropriate ratio between acid-forming and alkaline-forming foods in the diet. The natural, recommended ratio for a healthy body is approximately 80 percent alkaline foods to 20 percent acid foods. When individuals consume foods in this ratio, the body is able to maintain pH balance, function normally, sustain health and form a strong resistance to disease.
pH Balance and Food
According to MBS Wellness System, it's important to consume more alkaline-forming foods and limit acid-forming foods. The best alkaline foods to consume include fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, kale, collard greens and beet greens are good alkaline food choices. In addition, carrots, peppers, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and other orange or yellow vegetables will help alkalinize the diet. When selecting foods, it is essential to remember foods may change pH after digestion. For example, citrus fruits are thought to be very acidic; however, they are classified as alkaline, because they form a basic ash after digestion.
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