The body maintains a slightly alkaline pH of 7.35 to 7.45. When the blood pH deviates, compensatory mechanisms, mainly in the kidneys and lungs, kick in to restore the pH. Foods that are considered alkaline are those that decrease the acidity of the urine because the kidney responds to the decrease in blood pH by retaining more hydrogen ions and excreting more bicarbonate into the urine. An ideal diet should have three times as many alkaline foods as acidic foods.
Most Vegetables and Fruits are Alkaline
Most vegetables and fruits are considered alkaline because they are generally potassium-rich and tend to release alkaline-forming substances into the blood. But there are exceptions: Most legumes are acidic, including soy beans, green beans, lima beans, kidney beans, red beans, green peas and lentils. Fruit-wise, blueberries, cranberries, plums and prunes are considered acid-forming. Note that the acidity of a food doesn't dictate if it is acid-forming or alkaline-forming in the body. For example, citrus fruits are acidic but they are alkaline-forming in the body.
Some Proteins and Dairy are Alkaline
Usually protein-rich foods are acidic because they tend to release acid-forming substances into the blood, and the body has to withdraw calcium from the bones to neutralize its pH. However, eggs, tofu, yogurt, whey protein and milk are alkaline-forming. In fact, chronic overconsumption of milk can lead to milk-alkali syndrome, a disease manifested as alkalosis, soft tissue calcification and renal failure.
Most Spices, Seasonings, and Herbs and re Alkaline
All herbs are alkaline. In addition to many other health benefits, most spices and seasonings help lower the body's pH. So use them freely in your cooking. Beneficial herbs and spices include cinnamon, curry, ginger, miso, tamari and chili pepper, just to name a few. However, nutmeg, mustard and salt are generally considered acidic.
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