The human body is normally slightly alkaline on the pH scale. Although a pH of 7.0 is neutral, in the body it is considered acidic because it is below the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45. When the body is slightly more alkaline some of the acidic foods you eat can make slight changes. Acidic pH in the body can occur from an acid-forming diet, emotional stress or oxygen deprivation at the cellular level. When your body is acidic it can decrease your ability to absorb minerals and repair damaged cells.
Vegetables and Fruit
According to GoAskAlice!, a resource from Columbia University, fruits are the most acidic foods. The pH of apples, blueberries, cherries, grapes, pineapple, plums, raspberries, peaches, pears and nectarines have a pH between 3 and 4. Vegetables that are the most acidic include escarole, pimentos, tomatoes and vegetables that have been processed with vinegar such as sauerkraut, beets and pickles.
Grains
According to Connective Tissue Disorder, most grains are commonly acidic. These grains include pasta and macaroni, oats, rice cakes, rye, wheat, wheat germ, corn, bread, bran, cornstarch, soda crackers and white or wheat flour. If you want to increase your acidic foods, you can complement pasta with tomato sauce or use rice cakes as snack food.
Beans and Nuts
Some beans and nuts will also have high acidic levels and can change the pH balance in your body. According to Dr. Ben Kim, chiropractor and acupuncturist from Ontario, Canada, most beans are highly acidic. And, according to Alkaline-Alkaline.com, nuts that are the most acidic are peanuts, walnuts, almonds and brazil nuts. You may want to add nuts or beans into your salads, eat them as snacks or puree the beans with spices for dips.
Animal Protein
Most fish and organ meats are highly acidic and can change your internal environment. According to Alkaline-Alkaline.com, liver, chicken and other fowl are also highly acidic. If you are trying to maintain an alkaline environment in your body try steering clear of beef, pork and shellfish and eating cold water fish or lamb that is less acidic. You may increase your protein intake through cottage cheese, eggs, pumpkin seeds and soy products.
Other Foods
Other foods that are highly acidic include chocolates, beer, soft drinks and sweeteners such as NutraSweet, Equal, and Sweet 'N Low, according to Alkaline-Alkaline.com. White vinegar, boxed cereals, tobacco and antibiotics are also acidic and can change your pH balance.
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