The potential hydrogen scale, usually referred to as the pH scale, is the scale for measuring acidity and alkalinity. The pH levels in the food and water you ingest are important --- they help determine the pH levels of your body. If the pH levels of your blood are not at an optimal level, you may experience a variety of adverse health effects.
pH Scale
Anything with a pH level between 1.0 and 6.9 is considered acidic, while pH levels between 7.1 and 14.0 are alkaline, and a pH level of 7.0 is neutral. The lower the number the more acidic something is, and the higher the more alkaline. The optimal pH level of your blood should be slightly alkaline, between 7.35 and 7.45.
Acidity
Most American diets can cause an acidic pH level in our bodies, which can lead to discomfort in the form of nausea and vomiting, fatigue, headaches, heartburn and confusion. An acidic pH balance also may lead to health complications such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.
Alkalinity
Though rare, excessive Alkalinity --- called alkalosis --- may occur. Certain situations, such as the excessive loss of stomach acid during vomiting or ingesting too much bicarbonate may result in alkalosis. Having pH levels in your body that are too alkaline may result in irritability, muscle twitching or muscle cramps.
Alkaline Water
Water typically has a neutral pH balance, but some companies produce water that is alkaline. Alkaline water may have the ability to neutralize the pH balance in your blood, elevate your energy levels, increase your metabolism and promote more efficient nutrient absorption. However, more research is needed to verify how beneficial alkaline water is, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Alkaline Foods and Drinks
In order to alkalize your body's pH levels, you must eat more alkalizing foods than acidifying foods. Most vegetables and fruits --- even acidic vegetables such as corn, mushrooms and sweet potatoes; and acidic fruits, such as grapes, lemons and oranges --- will help alkalize your pH levels. Many nuts, grains and legumes are alkalizing, but many others are acidic. Grains and legumes such buckwheat, Lima beans, soy beans and tofu; and nuts, such as almonds, Brazil nuts and pine nuts are alkalizing. Many herbs also are alkalizing. Drinks such as fruit juice, herbal tea and water are alkalizing, as are oils such as flax seed, olive and sesame.
Acidic Foods and Drinks
Though most fruits are alkalizing, acai berries, blueberries, cranberries, papaya and plums are acidifying. Many grains, such as barley, cornstarch, oats, pasta, quinoa, rice and wheat also are acidic. Acidifying nuts include cashews, hazelnuts, peanuts and walnuts, and acidifying oils include corn oil, sunflower oil and margarine. Alcoholic drinks, coffee, black tea and commercially prepared fruit juices also are acidifying, as are most meats and animal products, dairy from cow's milk and most sweets and sweeteners.
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