Your body's normal pH level is slightly alkaline at 7.4 on the pH scale. Anything above that value is alkaline, while anything below is acidic. A diet that is high in acidic foods may lead to metabolic acidosis, a condition that occurs when your body produces too much acid or when your kidneys do not remove enough acid from your body to keep it functioning properly. Knowing which foods contain acid can help you balance the amount of alkaline and acid in your body.
Grains
Decrease your consumption of acidic foods by reducing or avoiding grains. Grains like oat bran, wheat, corn, oatmeal, noodles, flour, crackers, barley and rice can increase your body's acidity.
Coffee
A cup of coffee may give you a jolt of much needed energy in the mornings, but this drink is highly acidic. In addition, most coffees contain some amount of caffeine, a stimulant that can increase the amount of acid in your stomach and digestive tract.
Animal-Based Proteins
If you're trying to lower the amount of acid in your body, reduce or avoid acidic animal-based proteins like fish, beef, liver, pork, poultry, shellfish, bacon, turkey and lamb.
Soft Drinks
Reduce or avoid your consumption of soft drinks like cola because they are highly acidic. Many soft drinks are loaded with corn syrup and caffeine, which can increase the amount of acid in your stomach and damage your digestive tract over time.
Legumes
Use caution when eating legumes like lentils, red beans, kidney beans, green peas, lima beans, black beans and chick peas because they are acidic and can alter your body's pH level.
Alcoholic Beverages
Drinking alcoholic beverages can increase your acid levels. Beer, liquor, mixed drinks, spirits and wine are acidic in nature and can change your body's pH level.
Dairy
Some dairy foods can increase the amount of acid in your stomach. These foods include milk, sour cream, butter, cheese, buttermilk, processed cheese, ice cream and ice milk.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals and nutrients. But some are also acidic in nature and should be consumed in moderation. These fruits and vegetables include blueberries, canned or glazed fruits, prunes, currants, cranberries, plums, winter squash and olives.
Nuts and Nut Milks
Nuts and nut milks like Brazil nuts, cashews, peanuts, peanut butter, pecans, walnuts, soy milk and rice milk are acidic in nature and can alter your body's pH level.
References
- The Wolfe Clinic.com: The Alkaline Acid Food Chart
- Dr. Jan Star Hull: Alternative Health and Nutrition: What Are Some Acid-Producing Food Examples?
- Dr. Ben Kim: Essential Details on Acid and Alkaline Forming Effects of Food and How Your Body Maintains a Healthy PH
- "Mayo Clinic Diet Manual, 7th Ed."; Mosby; 1994
- MedlinePlus: Metabolic Acidosis
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Acid-Base Balance
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