According to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, pH represents the activity of a single hydrogen ion. PH actually stands for potential hydrogen. If you are interested in an alkaline-free diet, the foods you may be eating will have a pH higher than 7, which represents neutral. There are many references to diets that support one approach to pH foods or another, and these diets address more of the acid/alkaline qualities of food instead of fats and calorie content.
Significance
The goal of a pH diet, whether it is alkaline or acidic, is balance. Following digestion, the food you eat leaves a residue called ash. The ash value of a food cannot be modified. This residue byproduct of digestion and metabolism is excreted in your urine. The ash residue may be alkaline, acid or neutral based on the foods you have consumed and the mineral content of your diet. The pH of your urine can be measured using a simple dip stick method.
Expert Insight
To better understand the pH of food, William McGlynn of the Oklahoma State University explains the pH value of your food or beverage choices. The pH value of your foods is directly related to the number of free hydrogen ions available in the product. Another way of thinking of pH is a measurement of the free acidity in a food product. pH is measured on a range of 0 to 14, with 14 being strongly basic or alkaline. Generally, acid-based foods emit hydrogen ions, which result in a more sour taste. Water has a neutral pH because it does not release any hydrogen ions. It has a pH of 7; foods that are considered acidic have a lower pH than 7 and alkaline foods have a higher pH.
Considerations
If you are interested in pursuing a low alkaline diet, avoid foods that result in an alkaline ash to help you reach your goal. This includes most fruits, many vegetables and most non-animal based protein other then eggs. Avoid many beverages including fresh fruit and vegetable juices. Teas are also considered alkaline, so avoid green, herbal, dandelion, ginseng and banchi teas. Other beverages include organic milk, mineral water and alkaline antioxidant water. There are certain seasonings and spices to be avoided such as stevia, cinnamon, curry, ginger, sea salt, mustard, all herbs, miso, tamari and chili pepper. Other suggestions include apple cider vinegar, pro-biotic cultures, bee pollen and lecithin granules. Alkaline-based foods release more hydrogen ions when they are digested.
Acidic Foods
The more acidic foods are protein-based animal products including beef, lamb, pork, turkey and venison. Some seafood choices such as clams, lobster, mussels, salmon, shrimp, scallops and tuna also result in acid ash. Grains, white and processed as well as whole wheat are acid forming foods. Dairy options include cheese, milk and butter. Alcohol, many beans, fats and oils such as avocado, canola, corn, hemp seed, flax, lard, olive oil, sunflower, sesame and safflower oils, nuts and nut butters are all acid-forming foods.
Warning
Stephanie Vangsness, R.D., L.D.N., of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital advises that your system has a complex mechanism to keep your body's pH in balance. The healthy range is between 7.35 and 7.45. If your pH goes above or below these ranges, your body automatically takes corrective action to bring your range back to within normal limits. Focusing food choices in an attempt to bring your pH to a high acidic level by restricting all alkaline-based foods will only force your body to take steps to adjust your pH back within the normal range. If you have health concerns that you believe can be improved by a specific pH diet, talk with your health care provider who can give you information germane to your specific condition.
References
- Ask The Herbalist: Alkaline Diet Chart
- The Wolfe Clinic: Are You Eating Enough Alkaline Foods to Maintain Vital Health?
- Aetna InteliHealth: Alkaline Diets and Cancer: Fact or Fiction?
- Better Bones: Alkaline for Life
- Oklahoma State University: Food Technology Fact Sheet--The Importance of Food pH in Commercial Canning Operations
