Diets that claim you can change your blood chemistry by eating foods that are more alkaline have no scientific validity, author Gabe Mirkin, M.D., reports on Quackwatch. It's not possible to change the alkalinity of your blood by what you eat, he states, since stomach fluids are so acidic no foods could make them alkaline. Pancreatic secretions make foods alkaline in the intestines. Only urine can turn more alkaline based on what you eat. The pH balance in your blood remains within a very small range no matter what you eat, unless you're ill.
Certain Fruits
Eating most fruits can change the pH of your urine but not your blood. This may seem contradictory, since some fruits, such as citrus fruits are very acidic before being eaten, but they leave an acidic ash residue in your body, according to the Connective Tissue Disorder Site. Very alkaline fruits include bananas, watermelon and orange juice, although most fruits except for plums, prunes and cranberries create more alkaline urine.
Certain Nuts
Some nuts also produce an alkaline effect on the urine, according to RD 411, a website for registered dietitians. Almonds, coconut and chestnuts all leave an alkaline ash. Not all nuts have an alkaline effect on urine; Brazil nuts, filbert and walnuts have an acidic effect, according to RD 411.
Most Vegetables
Most vegetables have an alkaline effect on your urine, but not on your blood or other body tissues. Cooked foods in general have a more alkaline residue than uncooked foods, according to Foods for Alkaline Diets. Greens such as beet or dandelion greens, baked potatoes and Swiss chard are listed as being the most alkaline, while asparagus, Brussels sprouts and corn are listed as being acidic. Lentils also have an acidic effect.
Seeds and Sprouts
Seeds and sprouts that may increase the alkalinity of your urine, although not the rest of your body tissues, include buckwheat, millet, sprouted beans and seeds, according to Foods for an Alkaline diet.
Member Comments