The balance of acidic substances and alkaline chemicals, also known as bases, can be measured using a scale known as pH. Alkaline substances have a high pH, and acidic compounds have a low pH; neutral pH is 7. The body carefully regulates the balance between acidic and alkaline compounds because, if parts of the body become too acidic or alkaline, their function can become compromised. You can help your body maintain this balance by eating the right proportions and kinds of acidic and alkaline foods.
Step 1
Check the pH of your saliva and urine using litmus paper. Litmus paper will change color based on the pH of a solution. Your saliva should be have a pH of around 6.4, BioMedx says, and urine should be between 6.0 and 6.5. If either fluid has a pH that is abnormally high or low, it could signify that your diet has too much acidic or alkaline substance in it.
Step 2
Consume mostly alkalizing foods. Alkalizing foods are substances that, when broken down by the body, cause alkaline chemicals to be produced. This means that although citrus fruits are acidic when they are eaten, the fact that they cause the production of alkaline chemicals causes them to be classified as alkaline foods. BetterBones.com recommends that 80 percent of your diet be made up of alkalizing foods. Alkalizing foods include almost all fruits and vegetables. In addition, cottage cheese, fermented tofu, cinnamon, curry, ginger, chili pepper, miso, fermented tofu, almonds and cottage cheese, according to the Wolfe Clinic.
Step 3
Limit acidifying foods to between 20 and 25 percent of your diet. Some fruits, such as cranberries, are somewhat acidic, the Wolfe Clinic says. Other acidifying foods include most beans and meats, corn, wheat, barley, rye and pasta. Many vegetable oils, alcohol, peanuts, walnuts and dairy products are also acidifying.
Things You'll Need
- Litmus paper
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