The body maintains a natural acid-alkaline, or pH, balance. The body needs a certain degree of both acidity and alkalinity, but too much acidity can be harmful. Stress, cigarette smoking, alcohol, medications and diet can alter this balance, causing the body to become more acidic. When it is in a state of acidity, the body becomes susceptible to disease and infection. Avoiding specific foods in your diet can help you maintain a healthy acid-alkaline balance and avoid disease.
Fruit
Some fruits are considered acidic. This does not mean you have to completely avoid them, but you should limit your consumption of these varieties. Blueberries, plums, prunes, currants, rhubarb, cranberries and blackberries are acidifying fruits. In addition, canned or glazed fruits have a higher acidity than fresh fruits.
Vegetables
While vegetables are healthy and offer a variety of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, if you are trying to reduce the amount of acid in your body, there are certain vegetables you should limit. Corn, navy beans, lentils, olives, lima beans, winter squash, kidney beans, pickles, sauerkraut, mushrooms, pinto beans, potatoes, watercress, artichokes and asparagus all have a high acid content.
Grains
A variety of grains and grain products are considered acidic. Grains such as quinoa, wheat and wheat flour, barley, rye, buckwheat and oats are moderately acidic, but provide you with nutrients such as B vitamins, zinc, iron, calcium, selenium and fiber. Processed grains and baked goods are high in acid and low in fiber and other nutrients. These products include white bread, pasta, white rice, cornmeal, crackers, pastries, doughnuts, bagels and cereal grains.
Animal Products
High protein animal products, such as beef, pork, seafood, fish, lamb, organ meat, turkey, veal and venison, are highly acidic. Bacon, sausage, corned beef and other processed meat products have the highest acidity and should only be consumed occasionally. Milk, ice cream, butter, eggs and processed cheese are dairy products high in acid. Although these foods provide you with protein and calcium, their consumption should be kept to a minimum.
Fats and Oils
Fats and oils that are high in acid include butter, sesame oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, canola oil, lard, olive oil, flax oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil and safflower oil. When these oils are cooked, they become acidifying. If using them on a salad as a dressing or as a dip for bread, they are less acidic.
Beverages
There are a variety of commonly consumed beverages, which are acidic in nature. All kinds and potencies of alcoholic beverages are acidic. These include beer, wine, spirits and hard liquor. Coffee, tea and soft drinks are acidifying as well. These beverages also contain caffeine and tend to provide you with excess calories and have no nutritional value.
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