The Acid-Alkaline Diet

The acidity of any liquid solution can be measured using a standardized scale called the pH scale, which ranges from zero to 14. Solutions with a lower pH are termed acidic, whereas solutions with a higher pH are termed basic, or alkaline. Solutions with a pH near 7 are classified as neutral. The pH of the fluids in your body, such as saliva and urine, generally falls between 6.75 to 7.25. The pH of your blood is usually between 7.35 and 7.45. The goal of the acid-alkaline diet is to consume the types of foods that can keep the pH of these fluids steady.

Acid-Alkaline Diet Basics

The theory behind the acid-alkaline diet is that certain foods release byproducts that increase the acidity of the fluids in your body. These foods are termed acid-forming foods. Other types of foods do not release acidic byproducts and help maintain proper pH balance. These foods are referred to as alkaline. Short-term, high amounts of acid in the body can lead to congestion, irritation and inflammation of the body. Over time, the increased acidity causes degeneration and breakdown of your body tissues, which can lead to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and obesity. The acid-alkaline diet involves a meal plan that consists of 75 to 80 percent alkaline foods and 20 to 25 percent acid-forming foods.

Alkaline Foods

Most of your diet should come from foods that do not create an acidic environment. Some examples of alkaline vegetables include asparagus, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, lettuce, onions, peas and radishes. Alkaline fruits include avocado, lemon, lime, grapefruit and tomato. Many seeds, nuts and grains, such as sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, almonds and spelt are classified as alkaline. Olive oil, hemp oil, flax oil and primrose oil are alkaline fats. Alkaline beverages include herbal teas, vegetable juice, milk, almond milk and water.

Acid-forming Foods

Most foods that come from animals are acid-forming. Some acid-forming meats include beef, chicken, lamb, pork and turkey. Shellfish and most other fish, with the exception of salmon, are considered acid-forming, according to the website EveryDiet. Cheese, milk, yogurt and ice cream are also acid-forming. Vegetable oil, margarine and hydrogenated oils are classified as acid-forming fats. Cashews, pistachios, peanuts, processed foods, white bread, white pasta, eggs, honey and canned foods will also contribute to acid production.

Considerations

You should try to consume most of your alkaline foods raw or lightly cooked. Overcooking foods can decrease nutritional content and actually turn some alkaline foods into acid-forming foods. In addition, EveryDiet.org recommends that you consume 2 to 3 liters of clean water every day.

When choosing acid-forming foods, opt for lean meats and low-fat dairy as much as possible. Try to avoid fatty meats, milk, cheese, sweets and chocolate. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco can also be beneficial.