Acid-Alkaline Diet

The acid-alkaline diet categorizes food substances -- amino acids, vitamins, minerals, sugars, elements and fatty acids -- into two major categories: acidic or alkaline. The main theory of the acid-alkaline diet is that you need to consume the right amount of acidic substances and alkaline substances to achieve an acid-alkaline balance. Proponents of the acid-alkaline diet claim that your body functions optimally when it is in acid-alkaline balance.

Acidic Versus Alkaline

An acid is defined as a substance that releases hydrogen ions when it dissolves in water. Different types of acids release a different number of hydrogen ions, so you can further classify acids as strong or weak based on how many hydrogen ions they release. An alkaline substance is one that releases very few or no hydrogen ions when it dissolves in water. As with acids, the alkalinity of a substance is measured based on how many hydrogen ions it releases.

The acidity or alkalinity of a substance is measured as a pH, which stands for potential for freeing hydrogen ions. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with acidic substances falling between 0 and 6, neutral substances coming in at a pH of 7 and alkaline substances ranging from 8 to 14.

pH and Health

Your body functions best between a pH range of 7.36 and 7.42. According to The Acid-Alkaline Diet for Optimum Health, the optimal functioning is 7.39, which is slightly alkaline. Proponents of the acid-alkaline diet claim that many chronic symptoms, illnesses and chronic diseases occur as a result of a pH shift, usually to a more acidic environment. The purpose of the acid-alkaline diet is to restore your pH to neutral ranges.

Alkaline Foods

The ideal diet differs between individuals, but in general, the ideal balance is 75 percent alkaline foods and 25 percent acidic foods. Most vegetables are classified as alkaline, and so should make up the basis of the acid-alkaline diet. Other examples of alkaline foods include apples, bananas, cantaloupe, orange, lemon, peaches, pears, eggs, almonds, sprouts, cottage cheese, chicken breast, green tea and herbal tea. The acid-alkaline diet also categorizes spices. Cinnamon, curry, ginger, mustard and sea salt are alkaline.

Acidic Foods

Most fats and oils, such as canola oil, olive oil and lard, are classified as acidifying. Grains and most dairy products, such as cheese, milk and butter, are also acidic. Most animal proteins, such as beef, pork, lobster, mussels, tuna and fish, and beans and legumes are acidic foods. The acid-alkaline diet also classifies alcohol as acidic.