Acidity and alkalinity are measured on the pH scale which goes from 0 to 14. A low number on this scale indicates higher levels of acid whereas a high number indicates a more alkaline body. Many western countries have overly acidic diets because of the high consumption of meat, dairy and junk food.
Acidic Vs. Alkaline Foods
Foods can be placed into two categories; acid forming and alkaline forming foods. Acidic forming foods contribute hydrogen ions to the body, thus making the body more acidic. Alkaline foods do the opposite by removing hydrogen ions and causing the body to become more alkaline. Whether a food tastes acidic or not does not determine the level of acidity in the food. For example, citrus fruits are alkalizing because they cause a reduction of hydrogen ions.
Common misconceptions
A common misconception is that acid forming foods are bad and should be avoided. In fact, the body should have a balance of alkalinity and acidity and a pH level of around 7.4. The body's pH level can be measured by testing your urine with litmus paper. If the paper turns yellow it is overly acidic.
Acidic foods
Acidic foods are foods such as beef, pork, poultry, most grains, coffee, wine, yogurt, eggs and most fermented products such as cheese and alcohol. Acidity forming agents are also antibiotics, many mineral supplements such as potassium, iron and magnesium supplements and antacids. Lean chicken and fish are, however, less acid-forming than red meat and should therefore be the primary meat source for someone who is too acidic.
Alkaline foods
Highly alkaline foods consist of most types of fruits and vegetables. Lemons, melons, avocados, bananas, potatoes, spinach and broccoli are all examples of highly alkalizing foods. Pure water helps the body to alkalize as well as green supplements such as spirulina. Green supplements provide the body with easily absorbed vitamins, minerals, amino acids chlorophyll, enzymes and phytonutrients.
Acidic Side Effects
An overly acidic diet can lead to a number of noticeable side effects. These include weight gain or an inability to lose weight, restless sleep or insomnia and weak bones. High levels of acidity can leech minerals out of your bones in an attempt by your body to counter the excess acid.
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