The acid/alkaline balance refers to the pH level in the body that is normally between the range of 7.35 to 7.45. PH levels are maintained in the body via buffer systems, including bicarbonate, phosphate and protein, which react quickly to prevent excessive changes in the hydrogen concentration. To naturally maintain a proper acid/alkaline balance, it is important to eat enough alkaline foods and refrain from eating too many acidic foods.
Identification
Acid and alkaline foods fall on the opposite sides of the pH spectrum. According to naturopathic doctor Michael T. Murray in his book "The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods," what determines the pH nature of a food in the body is the metabolic end products when it is digested. This means a food can be acidic in its natural state, such as a lemon, but be alkaline-forming as the digestion process produces an alkaline ash. Foods with a negative value have a base, or alkaline, effect, while foods with a positive value have an acid effect, and can be tested through saliva on pH paper. A slightly alkaline environment is important for good health.
Acidic Foods
"The Raw Food Lifestyle" by holistic health counselor Ruthann Russo lists the most extreme of acid-forming foods, including bacon, beef, cheese, chocolate milk, cocoa powder, egg noodles, espresso, fried foods, jams and jellies, ice cream, iodized table salt, lobster and macaroni and cheese. Russo also notes pasta made with white flour, pizza, red wine vinegar, refined sugar, bagels, salami, shellfish, shrimp and soda are highly acidic. Russo recommends that these foods be eaten in very small quantities or avoided altogether.
Alkaline Foods
Russo also provides a list of foods that she states most nutritional experts would agree are alkalizing after they are burned in the body. These foods include asparagus, celery, chestnuts, collard greens, dulse, endive, figs, ginger root, kale and kelp. Russo also lists lemon, lime, onions, pumpkin seeds, seaweed, sweet potatoes, wheatgrass and yams. These are purportedly the most alkalizing foods, though there are many other fruits and vegetables that are considered alkaline.
Considerations
Most medical doctors do not subscribe to the idea of the importance of alkaline versus acidic foods, and there is little scientific evidence to back up the assertion that they impact health. Still, alkaline foods tend to be fruits and vegetables, which most health professionals agree are important for a healthy body. PH paper can usually be found at health food stores, though it is advisable to work with a health care professional who understands acid/alkaline balance when testing.
References
- "The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods"; Michael T. Murray, ND; 2005
- "The Raw Food Lifestyle"; Ruthann Russo; 2009
- "Foundations of Nursing"; Lois White, RD; 2005
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