Alkaline Foods Vs Acidic Foods

The Western diet is composed largely of acidic foods. Proponents of the acid-alkaline diet theory claim that this acidic diet is the reason behind the rising incidence of many chronic diseases. When following a diet based on alkaline versus acidic foods, proponents of this theory recommend that approximately 75 percent of your food intake is foods that are classified as alkaline, and 25 percent is classified as acidic.

pH Scale

The acidity or alkalinity of a solution is measured using what is called the pH, or potential of hydrogen, scale. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, with lower numbers representing acidity and higher numbers representing alkalinity. The middle of the scale -- represented by the number 7 -- is where neutral substances, such as water, fall.

Your body functions best when body fluids, like saliva and blood, are at a neutral pH. The theory behind using pH to determine what you eat is that acidic foods decrease your pH. This reduction in pH triggers the body to pull the minerals sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium from other areas in your body in an attempt to neutralize pH. This results in a variety of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, heart problems, decreased immune function, osteoporosis and fatigue.

Alkaline vs. Acidic

Foods are not measured based on the amount of acid they contain, but rather on their effect on the solutions in your body. Foods that are classified as acidic give off a residue that releases hydrogen ions into the body. These hydrogen ions dissolve in solution, decreasing the pH and making your body more acidic. Alkaline foods are those that do not give off any hydrogen ions or give off a very small amount of hydrogen ions. Because of this, these types of foods have little effect on the pH of your body.

Examples of Alkaline Foods

Almost all vegetables, including asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cucumber, eggplant, kale, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, peppers, peas and squash, are categorized as alkaline foods. Many fruits, such as apples, avocados, oranges, lemon, peaches, pears and pineapples, are also classified as alkaline foods. Other alkaline foods include eggs, almonds, yogurt, chicken breast and cottage cheese. Herbal teas, green tea, water, milk, fruit juice, vegetable juice and mineral water are alkaline beverages.

Examples of Acidic Foods

Most grains, including corn, oats, rice, rye, wheat and spelt, are acidic foods. Foods made from these grains, such as pasta, are also classified as acidic. Animal meat, with the exception of chicken, is generally classified as acidic, as well. Examples of acidic meats include beef, pork, turkey and venison. Shellfish, like lobster, clams and shrimp, and cheese are also acidic. Some acidic beverages include rice milk, cow's milk, beer, wine and spirits.