Several popular diet books and websites recommend various forms of pH balance or alkaline diets for optimal health. Among the most assiduous promoters of pH diets have been Felicia Kliment, author of "The Acid Alkaline Balance Diet" and Robert Young, author of "The pH Miracle." They claim that foods leaving an alkaline residue in the body are better for you than foods leaving acid residues. Acidic fruits, such as oranges, that leave alkaline residue are among the foods they recommend. No scientific studies have proven these claims regarding residue and your health.
Understanding pH
The term "pH" describes the prevalence of positively charged hydronium or negatively charged hydroxide ions in aqueous, or water-based, solutions. Pure water is neutral, having an equal number of hydronium and hydroxide ions. If a solution contain more hydronium than hydroxide ions, it is described as acidic; if it has more hydroxide than hydronium, it is called alkaline or basic. The pH scale measures the degree to which a solution is acidic or basic, with water having a pH of 7, acids being less than 7, and bases, being more than 7. Because the scale is logarithmic, a solution with a pH of 5 is 10 times more acidic than a solution with a pH of 4. Acids and bases can neutralize each other, which is why alkaline calcium-based antacids can neutralize excessive stomach acid.
Acid and Alkali Food Ash or Residue
Acid-alkali balance diets are not actually concerned with the pH of foods you consume, but with the pH of the ash, or residue, left behind after you digest foods. This affects the acidity or alkalinity of your urine, but not of your blood. Fresh fruits, including oranges, and raw vegetables leave behind alkaline ash, while whole grains, beans and all animal products leave behind acidic ash. The pH of your urine does not in itself have any effect on your health, Urine pH tests are used by health care professions to test for certain types of health conditions, but these should be performed and interpreted by professionals as part of a full medical exam rather than done at home.
pH Diets
Although the science behind pH diets is questionable, the actual diets are nutritious. They emphasize fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, some dairy products, soy products and some nuts and seeds and limit meat, refined grains and most sweeteners.
Diet and Health
A healthy diet should contain a variety of foods, emphasizing a variety fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and lean proteins, and avoiding excessive quantities of fats, salt, refined grains, and sweeteners. Consult your health-care provider or a registered dietitian to plan a diet that is right for your age, gender, and health condition.
References
- Quackwatch; Acid/Alkaline Theory of Disease Is Nonsense, Gabe Mirkin, M.D.; Jan. 11, 2009
- The Acid Alkaline Balance Diet
- Elmhurst College, Virtual Chembook, Charles E. Ophardt, 2003
- Nutrition Diva; Does a pH Balancing Diet Work?, Monica Reinagel, M.S.,L.D./N.; May 13, 2009
- pH Miracle Living
- National Council Against Health Fraud, Consumer Health Digest, April 5, 2005
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