Many of the biological reactions that take place within the body require that the pH value of the cells remain within a narrow range. This value is a measurement of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Biological reactions such as the electrical chemistry of your body, enzymatic reactions and metabolism are all dependent upon the proper proportions of acid-forming and alkaline-forming properties of food. The normal pH value for cells as well as the body's fluids ranges somewhere between 7.35 and 7.45. Acidifying foods include those high in protein like meat and cereals. An excess of acidic foods means you should add alkalizing foods to your diet in order to achieve a pH value within that optimum range.
Highly Alkalizing Foods
Foods that are the highest alkalizing agents are those with a pH value between 8.5 and 9.0. Many of the foods that fall within this category are fruits. According to naturalhealthschool.com, popular fruits that are excellent sources for balancing out a body high in acid content include lemons, watermelons, mangoes and papaya. Other food sources that are extremely alkalizing include seaweed, kelp, kudzu root and watercress.
Moderately Alkalizing Foods
Foods that contain a pH balance between 7.5 and 8.0 are considered to be moderately alkalizing. According to snyderhealth.com, a number of options are available to those needing only a moderate increase in their alkaline level. The bulk of moderately alkaline foods remain in the fruit category, including apricots, grapes, nectarines and peaches, unripe bananas and grapefruit. Alternatives include vegetables like spinach, pumpkin, peas, cabbage and potatoes with skin.
Slightly Alkalizing Foods
When your pH balance is just barely too acidic, you can turn to foods considered slightly alkalizing. These food choices include vegetables such as artichokes, cucumbers, mushrooms, sweet tomatoes and eggplant. Some soy products, such as soybeans, soy cheese and soy milk as well as tofu, fit into the slightly alkalizing category. You can also achieve a level of slightly alkalizing your food by adding spices like sea salt, barley-malt sweetener, brown rice syrup and raw honey. Food products, such as pickles, water chestnuts, olive oil and yeast, that add texture and flavor to existing entrees also contribute a slightly alkalizing effect.
Alkalizing Drinks
According to the University of California-San Diego, a number of drinks are available that can help balance out a pH level low in alkalinity. Among the drink options to consider are milk and herbal teas. Look to the alkalizing levels of different fruits to determine whether fruit juices will provide high, moderate or slightly alkalizing effects. The same advice applies to juices derived from vegetables on these lists.
