We often hear that an alkaline body is a healthy body and an acidic body is a disease-promoting environment. But do you know what this means? Being aware of the delicate pH balance of our bodies is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. This is directly affected by the foods we eat. Let’s explore how.
When it comes to the body and nutrition, it’s really all about the cell. The cell has to do a job, which is to keep us alive by providing us with energy to do what we need to do. The thing is, in this energy-generating process, the cell also creates waste byproducts. This is where pH comes in. The natural pH of blood is 7.365, but cellular byproducts are lower than that, what we would call acidic. Refreshing our memories from chem lab in school: The pH scale goes from 1-14, with 1 being the most acidic and 14 the most alkaline or “basic”. A pH of 7 is considered neutral. At 7.365, the healthy pH of our blood is slightly alkaline, while cellular byproducts are the opposite. Here is where our role in helping balance this out comes in – and the importance of food in this process.
According to Dr. Robert Young, a microbiologist and pioneer in alkalinity research, the problem with obesity and derivative diseases in this country is that “it’s not that we’re overweight, it’s that we’re over acid”. As Dr. Young explains in his book, The pH Miracle, the acid that is a natural waste product of cellular respiration needs to be eliminated through urination, defecation, perspiration and respiration in order for us to stay healthy. If we cannot eliminate the acid, it stays in our bodies in the form of body fat. Why fat? Because acid is corrosive and toxic to us, both internally and externally, and in order to keep our internal environment from becoming damaged with this acid that is not being eliminated (acid burns the skin, so you can imagine what it would do to our internal tissues and organs), fat molecules come to the rescue and sort of “trap” the acid molecules so they won’t “burn” us, and then these fat and acid (toxins) bundles take up residence in various peripheral areas of our bodies, such as our hips, stomachs, butts, etc…
Young and other researchers who swear by live blood analysis say that it is an overly acid body that is the perfect environment for the development of cancer, obesity and yeast overgrowth, among other diseases. Corrosive thoughts that generate stress as well as a diet high in acid-forming foods and low in alkaline-forming foods that help “cleanse” or balance the blood, and even acidic water are the culprits. Water is supposed to have a neutral pH of 7, but as it is “processed” to get to us at the grocery store, it may become acidic (you’ve heard of acid rain, haven’t you? Same concept, only the acidity in the rain comes from our sadly polluted cities.)
When it comes to food, knowing which ones will generate acid and which ones will be alkaline in your body is a must. Following is an example of some foods and how they effect the pH balance of your body, so that you can start to get an idea of how what you eat reacts in your body.
Acid-forming foods include:
- Sugar
- Meat
- Shellfish
- Eggs
- Dairy
- Processed and refined foods
- Dried fruits
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Chocolate
- Sodas
- White and wheat breads
- Carbonated water
- Acidic water
Alkaline-forming foods include:
- Green leafy vegetables
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Good fats
- Seaweed
- Avocado
- Limes
- Lemons
- Grapefruit
- Papaya
- Pineapple
- Watermelon
See any patterns here? Veggies and fruits top the alkaline list, while meat, dairy, and processed foods top the acid list. Still, this is a rough list. The pH scale is a range, and each foods falls on a different spot on the scale. In other words, some foods can be slightly alkaline-forming, while others are very alkaline-forming. The same goes for acid-forming ones: some, like beans, are slightly acid-forming and closer to neutral, while sugary drinks like sodas are way acidic. Keep this in mind when planning meals, and be sure to check out this more detailed list of alkaline/acid foods.
For those of you being exposed to the idea of body pH for the first time, but who are familiar with the glycemic index, this may be helpful. Dr. Grabriel Cousens, author of Spiritual Nutrition, puts it simply, relating it to blood sugar: A low-glycemic diet is alkaline and beneficial. A high-glycemic diet is acidic and unhealthy.
Another way to think of it is this: Foods that contain a large amount of chlorine, phosphorus, sulfur and nitrogen – for example, most animal products – tend to be acid forming. Foods rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium and sodium – for example, most vegetables – tend to be alkaline forming.
So how do we apply all of this to our healthy lifestyles? It’s about balance, and we can begin to balance our bodies by keeping our minds as free of stressful thoughts as possible, checking the pH of our water (you can always add fresh lime juice to your water to make it more alkaline) and following an 80-20 rule when it comes to acid/alkaline foods: 80% alkaline-forming, 20% acid-forming. By the way, Dr. Young explains that over-exercising is not good either, as it produces lactic acid in the tissues and makes us “fat”. So, exercise for flexibility, strength and cardiovascular (among other) benefits, but don’t kill yourself if weight-loss is what you’re after. Instead, be sure to eat right to help your body maintain its healthy pH balance and the extra fat off of your hips, belly and thighs. If you do exercise a lot because it is your passion, then alkaline-forming foods take on an even more important role in helping you get rid of acid byproducts. Besides protein shakes you may be fond of for tissue repair, be sure to add green juices to your diet. Also, deep breathing makes the blood more alkaline, so do not skip the cool down process. This will help keep the fluids at the right pH levels, waste out, and health in place. Over-acidic people’s personalities are typically described as grouchy, sensitive and exhausted, exhibiting aches, pains, headaches, problems with sleeping and often having tummy trouble and cravings (and therefore anxiety). So, taking the proper steps to balance your body’s pH will help maintain the health of your body AND mind, and help you project the best version of your own personality without the added emotional imbalances that result from an overly-acidic diet. It’s interesting to note that the acronym for the Standard American Diet – processed foods, too much meat and dairy – is SAD. Wouldn’t you rather be happy and healthy? Take care of your body pH by eating a vegetable-rich plant-based diet and watch how your mood changes.
Thanks, Carlos! Since links do change often, it’s probably best to do your own Google search for alkaline foods. Another good source is, of course, Dr. Young’s book
Silvia and Maryl,
I really like your article! Great job explaining the science behind alkalinity and why is so important to eat green leafy vegetables, among other alkaline foods.
(again
I also found, as Alba, that the link on “this more detailed list of alkaline/acid foods”, goes somewhere else. Yes, it was changed; I know you don’t make those mistakes
I found a little something missing, just two letters at the end:
“It’s interesting to no that the ”, I believe you ment “to note that…”.
I’ve been gathering information to write an article to show the importance and the relationship between plants based living foods and an alkaline healthy body. I definitelly will refer your article in mine.
Carlos
PS: I will have to read Dr Young’s book, “The Ph Miracle” too!
Gabriel- Dates are on the list of acid forming foods, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have them ever. Healthy eating is all about percentages. 80% alkaline, 20% acidic. Balance and variety is key. When we eat the same thing everyday, the body tends to develop an allergy to it after a while and you might not even notice it. So switch it up and remember to keep the 80% of your meals loaded with alkaline forming foods. We have some great breakfast recipe options coming soon in our upcoming nutrition book. Stay tuned! -Silvie
Are dates considered dry fruit? I eat a lot of them with my morning oatmeal. I thought they were super healthy and now I am worried that they may be acidic. Please let me know. Thanks!
Dear Danielle,
Apple cider vinegar is alkaline-forming to the body and helps balance the pH. It is considered a wonderful healing food. Kefir is not one I can speak with too much because I don’t drink it due to it being milk-based, but I know that it is also a probotioc: it helps promote the good bacteria that colonize the intestines and keep things moving. However, the best probiotic, in our opinion, is dairy-free Bio-K. Check this article for more on probiotics.
You’re welcome!
Many of these foods surprised and intrigued me (like milk). Great article girls, thank you! How would you categorize apple cider vinegar and kiefer?
Oh no! The page must’ve changed, Alba – the original article is from our archives, written months ago. Thanks for the heads up – we’ll check into it. What I would recommend is to get Dr. Robert Young’s book The pH Miracle if you can – he lists alkaline/acid foods there. Otherwise, here is a simple rule: greens (leaves like spinach, kale, arugula, romaine, etc) are alkaline. So are most vegetables and the following fruits: limes, grapefruits, watermelons, tomatoes (only if they are raw, they turn acidic when cooked), and avocados. Acid-forming foods include meats, breads, and sweets. Generally, if it tastes sugary, it’ll likely be acidic for your body. If it’s mineral-rich (like most vegetables, especially the green ones) then it’ll turn alkaline. Hope that helps.
I tried to click on the link within the article: “this more detailed list of alkaline/acid foods” but it sent me to various pop-up like windows that were more like a hijacking experience!
I would really like to have a copy of the more detailed list of alkaline/acid foods so I can adjust my lifestyle more and my business, being a family-home daycare provider!
Thank you,
~Alba
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So true and just plain Awesome….That is all I have to say.
I am a master’s student of Gabriel Cousens, M.D. program. One thing I would like to note, in regards to the photo posted with this article, that your blood PH is 7.36/7.4 like it clearly states, but if you are using the test strips like pictured to measure your PH, urine and saliva run about 6.8 for a perfect balance. Also, also if you’re a fast or slow oxidizer can also determine whether you run slightly more acidic or alkaline. You can be too alkaline too.
It’s LIVE-blood cell analysis, not “life” or also called darkfield microscopy. Also, be careful not to think alkalized water is the answer either – or a quick fix. These can harm your body over time. You need to first change your diet to get things balanced, drinking alkalized water simply isn’t enough. Drinking and eating greens with raw almonds and almond milk (raw) are the best ways to start. Greens are soooo alkalizing and almonds are the most alkalizing nut. Also, if you’re not vegan or raw-vegan – the bone marrow found in animals is the moat alkaline part of the animal. So make your own bone broths, etc.
When you dry fruits you raise the fructose. We [detox we are taught in my masers program] don’t eat dried fruit or even fruit when healing our bodies terrain and our body back into homeostasis.
And also, any refined sugar, not matter how minimal will not allow you to heal. Sugar leaches vitamins, minerals, etc, from your bones in hopes of balancing the acidity caused by these “foods” (I use quotes here cuz sugar is not food; it’s poison). You can still have your sweets by making them at home and using healthy alternatives.
For more info, go to http://www.how2eatraw.com/teach or http://www.how2eatraw.com/blog
Great post. We’re vegan so I know I do well in a lot of areas. I love dark green leafy veggies and have reduced my intake of breads. But sweets still remain my weakness…and sugar is top of your acidic list. Well, maybe I can make it if I use your 80/20 rule. I can do 80% of my calories from veggies (I love salads!) and still leave a little room for some dessert. Thanks for this informative post!
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I enjoy seeing websites that understand the value of providing a prime resource for free. I truly loved reading your post. Thanks!
I am new to the whole concept of eating raw and vegan. I have started with 50 % raw food the first week and was amazed at how good I felt, how much energy I had and I am totally addicted to my new juicer and green juice. I can’t imagine going back to my old way of eating. I downloaded a list of alkaline foods and it is very easy to incorporate them into your daily life. Great article.
I understand this is a huge discussion regarding insulin vs HGH, and I do see a relationship between alkaline forming foods and less insulin produced by the body… but lactic acid, produced while doing Hiit and MRT, I understood was beneficial by encouraging the release of HGH. Could you explain how this would relate to acidity/alkaline tendancies?
Thanks for clearing that up Silvie how about Dried Apricots and Dates ?
JJ,
In general dried fruits are acid forming but there are exceptions. Raisins are alkaline forming. We were giving a general guideline.
For the exception of raisins, we recommend having fruits in their natural state.
Wow, great magazine!
Sources?
Raisins are dried fruit yet they are highly alkaline i thought ?
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