pH Diet (Acid Alkaline Diet)
pH is the negative log of hydrogen ion concentration in a water-based solution, and represents the hydrogen ion levels in the body. The scale runs from 1 to 14, 7 being neutral. Some believe that our bodies should be slightly alkaline – around 7.45 – in order to be at our highest level of wellness.
pH balance in the body is crucial to enzyme functions that control our metabolisms and hormones, and ultimately, our ability to thrive. A slightly alkaline or basic blood pH contributes to healthy enzyme reactions and organ functions. When the body is too acidic, many people report digestive issues, skin blemishes, brittle hair, dull complexion, brain fog, and much more. Advocates of this principle test their pH using litmus paper and their urine or saliva first thing when they wake up before consuming any food or drink.
Followers of the pH diet believe that eating too many acid-forming foods causes blood and/or tissues to become acidic and that this promotes disease, exhaustion, and anger. They believe that balancing the pH by eating more alkaline forming foods restores health.
Foods to include:
- Vegetables
- Some fruit, primarily low-glycemic options like berries and green apples
- Some whole grains, such as quinoa and millet
- Lean meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Eggs
- Some dairy
- Nuts
- Olive oil
Foods to avoid:
- High-glycemic fruits
- Processed carbohydrates
- Processed sugar
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Yeast
- Fatty meat
- Sweets
- Cheese
- Some grains – barley, corn, and rye
- Dried fruit
- Peanuts, cashews, and pistachios
Pros:
- Alkaline blood may protect against disease
- Alkaline system may lead to weight loss or maintenance
- Staying alkaline may lead to greater mental clarity and focus
Cons:
- May be too restrictive for some
- May be difficult to discern which foods are acidic and which are alkaline
- Depending on an individual’s condition, it may be easy to become too alkaline, and therefore contracted and constipated
Sources:
How you Rot & Rust www.biomedx.com (Links to an external site.)
Alkalize your Body pH to Restore Good Health www.balance-ph-diet.com (Links to an external site.)
The Alkaline Food Chart www.acidalkalinediet.com (Links to an external site.)
A List of Acid/Alkaline Forming Foods www.essenceoflife.com (Links to an external site.)
