Foods can be classified into acidic or alkaline based on their effect in the body after the food is metabolized, using the pH scale of 0 to 14. A healthy blood pH level in the human body is around 7.4, just over the midpoint on the pH scale. Conditions associated with acidic imbalance in the body, or acidosis, include diabetes, osteoporosis, kidney disease, heart disease, fatigue, lower immune functions, weight gain, and depression.
Since diet determines pH balance, identifying where specific foods fall within the pH scale can help plan and balance a healthy diet. Knowing that vegetables and fruits are of alkaline nature, juicing or consuming raw fruits and vegetables can be a quick way to ensure an alkaline diet if there is an acidic imbalance, which is a common condition. Other substitutions in your kitchen can help you avoid the acidic tendencies of certain foods and their related health impact.
Replace the following acidic foods with more alkaline options in your menus to help you reach pH balance:
ACIDIC ALKALINE
Regular milk (cow) Coconut milk, unsweetened almond milk
Regular cheese (cow’s milk) Raw goat cheese, organic cheese
Vinegar Lemon or lime
Sugar, sweeteners Stevia
Coffee, black tea Green tea
White pasta Spiralized vegetables (e.g., zucchini)
White rice Brown rice
Peanuts Almonds
Soda Water infused with lemon, lime, mint or cucumber
MSG Celtic grey sea salt, Himalayan pink salt
Condiments Herbs, sprouts, lemon
Hydrogenated oils Olive, flax, hemp oil
