Overview
Raw fruits and vegetables help balance the body’s pH level and reduce acid accumulation that, over time, deteriorates health. Today’s typical Western diet, which is heavy in meat, refined grains and sugars, soda and coffee, acidifies the blood, yet the body functions best when it is slightly alkaline.
pH Basics
PH (potential hydrogen) measures the acidity of a solution on a scale from 0 to14. Lower numbers are more acidic, higher numbers are more alkaline. Approximately 7.35 is neutral. An acid is any substance that gives off hydrogen ions in solution while a base accepts hydrogen ions. Therefore, any food that gives off hydrogen ions when ingested and metabolized is said to produce acidity in the body. The body is constantly working to maintain a neutral blood acid level with tightly controlled buffering systems that normalize acid production from metabolism. Even so, many health experts have asserted that diet can play an essential role in maintaining a healthy pH.
Acidifying Diet
Christopher Vasey, a naturopathic doctor and author of “The Acid Alkaline Diet for Optimum Health,” identifies acidifying foods as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, cheeses and animal fats. Additionally, grains, legumes, sweets and soda produce acidic residues after digestion.
Alkalizing Diet
“Green and colored vegetables are the primary source of alkaline substances for the body,” Vasey said. Foods such as potatoes, bananas, some nuts and even citrus fruits are alkalizing as well. According to Vasey, dairy milk, cold-pressed oils and natural sugars also produce alkalizing effects.
Understanding Metabolism
According to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, most acid is formed by the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and protein. Fats break down into fatty acids, proteins into amino acids and carbohydrates into carbonic acids. Acids are normally released as carbon dioxide when you exhale and as urine by the kidneys. However, a pH imbalance can result from an underlying condition such as diabetes, starvation, large quantities of ingested acids or disordered regulation organs.
Health Effects
A chronic acidifying diet depletes bones of minerals, a cause of osteoporosis. Dr. William Sears explains how the body pulls calcium from bones to buffer acidic food residues in his book, “Prime Time Health.” Additionally, irritation and inflammation from organ exposure to acids can spur ulcers and arthritis. An acidic environment can also cripple the immune system and fatigue energy levels by slowing vital enzyme functions. A balanced diet high in alkalizing fruits and vegetables and moderate in acidifying animal products, refined grains and sugars will ensure a healthy pH level.
About this Author
Sarah Vanegas, M.S., is a nutritionist based in California. She received her Master of Science degree in nutrition from Oregon State University. She has worked in community, prenatal, and pediatric nutrition, and currently is a personal nutrition counselor. Passionate about the connection between good nutrition and health, she loves sharing her insight through writing.
