Different body compartments / fluids have different pH levels. The stomach is extremely acidic, the colon and small intestine less so, while the blood is very slightly alkaline for example. However, many nutrition experts will support the notion to become more alkaline. The Western diet with its excess of meat (which are generally acidic) and lack of vegetables (that are generally alkaline) leave the body in a more “acidic state”. Some researchers and nutrition experts claim that disease, such as cancer, thrives in an acidic environment. More conservatively enzymes and hormones work optimally in a very narrow pH band, so it seems pertinent to become more alkaline for optimal health.

Here is a table to acid / alkaline foods, base your diet around more alkalising foods.

Foods

Alkaline

Acid

Fruits

Dates, figs, melons, grapes, papaya, kiwi, lemons, watermelon, limes, grapefruit, mangoes, apples, raisins, avocado

Cherries, rhubarb, blackberries, cranberries, prunes

Vegetables, beans and legumes

Onions, Mushrooms, Cabbage, Tomatoes Asparagus, onions, parsley, spinach, broccoli, garlic, green beans, celery, lettuce, courgette, sweet potato and lentils

Potato, pinto beans, navy beans, lima beans, chocolate

Nuts and seeds

Almonds, chestnuts, almonds and coconut

Milk

Brazil nuts Pecans, cashews, peanuts, walnuts

Grains

Amaranth, millet, quinoa

Wheat, spelt, brown rice, white rice, corn, oats, buckwheat, rye, white flour, pastries, pasta

Meats

None

Fish and Shellfish

Bacon, Beef, Chicken, Liver, Lamb, Veal

Eggs and dairy

None

All

Beverages

Herb teas, lemon water, green tea

Beer, soft drinks, coffee, black teas

One if the most acidic thing you can eat is grains, conventional nutritional wisdom will suggest getting 6-11 serving a grain based products a day. Well this will increase your acidity and make you fat. Instead eat small servings of meat, fish etc… with unlimited amounts of vegetables. Add in small portions of grains for balance but don’t centre your meals around them.