While I probably haven't paid much attention to pH levels since my high school science classes, I recently stumbled upon something that might just make me reconsider.
Every type of food that we put in our body has a specific pH level — and that pH level could decide our overall health.
According to experts, acidic foods (those with a lower pH) may actually be making us sick — while alkaline foods (those with a higher pH) may actually be making us healthier.
According to the Journal of Environmental and Public Health, an alkaline diet "may benefit bone health, reduce muscle wasting, as well as mitigate other chronic diseases such as hypertension and strokes."
I had no idea that, just as certain foods can aid my digestion, altering my diet to include more alkaline foods can actually improve my overall health!
Scroll through this exclusive list to see if your favorite foods are acidic or alkaline. After seeing this, I will definitely be focusing on alkaline foods from now on.
And though there are some differing opinions as to the effectiveness of eating high pH levels over low ones, certainly everyone can agree that these healthy alkaline foods are bound to have a positive effect on your health!
Will you be switching to more alkaline foods? Let us know in the comments.
According to wellness activist and best-selling author Kris Carr, every substance we consume falls under one of two categories: acidic or alkaline.
The pH scale measures how acidic or alkaline a substance is, and rates it accordingly:
- Below 7 = increasingly acidic
- 7 = neutral
- Above 7 = increasingly alkaline
Knowing where foods fall on this pH scale can help you eliminate overly acidic foods, and focus on healthier alkaline foods.
Extremely Acidic: Cola, Energy Drinks, and Soda Water
On the alkaline food scale, the foods that generally cause some of the most acid in the body are actually drinks. These drinks range in their pH levels from 2-3.
According to MindBodyGreen.com, cola, energy drinks, and soda water are the most acidic.
If following the alkaline diet, you should cut back on these acid-producing beverages and focus more on the other end of the spectrum.
Strongly Acidic: Wine, Cheese, and Beer
While wine, cheese, and beer might be some of your favorite things, consuming too much of them can have undesired health effects. Their pH levels are around 4.
Pork, vinegar, and chocolate also fall into this category.
Each of these has a low pH level and causes a large amount of acid to form in your body.
That doesn't mean you have to cut them out entirely, but moderation is key.
Somewhat Acidic: Coffee, Hamburgers, and Peanuts
It probably comes as no surprise that coffee is fairly acidic. But beef and peanuts can be just as strong.
Most nuts will actually fall into this acidic category, as would wheat and potatoes.
You can easily cut back on your acid levels by swapping these out for more alkaline foods every once in a while.
Mildly Acidic: Salmon, Eggs, and Fruit Juice
You don't have to be too concerned about these mildly acidic foods, but they certainly are not ideal for the alkaline diet.
Eggs and salmon have pH levels around 6, and can cause a fair amount of acid in the body. Fruit juice also falls into this category.
Citrus fruits might have a lower pH number, but their effect on the body is only mildly acidic.
Beans, honey, and tea also qualify as being slightly acidic.
Neutral: Tap Water and Bottled Water
It shouldn't be too surprising that spring water and tap water are neutral.
While water may not up your alkaline intake, the many health benefits should make this a part of any diet. Water can certainly aid with the digestion process.
Somewhat Alkaline: Strawberries, Apples, and Bananas
According to Phreshproducts.com, several fruits have low pH levels but are actually considered "alkaline-forming foods."
Apples, bananas, strawberries, pineapple, and peaches are all somewhat alkaline in the body.
Also included in this category are soy products, wild rice, and tomatoes.
Consuming foods on this end of the spectrum will up your alkaline-related health benefits.
Strongly Alkaline: Celery, Grapes, and Avocados
Some more great foods to eat are celery, grapes, and avocados.
Again, their pH levels might be lower, but they rank very high on the alkaline diet scale.
According to MindBodyGreen.com, along with these alkaline-fueling foods, try also including sweet potatoes, melons, eggplant, and green beans.
Extremely Alkaline: Carrots, Onions, Lemons, and Asparagus
And by far the best foods to eat in order to receive alkaline benefits are carrots, onions, lemons, and asparagus.
Lemon is very low on the pH scale because of its citric acid. However, lemons and lemon water are actually alkaline-producing in the body.
This high alkaline category also includes spinach, broccoli, olive oil, and artichokes.
Keeping this chart handy is a great way to remind yourself of which foods will have a negative, acidic effect on your body — and which will have a positive, alkaline effect.
With all of the potential health benefits from upping your intake of foods at the higher end of the alkaline scale, it's no wonder that so many people are trying this out.
Will you be eating more alkaline foods now? Let us know in the comments.
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