You may have heard about the Alkaline Diet – a mostly vegetarian diet that’s centered around the pH balance of the foods we eat.  If you’re like us, you may be wondering if there’s any value to it – so we did a little research for you!

Everything around us registers on the pH spectrum, from completely acidic (0) to completely alkaline (14). Even our own bodies maintain a pH balance; we require a blood pH value between 7.35 and 7.45 and a stomach pH of 1.35-3.5 in order to function properly.  The Alkaline Diet believes that one of the best ways to help our bodies maintain a proper pH balance is by consuming a balance of the right foods.  Ideally, our diets should have a healthy balance of acidic and alkaline foods . Where does your diet fall?

Foods and Beverages on the pH Spectrum

The pH balance our body requires is a narrow window, and any time we slip outside of that window, our bodies work to bring it back into that zone. Don’t worry – regardless of the foods we eat, that’s  what our bodies are designed to do.  You’ll notice that in the infographic above, there are lots of healthy foods pictured in the “Alkaline” section, and some not-so-healthy (but tasty!) foods pictured in the “Acidic” section.  However in the text below the image, you can see that there are plenty of healthy food choices that fall into the “Acidic” section as well.  Doctors have found no evidence that our blood pH is affected by the foods we eat – however, research proves it does affect the pH balance of our urine.

What does this mean?  Highly acidic diets can lower urine pH and raise the risk for kidney stones, as well as irritate the bladder and erode teeth enamel. Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, like the alkaline diet, can raise urine pH and reduce the risk for kidney stones – and it’s more gentle on the bladder, teeth and gums.

Remember, in a pH-balanced diet, the point is not to eliminate acid- or alkaline-forming foods, but to maintain healthy balance.  A diet that’s healthy for your heart, weight, blood-pressure and colon will most likely be pH-balanced as well.  Highly-processed foods tend to be more acidic after digestion than minimally-processed foods.  Many of the chemicals in highly-processed or mass-produced foods (such as pesticides) tend to be acid-forming.  This means simply choosing organic or locally-grown produce – and thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables before you eat them – can potentially reduce the acid in your diet.

See these food charts by degree of Alkallinity or Acidity:

If your blood pH is outside of the zone, it’s most likely a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as kidney failure – and not the foods you eat.  For questions or concerns about your blood pH, consult with your primary care doctor.

For more health and nutrition information, or for incontinence, ostomy, urological and wound home care supplies, visit our resources blog on totalhomecaresupplies.com.

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