Most people don’t know that alkaline balance plays a key role in their continued health. Your allergies, heart problems, digestive issues, weight problems, circulation problems, fatigue and low energy, premature aging, stiff joints, memory loss, constipation, bloating, breathing difficulties and skin problems are most likely associated with acid overload.

Your body works at its best when you’re in alkaline and acid balance. The pH, or “potential of hydrogen”, is a measure of the relative acidity or alkalinity of a solution. A pH of 7 is a perfectly neutral pH; from 0 to 7 indicates acidity; and from 7 to 14 indicates alkalinity. You want to fall somewhere in the middle around 7 or 7.5.

When discussing foods, you must understand that there is a huge difference between acid foods and acid-forming foods. A good example is citrus fruits, which are truly acid foods because they contain citric acid. However, during the process of digestion, foods change their chemistry. Therefore, do not assume that ALL acid foods are acid-forming. 

A good rule to follow is the 80/20 rule, where you eat 80 percent alkaline and 20 percent acid-forming foods. These two lists show various acid-forming and alkaline foods. 

Alkaline Foods (80 percent)

• Vegetables like artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, cucumbers, eggplants, garlic, leafy greens, lettuce, mushrooms, okra, onions, peppers, pumpkins, radishes, spinach, squash, turnip greens, zucchini and many others.
• Fruits like apples, avocados, bananas, berries, cherries, coconuts, grapes, lemons, limes, grapefruits, oranges, peaches, pears, pineapples, tomatoes and watermelons.
• Products like tofu, goat milk and goat cheese.
• Breads and flours like soy flour, sprouted bread and spelt bread.
• Nuts and seeds like almonds, chestnuts, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, sesame seeds, soy nuts and sunflower seeds.
• Spices and seasonings like chili pepper, cinnamon, curry, ginger, miso, mustard seed or powder, sea salt and tamari.
• Natural sweeteners like stevia, agave nectar and grade B maple syrup.
• Protein like whey powder and fermented tempeh and tofu.
• Other items like apple cider vinegar, Banchi tea, bee pollen, dandelion tea, fresh fruit juices, green tea, mineral water, unpasteurized organic milk, probiotic cultures and fresh vegetable juices.

Acid-Forming Foods (20 percent)

• Meat, poultry and seafood like beef, chicken, lamb, duck, shellfish, veal and venison.
• Condiments like ketchup, mustard, dressings, mayonnaise and vinegar.
• Bread and flours like corn meal, cereals, white breads, pasta, rolls and buns.
• Fats and oils like margarine, vegetable oil, canola oil, lard, flaxseed oil and olive oil.
• Beverages like beer, black tea, coffee, processed juices, liquors, soda drinks, wine and sport drinks.
• Fruits and vegetables with added sugars like certain canned items, artificially sweetened items, glazed or jellied fruits and pickled, processed or preserved veggies.
• Grains and legumes like black beans, chickpeas, corn, lentils, lima beans, rolled oats, soybeans, green peas and rices.
• Dairy products like milk, butter, cheeses and eggs and egg products.
• Nuts and seeds like cashews, peanuts, peanut butter, pecans and walnuts.
• Sweets like artificial sweeteners, cakes, chocolate, cookies, doughnuts, pies and white and raw sugars.
• Drugs and chemicals like pesticides, herbicides and prescription and over-the-counter meds.