A long-term acid diet creates an acidic environment at the cellular level in your body. If cells cannot function properly, your body cannot function properly. The result of an acid system includes circulation problems, heart troubles, fatigue and low energy, premature aging, stiff joints, memory loss, lack of sex drive, constipation, bloating, breathing difficulties, skin problems and the threat of serious terminal illnesses.

On the other hand, a healthy alkaline diet creates an environment that is conducive to cellular level health, which results in total health. 

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. 

Acid-forming foods should be restricted but should not be entirely eliminated from your diet. A good rule to follow is the 80/20 rule, where you eat 80 percent alkaline foods and 20 percent acid-forming foods. Most all Americans have highly acidic diets, the reverse of what it should be. Most Americans are sick. That’s no coincidence.

If you use the 80/20 rule and drink eight glasses of alkaline water daily, you’re almost certain to see a huge improvement in your health in only one year or less. These two lists show various acid-forming and alkaline foods. 

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 all 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.

Alkaline Foods (80 percent)

• Vegetables like artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, cucumbers, eggplants, garlic, leafy greens, lettuce, mushrooms, okra, onion, peppers, pumpkin, radish, 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.