The human body regulates pH balance through several mechanisms with the help of multiple organs. Even though regular food intake does not play around with the human body’s pH levels, specific food items can actually increase this level, leading to multiple health issues like inflammation. As a result, doctors suggest that you should avoid consuming acidic foods to maintain your body’s pH level.
So, let’s understand which acidic foods you should avoid and what alternatives you have.
Acidic Food Items to Stay Away From
Since following an acidic diet only causes you harm, here are some food types that you can stay away from to avoid facing such issues –
Soft Drinks: Soft drinks contain high amounts of phosphoric acid. It’s dangerous for our health, and the body can’t digest this acid. Moreover, high soda intake leads to severe health issues like kidney issues and pre-diabetes and reduces bone mineral density.
Processed Grains: These are also known as refined grains. Generally, they are used in fast foods, baked food like cake, and white bread. They cause an increment in the acid levels in the guts.
Red Meat, Processed Meat and Animal Protein: Red meat and processed meat are other common acidic foods. They are rich in phosphorus and protein. So, these foods increase the acid level in your diet. Also, animal proteins like eggs and chicken are the cause of acidity.
Dairy Products: Dairy products like milk, cheese and butter are rich in minerals. They include calcium and phosphorus. These minerals support a hike in acid levels in the gut.
Alcohol: Alcohols are the stimulators of acid production in the stomach. Furthermore, it contributes to damage to the stomach lining and heartburn.
Tomato and Tomato Products: Tomatoes trigger acid production within the stomach. As a result, it leads to heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This disease occurs when the stomach acid frequently flows through your gullet. Additionally, you should avoid tomato products like salsa and ketchup. They are the stimulators of GERD symptoms.
Spicy Foods: Spicy foods like curries, chillies and sauces have a pH value ranging between 2 and 4. Thus, they easily accelerate the acid production in the stomach, which leads to heartburn. Also, they contribute to the continuous degradation of gullet and stomach health.
Caffeine and Caffeine Beverages: Coffee, tea and health drinks are supporters of stomach acidity. Overconsumption of these drinks causes stomach ulcers and GERD.
Onions and Garlic: Red onions have a pH value between 5.3 and 5.8, while garlic has a pH value of 5.8. That means onion is more acidic than garlic. Thus, people suffering from acid reflux should avoid onions to reduce heartburn.
Fried Foods: Foods like fries, nuggets and cheese sticks increase the risk of GERD. Also, the high-fat elements of these foods cause stomach acid production, heartburn and regurgitation.
Also, you should avoid other acidic foods like artificial sweeteners, vinegar, seafood, citrus fruits and starchy foods.
| Did You Know? Although having its disadvantages, acidic food helps in digestion and nutrient absorption. It triggers the production of digestive enzymes, too. |
Healthy Alternates of Acidic Foods
Instead of an acidic diet, you must include these alkaline foods in your regular diet. They protect muscle loss and bones and improve memory. These foods are –
Non-gluten Grains: Buckwheat and quinoa are less acidic than white rice and wheat. Thus, they are considered healthy foods for weight loss.
Coconut Milk: The major benefit of consuming coconut milk is that it has low-density lipoproteins and potassium. Thus, it’s alkaline and a good alternative to acidic food.
Honey and Maple Syrup: You can utilise raw honey and maple syrup as a substitute for artificial sweeteners.
Fresh Fruits: Fruits, except citrus, are good for our health. Also, you can choose fruit juice instead of soft drinks.
Fresh Vegetables: Most of the vegetables are alkalising in nature, and they help to reduce acid levels. Vegetables, including potato, pumpkin, shiitake mushrooms, zucchini, beets, radish and cucumber, are good choices instead of acid food and doubles up as healthy foods for weight loss.
Green Tea: As green tea is alkaline in nature, it has become a great substitute for coffee.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is healthier than vegetable oils, and it has a strong resistance against high temperatures. Thus, you can use coconut oil for cooking.
| Expert’s Tip: It isn’t necessary to completely omit acidic foods from your diet. Instead, take a moderate amount of these food items to protect your health. |
Conclusion
Food is directly related to your health and well-being. Once you eat something, it breaks down into different components, and acid is one of them. As long as this acidic component remains under control, it does not trouble you, but when it disturbs the pH level of the body, you feel its effects. So, the best way to counter this problem is to avoid acidic foods and improve your well-being.
