Balancing pH: Understanding Base & Acidic Foods for Optimal Health

Diets that combine base foods and acidic foods result in a healthy pH balance, leading to increased energy levels, strong and vibrant hair, teeth, nails and skin, improved digestive health and decreased symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, acid reflux stomach aches and nausea.

Warning

• Fatty proteins such as lamb, beef, shellfish, chicken, pork and turkey contain high acidity levels that peak due to preparation in acidic saturated oils, batters and sauces.

Considerations

• Substituting acidic preparations and condiments for base ingredients such as olive, flax and coconut oils, avocado, hummus and tahini can counteract protein acidity.

Types

• Base fruits including grapefruit, tomato, lime, lemon, watermelon, tomato and avocado contain alkaline content versus acidic fruits such as berries, bananas, apples and pears.

Benefits

• Vegetables are base foods that are healthy for the body and should accompany meals, providing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber that aid in digestive health, versus acidic diets high in carbohydrates and saturated fats that cause digestive problems.

Considerations

• Acidic foods such as dairy products, nuts and meat provide the body with protein, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals and add to a healthy diet when consumed in moderation and in combination with base foods.