Acidic Foods

We enjoy fast and junk food, processed food and are unaware of the increase in acid level caused due to them. The normal pH (potential of Hydrogen) level of body should be maintained at 7 which is neutral. If it falls below 7, it is more acidic while if it rises above 7, it is more basic. If the acid level in the body increases, the person suffers from several diseases like acid reflux disease, decrease in energy, increase in the risk of production of cancer causing cells, etc. The diet plays an important role in increasing the acid level in the body. There are several foods, known as acidic foods that contribute to the same. One should eliminate or reduce the intake of these foodstuffs.

What Foods are Acidic

There are several foodstuffs ranging from fruits, vegetables, meat, desserts, drinks, etc, that contain high amounts of acid. One should be aware that consuming acidic food and tooth decay are related to each other. The acid in the food affects the tooth enamel resulting in tooth decay. Acne can flare up due to eating extremely spicy and acid containing foodstuffs. The following is a list of foods containing high amount of acid.

List of Acidic Foods

The following foodstuffs, when digested, produce more acid in the body than others. Also, certain foodstuffs like buttermilk or yogurt can turn more acidic after digestion if they contain live cultures or bacteria. Therefore, they should be consumed in lesser amounts.

• Eggs
• Liver
• Gravies and broths
• Tomato and tomato based products
• Wine
• Yogurt
• Buttermilk
• Sour cream
• Cheese
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Sugar and most desserts
• Fermented foods
• Vitamin B supplements
• Aspartame
• Digestive enzymes

Fruits

• Blueberries
• Cranberries
• Currants
• Cashews
• Brazil Nuts
• Peanuts
• Plums
• Prunes

Vegetables

• Corn
• Olives
• Black Beans
• Chickpeas
• Green Peas
• Kidney Beans
• Lentils
• Lima Beans
• Pinto Beans
• Soy Beans
• Potatoes
• Tomatoes

Animal Source

• Beef
• Bacon
• Carp
• Clams
• Fish
• Lamb
• Lobster
• Mussels
• Oyster
• Pork
• Rabbit
• Salmon
• Shrimp
• Sardines
• Scallops
• Sausage
• Tuna
• Turkey
• Veal

Miscellaneous

• Saturated Fats
• Hydrogenated Oils
• Corn, vegetable Oil
• Cream
• Butter
• Margarine
• Yogurt
• Corn syrup
• White bread, pasta
• Biscuits
• Bran, oat, rice products
• All instant meals, soups, noodles
• All tinned foods, chocolates, sweets

Drinks

• Milk
• Coffee
• Tea
• Soft, fizzy drinks
• Beer
• All spirits

Along with these, fast foods, fried and all processed foods are also included in this list. It is essential to have alkaline foods in order to maintain the proper acid-alkaline level in the body. The following are the alkaline foods that should be included in the diet.

Alkaline Foods

• All fruits and vegetables not mentioned above
• Almonds
• Sesame
• Flax
• Coconut oil
• Apple cider vinegar
• Fresh fruit juice
• Green juices
• Almond milk
• Herbal tea
• Sprouts
• Hummus
• Cottage cheese
• Millet
• Ginger
• Mustard
• Tofu

Including alkaline foods in the diet helps in keeping several diseases at bay. Therefore, in the acidic vs alkaline foods, you should definitely opt for alkaline foods for a healthy life. People suffering from gastritis, stomach ulcer or other gastrointestinal disorders are also advised to cut down completely on all acidic foods. Acid reflux disease can be treated and prevented effectively by reducing the intake of acidifying foods and including alkalizing foods in the diet.

Lastly, as a concluding note, one should remember that the diet plays an important role in causing and prevention of several diseases and disorders and hence, one should be careful about it. Take care!