The Role of Food in an Acidic pH

Our body contains trillions of cells performing different functions to stay healthy. One of the measures to determine how balanced our body is the pH or Hydrogen Potential. This is the measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a substance in a specific medium...

The pH scale is measured from 1 to 14, presenting a pH of 7.0 which is the most suitable for our body. A pH greater than 7 is known as alkaline or basic and a pH less than 7.0 is acidic and is the most related to the result or origin of some disease.

A body with an unbalanced pH is not able to perform its functions correctly and can lead to diseases that affect our body permanently. In most cases the body has the ability to restore internal balance and recover.

On the other hand, if the body continues with these acidic states for a long time then it begins to take more extreme measures that restore that scale.

For example, take alkalizing minerals such as magnesium, potassium and phosphors that are deposited mainly in the bones, joints and teeth, thus weakening these tissues. There is also an increase in urine excretion, respiration and circulation causing increased blood and respiratory pressure and kidney problems.

A constant acidic pH has also been related to high levels of inflammation in our body and the appearance of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, Diabetes and cancer.

The consequences of an acid state in our body are observed in the decrease in the activity of the immune system, calcification of the blood vessels, loss of bone and muscle mass, chronic fatigue, pain and muscle spasms, hair loss and deterioration of the nails. and irritated skin and premature aging.

Emotional states such as stress, decreased sleep, some medications, and external chemicals tend to acidify the blood and create an environment conducive to illness. However, a key nutritional factor has been attributed to helping restore or reduce this acidity.

In this sense, nutrition is an important factor to achieve an optimal state of acid-base balance, since nutrients have the ability to acidify or alkalize the body. Foods are classified according to the effect they have on the body after digestion and not according to the pH they have by itself.

This is relevant because many foods that appear to be acidic can have an alkaline or basic effect on the body. Minerals such as potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium form alkaline reactions and are mainly found in fruits and vegetables.

On the contrary, foods that contain iron, sulfur and phosphorus such as meats, eggs, dairy products and nuts are acidity promoters. Ideally, a diet consisting of 20 to 25% acidic foods and 75% alkaline foods to create a balanced environment.

There is a list of alkaline and acidic foods that you should know to optimize your health and here we share them.

Alkaline foods

Vegetables: broccoli, carrot, cabbage, cauliflower, coriander, eggplant, mushrooms, spinach.

Fruits: watermelon, apple, nectarine, orange, pineapple, raisins, dates, tomato, fresh coconut.

Protein foods: egg, cottage cheese, chicken breast, tempeh, tofu.

Acidic foods

Vegetables: cooked spinach, peas.

Fruits: prunes, processed juices, plums.

Cereals: corn, oats, rye, brown rice, potato.

Protein foods: beef, pork, seafood, turkey, chicken, mutton, fish.

Others: alcoholic beverages, jam, vinegar, carbonated drinks, milk, beans, chocolate.

In general, every lifestyle must always promote inner balance in all senses to maintain the energy that is required daily to live.

An acid-base balance out of scale only reflects that we have to definitely take control of our life and our health.

If you want to know how to restore your pH according to your personality and lifestyle, contact the FitMeD health and nutrition programs. Transformation programs in personalized health and nutrition.

Adamar Gonzalez MD

Dr. in General Medicine

Creator of the Transformation Program

in Health and Nutrition from FitMeD

fitmedforme@gmail.com

321.310.6648