pH value comes into play when determining if something is alkaline or acidic.
- A pH of 0 indicates a high level of acidity.
- A pH of 7 is neutral.
- A pH of 14 is the most basic, or alkaline.
Generally, alkaline foods are vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, and unrefined/unprocessed foods.
Meat, dairy and moderately to highly cooked products/foods range more on the acidic side of the spectrum. The second infographic below states that 80% of our diet should be alkaline, and the remaining 20% should be devoted to acidic foods. We shouldn’t eat too much of either, however one has different limits than the other. Thinking of it as eating more alkaline and less acidic foods instead of completely eliminating is best. Alkaline foods are known to be rich in antioxidants as well as fight and prevent cancer. However, this doesn’t mean we should only eat raw spinach and lemons, we need balance.
Source: Waking Times (website) | For a zoomed in/bigger version, click here
Source: AlkaMind (website) | For a zoomed in/bigger version, click here
– Highlights To Take Note Of –
- Cooking increases acidity
- Meat and sweetening products increase acidity
- Certain unhealthy physical habits increase acidic levels
- High amounts of negative stress and lack of sleep specifically
- Fresh lemon juice in water is an easy way to greatly increase alkaline levels
- If, by looking at these charts, you know you eat a diet heavier in acidic foods, simply add alkaline foods in. A great way to do that is to take a look at The [ADD] Diet under the Nutrition tab.
- I don’t eat 100% alkaline foods, I’m more of a 75% alkaline / 25% acidic kinda chick. I eat meat, dairy, eggs and enjoy a glass of Malbec and a craft beer occasionally, however I know to eat my veggies and chia seeds daily.
For extra information, this website is very helpful: AlkaMind
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