Health is truly a balance among all the systems of the body. The cells of our body are so interconnected that when you improve the balance of any one system, it improves the balance and vitality of the rest of the organ systems. For example, improving cardiovascular health improves digestive function. Improving the function of the nervous system will improve the lymphatic system, and possibly most important, when you improve the acid/alkaline balance of the body, you simultaneously improve every other system in the body at the same time.
Finding balance begins in our bloodstream, as does repairing injuries, reducing inflammation, burning fat, building strong bones (reversing osteoporosis), and the increase of energy and vitality.
In order to function properly, the blood and other body fluids must maintain a very narrow acid/alkaline balance, which is measured by the pH factor (potential hydrogen). pH ranges from 0-14 (very acidic to very alkaline). A pH below 7.0 is acid and above 7 is alkaline. Keep in mind when and if you test your pH that there is a tenfold difference between each number. For example, a pH of 5.0 is 10 times more acidic than a pH of 6.0
Blood pH does not shift easily. The pH of our blood is between 7.25-7.45, and if the blood’s pH falls below or above that range, the body cannot function properly. A tremendous amount of energy is expended to maintain pH levels, all the while pulling from the body’s alkaline mineral reserves, causing deficiencies and health disorders.
When we maintain proper pH levels, injuries heal faster and health challenges improve more quickly because the body is oxygenated and therefore can detoxify and heal itself. If cells are energized in this way, we develop a strong immunity to diseases and a significantly lower propensity for cancer.
The best way to maintain optimal pH levels and optimal vitality is through what we eat and drink and how we react to stress. For the diet, if you follow an 80/20 rule, 80% alkaline forming foods and 20% acid, you should experience all the benefits that a body balance has to offer. Have a look at the following lists to see which foods do what and where you might be able to increase your alkaline-forming foods. Keep in mind that the foods must be organic because ALL pesticides are very acidic.
ALKALINE FORMING FOODS:
DAIRY: acidophilus, whey, kefir/yogurt
FRUITS: apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, berries, cantaloupes, cherries, currants, dates, figs, grapes, grapefruits, guavas, lemons, limes, mangoes, melons, nectarines, oranges, papayas, passion fruits, peaches, pears, persimmons, pineapples, raisins, strawberries, tangerines
VEGGIES: bamboo shoots, green beans, lima beans, string beans, sprouts, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, celery, cauliflower, chard, chicory, chives, collard greens, cucumber, dandelion greens, dill, dulse, eggplant, endive, escarole, kale, garlic, leeks, legumes, lettuce, okra, onions, parsley, parsnips, sweet potato/yam, bell peppers, white potatoes, pumpkin, radish, rutabaga, turnips, watercress
MEAT: No meat is alkaline
NUTS: almonds, chestnuts, coconuts
MISC: ginger, honey, kelp, alfalfa, clover, mint, sage, green tea, quinoa, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, all seaweed/sea veggies
MINERALS: calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese
ACIDIFYING FOODS
GRAINS: all white flour products, buckwheat, wheat, corn, barley, oats, rye
DAIRY: butter, eggs, cheese, cottage cheese, cream, ice cream, custards, milk
FRUITS: jams/anything preserved, cranberries, pomegranates, olives
VEGGIES: artichokes, asparagus, garbanzo beans,
MEAT: All
NUTS: peanuts, pistachios, walnuts, macadamia
MISC: alcohol, brine, coffee, cocoa/chocolate, candy, many dressings (because of the vinegar), drugs, jams/jellies, mayo, some spices, soda, lack of sleep, stress, worry
Thanks for this list, so very help ful 🙂
where are pulses and where is fish ?
Sustainable fish is great and pulses are more toward the middle (must soak prior to eating) for digestion puposes.
Thanks for this great information. I have osteopenia and am keen to reverse it. I have time restricted eating and am post menopausal. I take supplements and am otherwise generally healthy. Would Percy’s powder in the morning be beneficial? I have occasional alcoholic drinks and 2 coffees per day. Hoping I don’t need to give these up, but wondering what your recommendation would be? I also eat cheese and asparagus… not sure if I need to give them all up if they are on the acidic food list or just have a balance between the 2 types? I had a cross laps blood test and it was 410. My doctor recommends I get under 350. I know you cant make personal recommendation but I am interested in your general comments please.
Hi Sue – we answered you via email:)
Hi, I’m trying to understand how to make my body more alkaline, for good health, so I’m reading more than one page about the subject. I found some things here that I wanted to point out:
first, peanuts are a legume, and you say legumes are alkaline, but you say peanuts are acidic.
On another site, a difference was made about beets. Raw=acidic and cooked=alkaline…thoughts?
Also, the other site said that pomegranites are alkaline, so are you sure?
And a question I have is about kombucha. I make my own…I understand it is alkaline, but everyone says caffeine is acidic. I know kombucha ruins my sleep if I drink it late, so the caffeine is still there.
Other site also said globe artichokes are alkaline.
OH! I make my own pickles with salt water brine…thought they were a good probiotic food and I’ve read the ph is about 7, which I think is ideal, since it’s so close to human blood ph. Plus cucumbers are alkaline. your thoughts much appreciated! newbie
I can’t find recommended levels for saliva and urine anywhere on the site. What am I missing? Would you please specify what numbers I should be seeing? Another commentor asked why the two should be different, so I assume there are numbers somewhere that led to her question, I just can’t find them. Please help.
Hi Karis! Urine and saliva pH readings can be different due to the differences in the bodily fluids. The pH of urine varies throughout the day and is generally more acidic than saliva. Saliva pH is generally higher than urine because excess acids are excreted in the urine.
Christa!!
Thanks for ALL the great info on getting more Alkaline.
Is there a BEST time of day to take saliva test with ph paper?
Hi Paula! We recommend upon waking 🙂
How can I go about testing my pH?
Hi Erica – you can get PH testing strips from your local health food store.
Interesting, simple and informative article. Thank you.
Why does dairy appear in both lists? Acid and alkaline.
Fermented Dairy containing Lactic Acid Bacteria is Alkalizing… Raw Dairy is also a good balance of Acid and Alkaline, but pastuerised Dairy is Acid.
Alkalizing good news for diabetic neuropathy.
I have struggled for two years to alkalize my body and am still at only about 6.25 from 5.5 ph urine test. A great side effect is that it is reversing the neuropathy in my feet. I had seen videos on this subject, but did not pay much attention. It does work. Note:
As I reversed my neuropathy I went through same stages as I had when it was developing. Like the shooting nerve pains in my feet at night. But these were short lived.
My feet are not totally normal but ohhh so much better.
Sue, I have felt the same. My neutopathy was so bad that I was using a walker. My balance was terrible. Now on more alkaline food, no walker and doing yoga. Cant believe the difference.
Very clear explanation and a good list of products. I still wish you covered more grains, such as chia, amaranth, teft, black and pinto beans, faba, chickpeas, including farro which is a kind of wheat. I also would like to know if vinegar is acidic perse, as well as Kombucha. I am vegetarian, so
What is the PH of digested Kefir.
dairy lies between 6.5 and 6.7 this article is scare mongering at best, and just pseudo science really. Just another plant based bias without any scientific data to back it.
I have read cottage cheese is the only dairy that is alkaline and that’s why it was used by the Noble Prize winning doctor in the Budwig diet? Your article says cottage cheese is acidic?
I was told to drink apple cider vinegar in warm water before meals to help with to much acid. It helped to heal my heartburn and indigestion. Is this not a good idea?
Hi Elaine, Raw apple cider vinegar is alkalizing and we also like to drink it in warm water upon rising to help maintain healthy stomach acid production.
Yes, because Apple cider vinegar becomes alkaline in the body. I drink it everyday it’s good for you.
I take diluted apple cider vinegar any time I feel I am about, maybe? have a cold. I also do gargles. In maybe 10 years I have not had colds, flus etc. My family drops sick, and I stand there as the only caregiver.
I do not think Oats is acidifying. Oats help when you have Gastric
Thank you
hahahaha. Thanku
In answer to Mike who states that we should all eat steak, and drink dark beer etc. Ive done all of that over the past 40 years. Now im diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and i have high blood pressure. I recently had 3 stents fitted. So 2 yrs ago i started drinking hot water and lemon and also nettle tea. My kidney health is improving. The doctors have told me to keep doing what im doing. Since switching to alkaline doet i have noticed my weight coming down and recent blood test results were good. Doctor very pleased. I am not claiming alkaline diet is a cure all. For me i have seen changes. Its got to be better than burger and chips 4 times a week
I have been vegetarian for 40 years and organic I guess all my life. I exercise, no smoking, no drugs, no farma medication, no cookies, etc. I guess this is what helped me to survive covid-19 at age 73, though it was tough. I am still recovering. Regarding weight, still the same weight and size as the day I got married 50 years ago, energy? I leave behind my meat eater daughter. I am convinced I was spared from death due to my healthy life style.
Fantastic reading. I am a believer in foods being helpful to our health and wellbeing. Thank you for this article which i found to be hope inspiring
Hi, I’ve been reading several resources about a high alkaline diet and it’s positive impact on osteoporosis. I’ve read garbanzo beans are alkanizing not acidifying. Can you PLEASE confirm which they are? Sometimes trying to be well informed is frustrating!
you are so uninformed!
Great charts. Very helpful re: diverticulitis problems. Thanks!
Me too😊 Went on the site for this reason as well
Is magnesium citrate considered acidic?
Hi Kathleen! Not sure about this one. You might try contacting the manufacturer of the product you are taking for this type of informatio.
Curious on apple cider vinegar?
I was under the impression it alkalizes yet it’s stats vinegar is acidic
Hi! Raw apple cider vinegar, as well as many other fruits and vegetables (i.e., lemons) are acidic when you eat them. However, once they are metabolized in your body, they promote alkalinity.
Only raw apple cider vinegar is alkaline. All other vinegars are acidic
Magnesium is a very healthy and necessary mineral, particularly for the heart, and all the muscles. It is alkaline.
I was under the impression that honey was acidic?
Is baking soda water alkaline forming
Hi Dave! Yes, but baking soda is high in sodium so we prefer adding the juice from 1/2 a lemon to our water.
sir I need this and thank you to help people
How can oranges and lemons and limes be alkaline forming foods when the are acidic in themselves?
Hi Mauricio, Although citrus fruits are acidic they become alkaline-forming once ingested.
My dentist says I have acid erosion on my teeth and I need to consume more alkaline foods. I have fresh lemon in my smoothie every morning, and I really love it. Do I need to eliminate it?
Hi Ann, Since the lemon juice is diluted with other ingredients and isn’t coming in direct contact with your teeth you should be fine to continue.
My daughter had severe erosion from eating and drinking lemons daily to help her ph which it did. We ended up crowning her two front teeth. Drink with a straw. Brush your teeth after each meal and floss. You can swish with water too but brushing is the best. Protect both things, your ph and your teeth.
Thanks for the information
Maybe you can help me. I am deeply troubled because I eat I very high alkaline diet and yet my urine pH remains acidic. I juice greens, eat lemons, drink pure water theough a filter, and follow the 80/20 rule faithfully. I am actually quite stunned that my urine pH is so acidic. I cannot grasp why. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thank you.
Hi Anne, Sometimes underlying conditions like diabetes, excessive diarrhea and calorie restrictive diets can contribute to low ph levels. You may want to follow up with your doctor if you are eating an alkaline rich diet and not seeing improvement in your ph.
Hi – it’s possible you’re eating TOO much alkaline food, and that it’s triggering the production of lots of acid to counteract. Striking a balance is key – not eating strictly alkaline.
Very interesting that a Nobel Prize winner stated that Cancers cannot survive in an Alkaline environment.
I’ve always believed the more alkaline you are, the more difficult it is for candida to thrive. However, there are “experts” who say that once you go alkaline, candida can thrive like crazy as a fungus. Thoughts on that?
Hi Chris, The goal is not so much alkaline as it is balanced, so that the blood pH can comfortably maintain homeostasis without pulling mineral supplies from the bones. This allows the body to remove excess acid from the joints and to operate more fluidly throughout the day. If we can achieve this with healthful foods, then we give our system the opportunity to turn its attention to the removal of candida when we are on a candida elimination plan. We’re hosting a live free webinar on the 17th of April that will dive deep into candida. Please plan to join us. I think you’ll be very glad that you did. Here’s the link to register: https://thewholejourney.com/kick-candida-for-good-webinar/.
My husband has prostate cancer and they said to drink kefir. How do you make coconut kefir? Coconut water? We are considering a Kangan water machine. Is that a good way to get alkaline?
Hi Terry, I’m sorry to hear about your husbands diagnosis. Drinking alkaline water is great a way to temporarily raise your pH levels but the best way to maintain optimal pH levels and optimal vitality is by following an 80/20 rule. If your husband’s diet consists of 80% alkaline forming foods and 20% acid, he should experience all the benefits that a body balance has to offer. There are lots of coconut kefir recipes on line or you can purchase it, as well as coconut water, at your local health food store.
Alkalinewaterplus.com has wonderful videos comparing numerous alkaline water purifying systems including the Kangen which my friend sells. After watching their videos, I purchased a Melody 2. It outperformed the Kangen at a huge cost savings. You be the judge. Information gathering doesn’t cost anything.
Sandra C.
I’m surprised beans are not listed under acidic foods. I have also heard that quinoa when cooked becomes acidic. Sprouts should be listed under alkaline as well.
While beans may be slightly acidic, they are much less acidic than meat!
Hello
You have mentioned Kefir as an alkaline food. Is this true it it made from cows milk?
It is Meera, but I much prefer Coconut Kefir.
Clearcut description of acidic & alkaline eating material.No confusion.
I read tomatos are alkaline then I read they are acidic
What are they please
Hi Benjo! The health of your digestive system has an influence on whether foods become acid- or alkaline-forming. Tomatoes are considered slightly alkaline-forming but if stomach acid is low or thyroid activity is below-par then they become acid-forming.~Stacey, TWJ Team Member
I have been testing my ph for couple of weeks,my saliva – 7.4 and 1st urine is 5.5 and second is 5.8. what do I eat and how can I balance my ph?
Hi Michael, please read the blog to find out what you can eat to balance your pH. I’ve listed examples of both acid and alkalizing foods.
I have gained about 30 lbs in the last year so in researching i had read about acidic levels could lead to fat storage, weight gain and obesity so I have been eating more alkeline forming foods for 3 weeks now and my ph acidic level hasnt come up at all…when i first tested it it was 5.5 and 3 weeks later its still 5.5…i have even given up pop and only drink water now (well not plain water i purchased one of the infuser drink containers to use with fruit) ..i havent lost a pound and my ph level is still 5.5……not to mention i have been drinking a mixture of wheat grass/spirulina/ caco twice a day…any thoughts or suggestions?
Hi, I suggest two things: 1) find the list of suitable food for your blood group from the book ‘eat right for your blood type’ and 2) eliminate acidifying food from the list. By the way use Natural mineral water instead of anything else or squeeze a whole lemon in a jug of water (about 4 litres) and drink form it or alternatively use a filtered water with a half of teaspoon sea alt dissolved in it and good luck.
How about Siggi plain yogurt?
Also, why would saliva have a different pH than urine in the same exact timeframe? Thank you.
Urine and saliva have different ph levels naturally.
Is it possible to eat too many alkaline forming foods? I’ve literally cut out most meats out of my diet (too expensive) and have been eating TONS of veggies or foods containing veggies (e.g. salads, quinoa veggie burgers, Indian veggie burgers, Dave’s Killer Seed Bread, vegenaise, etc. Occasionally, I’ll have eggs and very EXCEPTIONALLY rarely, tuna.).
Since yesterday I’ve noticed that I feel sick to my stomach and have diarrhea that won’t go away. Also, I’ve noticed that I seem to be “detoxing” rather rapidly…
How do I resolve this problem? How do I eat a balanced acid/alkaline diet without eating meat — or just mostly eggs and tuna?
Right now, I’m living on a very fixed food budget. I can only afford to spend $1.50 (at most) per meal. AND even though I consume rather expensive foods, I consume these foods slowly over the course of a one month period.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!
Any time you change your diet drastically you may get stomach upset. Lots of green veggies and juices, especially if they’re raw, may cause diarrhea if taken in large amounts. Beans contain lots of fiber which is great, but again, gradual is the key. You may want to start with smaller amounts and work your way up over several weeks to give your gut time for it’s microflora to change to be able to digest the higher fiber foods. Alkalizing mineral drops or even plain lemon juice in your water will help alkalize your urine without such drastic gastric problems so you can use that as well, especially while getting acclimated to your new way of eating. One really great alkalizing yet soothing food is just a plain veggie broth or soup; just simmer veggies in filtered water and season as desired. I would use sweet potato, zucchini, a small amount of greens like bok choy, Chinese cabbage, spinach or kale, parsley, garlic, maybe a small amount of onion, carrot, celery, mushrooms, or any combo. And just FYI, duck eggs are more alkalizing than chicken eggs if you can find them; it get mine at the farmer’s market. They are pretty rich so I go easy on them. When I first alkalized my body I cut out meat entirely for several weeks but then I was able to gradually introduce it back in on a much smaller scale. Mostly plant proteins which are much less acidifying. Remember to listen to your body and if something upsets it remove it and perhaps try again in several weeks. If it still upsets, remove it again. Some people have trouble with FODMAPS (google to learn about them.) Good luck and don’t give up!
Hi Christa, is there a way to prepare cacao nibs so they will be alkalinizing?
Om Namah Shivaya
Bari Anupama
Dear Christa,
I just posted on the Candida blog post with this same question but this feed seems to be more appropriate. I have always heard about the benefits of eating Alkaline (though I probably have never actually done it), especially via Body Ecology Diet. However, Chris Kresser has articles on the “myth of the acid alkaline balance” http://chriskresser.com/the-ac…
That was the first I had heard any other opinion on the subject. What are your thoughts on what Chris had to say?
Thanks,
Christa
As well as the two excellent articles by Chris, Joe Leech over at Authority Nutrition has also written an excellent summary of the alkaline/acid diet: http://authoritynutrition.com/the-alkaline-diet-myth/
In short, although it encourages the eating of fruits and vegetables that will have benefits for health, the alkaline/acid diet has no reliable evidence supporting the mechanism it claims are enacted in the body.
Yes, blood ph is tightly regulated by the body, but urine ph is another story. By alkalizing my urine through diet and supplementation I was able to improve kidney function, reduce uric acid build up and greatly improve my gouty arthritis. I don’t need a clinical trial, I have my own experience with this.
You’re welcome LeAnne. Thanks for the comment!
Thank you for a simple easy to undersand list of alkaline/acid foods!!!
Kh
Hi Sonii, that is great that you are moving from acidic to more alkaline, that is all you really need to know. The pH should fall between 6.8 and 7.2 to be in balance and keep things like candida from being able to thrive. Keep up the good work!
Sandy – The 80/20 rule can help with your acid reflux, especially if you are eliminating or minimizing the triggers. The key to acid reflux is having enough HCL, try a few of the strategies listed in Balancing Stomach Acid. You can get pH strips in the supplement section of most health food stores.
I struggle with acid reflux and hate to have to take meds for it. If I follow this 80/20 rule, will I notice a dramatic difference in how I feel? Where can you purchase the PH test kit shown on your facebook page today?
Hi sia. Thanks for your question! You are correct that we want to increase stomach acid in order to have good digestion. It is confusing because eating acidic food does not necessarily help with stomach acid. It is more important to have an acid-alkaline balance (which in our society usually means we need more alkaline-forming foods) in order to improve digestion, eliminate heartburn and acid reflux .
We have been taking our ph urine and saliva samples the last 6 days and now I am curious what to do with this information? My husband has moved from an acid state to a perfect balance of 7 and 7 with urine and saliva this past week and we are one our second week of an elimination diet so it is working ! Mine is about 6.8 urine and 7 on saliva. I saw your video clip on this and made the chart but never saw how to analyze this information 🙂
does eating Alkaline reduce stomach acid HCl. They are kind of confusing concepts. Aren’t we supposed to increase stomach acid to aid proper food digestion?
Thank you for reading our blogs, Heather. We are glad you are enjoying the website. Yes, you are correct that the full fat yogurt is best. We recommend the St. Benoit yogurt.
This is a great post!
Just out of curiosity…what type of yogurt is best? I have heard that a full fat greek yogurt is best…do you have a specific brand that you can endorse?
Thanks so much for your website…I absolutely love all the great information.
Wow….this is great info! Thanks for sharing. I agree with Kevin/Lauren….would love to know what an 80/20 alkaline/acid balance day looks like. You always share such applicable information, Christa. Thank you for all you do!
teampowerx / Hey Sanjay,I would stay away from Soda just like you would from Battery Acid. If you do believe it is dulficift to get off of diet soda, look into Green Tea or get 6oz of Fresh Fruit Juice. But I would stay away from Soda at all times. It might be dulficift at first, but it will be well worth it !
Thanks Christa, such good info, so easy to forget the 80/20 rule on a day to date basis! My biggest challenge is the wine and cheese 🙂 It would be awesome if you can show an example of a day’s perfect 80/20 diet!
Thank you, Kevin! I also appreciate your follow up suggestion.
“The PH information is perfect and I found it extremely useful. Now maybe a follow up on the best types of nutrition based on the time of day, ie morning, mid, noon ect.
Thank you Christie
Sincerely,
Kevin”