Eating an alkaline diet helps the blood pH level to stay in balance without as much effort. This does not mean we should eliminate acidic foods from our diet altogether; it simply means we need to shift the balance from the typically acidic diet to a more alkaline diet.  Eating an alkaline diet is important because it helps our blood pH level to stay between 7.35 and 7.45, which is slightly alkaline. It takes work for our bodies to stay balanced within this small window, and the more acidic our diet, the more we work against our body’s efforts. In turn, we leave ourselves feeling tired, and our immune systems vulnerable to disease.

How the body reacts to certain foods is what determines what foods are alkaline for the body and what foods are acidic. For example lemons and limes are acidic in nature, yet they have an alkalizing effect on the body once they are digested.  Acidity in the body has been linked to pain, excess weight and many other health issues.

What are alkaline foods?

In general, foods that are not processed and that are closest to their natural state tend to be alkaline. Most fast food, packaged foods, and processed grains (white rice, white flour, etc.) tend to be acidic. Pesticides tend to be acid-forming, so organic fruits and vegetables are best for an alkaline diet.

It is important to understand the benefits of eating alkaline foods, but to note that we should not eliminate acidic foods altogether. Instead, we should balance our diet by eating 60-80% alkaline foods and 20-40% acidic foods.

Alkaline food chart by degree

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Acidic food chart by degree