Lists of Alkalizing and Acidic Food
When you eat, you have to consider something more than just the amount of calories or pounds you are likely to gain from what you’re putting in your mouth. What you eat also does something to a chemical balance in your body, which when disrupted can cause various health problems.
If currently you are experiencing things such as frequent headaches, fatigue or recurring allergies, fever or colds, then you might already be having that chemical imbalance in your body. What you need to do is to consume the right kinds of foods that will restore this imbalance to a normal and healthier one.
All About pH Level
In the body, both alkaline and acid simultaneously occur, producing a certain ratio. This alkalinity or acidity is measured on a scale of 0 to 14, the pH balance – wherein 7 is considered neutral, lower than 7 is acidic, and higher than 7 is alkaline. The body is better off with high alkalinity than acidity.
There are many factors why the pH level of the body becomes predominantly acidic. When this level is reached, the body must be supplied with alkaline in order to neutralize and get rid off the excess levels of acid trapped inside the body. However, if not properly put right, acidosis takes place – which is linked to a lot of imaginable health problems, from minor to lethal ones.
Foods to Avoid
In order to prevent excessive acid in the body or, if in case you are afflicted with an illness brought about by acidosis, it is key to keep the body’s pH level at normal. One way of maintaining this chiefly alkaline level in the body is through the diet approach.
Many people will find sticking to a diet consisting of alkaline foods sources somewhat difficult. This is because, in order to restore the normal chemical level in the body, one must avoid some of the most hard-to-resist foods on the planet: meat, meat products, dairy products, seafood, chocolate, instant foods, condiments alcohol, coffee, carbonated beverages and others. So if you are accustomed to eating fast food regularly, you need to resist temptations all around you in order to religiously follow a diet rich in alkalizing foods.
Foods to Have Plenty Of
As a general rule of thumb, your daily meals should be 3/4 alkaline – this means that each time you eat you should see to it that the foods you put in your mouth should contain 3 times as much alkaline as they do acid. The following are some commonly-known alkaline foods. It pays to have them on a list and placed on the refrigerator door, or become staples when you do your grocery shopping.
Vegetables – artichokes, cabbage, carrots, radish, watercress, spinach, turnip, garlic, lettuce, asparagus, onion, peas, leeks, chives, celery, kale, brussels sprouts, cucumber
Fruits – avocado, lemon, lime, grapefruit, watermelon, pear, apple, banana, berries, cantaloupe, grapes, peach
Seeds, nuts & grains – pumpkin, sesame, flax, sunflower, almonds, flax, lentils
Drinks – water, vegetable juice, non-sweetened soy milk, almond milk, herbal teas
Fats & oils – olive, flax, evening primrose, coconut
Due to the tremendous researches alkaline foods receive throughout the years, list of alkaline foods may have some variations. Even when you look it up on the internet, one list of alkaline foods may be slightly different from another list. In general, you may have as much dark green leafy vegetables as you like and freshly grown fruits; and sweets, meat and meat products should be out of the list.
Alkalizing Food (Heavy Alkaline = pH 8.5 – 9.0, Moderate Alkaline = pH 7.5 – 8.0, Light Alkaline = pH 7.0)
- Lemon (pH 9.0)
- Exceptional for the treatment of colds, sore throats, coughs, heartburn, and gastrointestinal problems
- Watermelon (pH 9.0)
- Refreshing
- Agar (pH 8.5)
- Alternative to gelatin, more nourishing
- More nutritious than gelatin
- Cantaloupe and Cayenne (Capsicum) (pH 8.5)
- Stimulating and non-irritating alternative to healing the body
- Excellent for the endocrine system
- Dried dates and figs, Kelp, Kudzu root, Karengo, Limes, Melons, Mango, Parsley, and Papaya (pH 8.5)
- Cleans and purifies the kidneys
- Sweet Seedless Grapes, Watercress, Asparagus, and Seaweeds (pH 8.5)
- Reduces acid
- Detoxifying
- Endive, Kiwi, and Fruit juices (pH 8.5)
- Natural sugars provides alkalinity
- Sweet Grapes, Passion fruit, Sweet Pears, Pineapples, Umeboshi Plum, Raisins, and Vegetable Juice (pH 8.5)
- Natural sugars provides alkalinity
- Sweetness of the vegetables depend on the type
- Sweet Apples, Alfalfa sprouts, and Apricots (pH 8.0)
- Rich in enzymes
- Easily digestible
- Arrowroot and Flour (pH 8.0)
- High in calcium
- Substitute to corn flour
- Avocados, Ripe Banana, Berries, Celery, Carrots, Currants, Fresh Dates & Figs, and Garlic (pH 8.0)
- Transforms acidic food pH 5.0 to alkalizing food
- Gooseberry, Less Sweet Grapes, Guavas, Grapefruits, Leafy Green Herbs, Leafy Green Lettuce, Nectarine, Sweet Peaches, Less Sweet Pears, Sweet Fresh Peas, Persimmon, Sweet Pumpkin, Sea Salt Vegetables, and Spinach (pH 8.0)
- Raises alkalinity
- Sour Apples, Bamboo Shoots, Fresh Green Beans, Bell Pepper, Beets, Broccoli, Caulis, Cabbage, and Carob (pH 7.5)
- Coca substitute
- Rich in minerals
- Daikon, Fresh Ginger, Sour Grapes, Kohlrabi, Kale, Pale Green Lettuce, Parsnip, Oranges, Less Sweet Peaches, Less Sweet Peas, Potatoes With Skin, Less Sweet Pumpkin, Sapote, Raspberry, Strawberry, and Squash (pH 7.5)
- If less sweetness is preferred
- Fresh Sweet corn and Tamari (pH 7.5)
- Turnips and Apple Cider (pH 7.5)
- Raw and unpasteurized aids in digestion
- Almonds (pH 7.0)
- Soak for 12 hours and peel skin to eat
- Jerusalem Artichokes, Barley-Malt Sweetener, Brussels Sprouts, Brown Rice Syrup, Cherries, Fresh Coconuts, Egg Plant, Cucumbers, Raw Honey, Leeks, Mushrooms, Miso, Okra, and Ripe Olives (pH 7.0)
- Best eaten sun dried or tree-ripened
- Onions and Pickles (pH 7.0)
- Radish and Sea salt Vegetables (pH 7.0)
- Includes sea minerals if dried at minimal temperature
- Spices (pH 7.0)
- Taro, Sweet Tomatoes, Sweet Brown Rice Vinegar, Water Chestnut, Amaranth, Globe Artichoke, Dry Roasted Chestnuts, Soft Cooked Egg yolks, and Essene bread (pH 7.0)
- Sprouted grains are extra-alkaline
- Well-chewed grains become more alkaline.
- Goat’s Milk and Raw Whey (pH 7.0)
- High sodium aids digestion
- Horseradish, Homemade Mayonnaise, Olive oil, Millet, Quinoa, Whole Sesame Seeds, and Rhubarb (pH 7.0)
- High levels of calcium
- Dry Soy beans, Soy Milk, Soy Cheese, and Sprouted Grains (pH 7.0)
- Higher Alkalinity and digestibility
• Acidic Food (Heavy Acid = pH 5.0 – 5.5, Medium Acid = 6.0 – 6.5, Light Acid to Neutral = 7.0)
- Artificial sweeteners (pH 5.0), Beef, and Carbonated Drinks (pH 5.5)
- Mineral leaching
- Cigarettes, Drugs, and White/Wheat Flour (pH 5.5)
- Bleached
- Lamb, Goat, Pastries, Cakes from white flour, Pork, and White Sugar (pH 5.5)
- Cancer agent
- Over-indulgence causes partial blindness
- Beer (pH 5.5)
- Good quality or well brewed (pH 5.5)
- Fast brewed (pH 5.0)
- Brown Sugar (pH 5.5)
- Mostly white sugar with golden syrup
- Deer, Chicken, Coffee, and Chocolate (pH 5.5)
- Custard with white sugar, Jellies, Jams, and Liquor (pH 5.5)
- White Pasta, Semolina, Rabbit, Refined/Iodized Salt, Black Tea, Wheat bread, Turkey, White rice, and Processed White Vinegar (pH 5.5)
- Self-rolled Cigarette, Unrefined Wheat Cream, Fruit juices with sugar, Fish, Processed Maple Syrup, Sulphured Molasses, Commercial Pickles, Refined Bread from Corn, Rice, Oats, and Rye, Refined Cereals, Shellfish, Whole Wheat Foods, and Wheat germ (pH 6.0)
- Wine (pH 6.0)
- Although acidic, quality red wine, 4 oz. daily builds blood
- Sweetened Yogurt (pH 6.0)
- Green Bananas, Buckwheat, Sharp Cheeses, Corn, Rice Bread, Hard Cooked Whole Egg, Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Oats, Whole Grain Pasta, Wholegrain and Honey Pastry, Peanuts, Skinned Potatoes, Salted and Buttered Popcorn, Basmati Rice, Brown Rice, Commercial Soy Sauce, Tapioca, Sprouted Organic Wheat Bread (pH 6.5)
- Barley Malt Syrup, Bran, Barley, Cashews, Unrefined Cereals, Cornmeal, and Cranberries (pH 7.0)
- Fructose, Pasteurized Honey, Lentils, Macadamias, Unprocessed Maple Syrup, Homogenized Milk, Processed Dairy Products, Unsulphered Organic Molasses (pH 7.0)
- Rich in iron
- Mustard, Nutmeg, Pistachios, Plain Buttered Popcorn, Unrefined Rice/Wheat Crackers, Rye Grains, Organic Sprouted Rye Bread, Pumpkin/Sunflower Seeds, Walnuts, Brazil nuts, Blueberries, Salted Butte, Mild and Crumbly Cheese (pH 7.0)
- Mucus forming
- Hard to digest
- Unrefined Rye Crackers, Dried Mung, Adzuki, Kidney, Pinto, Garbanzo Beans (pH 7.0)
- pH 7.0 when sprouted
- Egg whites, Dry Coconut, Homogenized Goat’s milk, Pickled Olives, Pecans, Prunes, Plums, and Spelt (pH 7.0)
36 Responses to “Lists of Alkalizing and Acidic Food”
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Dennis
08. Jan, 2010
I enjoy the info. I’ve already cut most of the acidic foods out of my diet, but still suffer from intense migraines and debilitating body pain. I’ve stopped taking ALL Rx drugs and have found relief mostly through accupuncture.
Linda
02. Jan, 2011
Try bowel movements using alfalfa and cascara sagrada. Give yourself enemas using warm water
Emma
08. Jan, 2010
@Dennis : Acupuncture definitely is helpful towards helping your body in migraines and body pain. Just out of curiosity, where are you from?
Joe
25. Jan, 2010
I reduced most of the acidic foods, however I was given an alkalizing and acidic food list which do not quite correspond with your list as chicken was listed as slightly alkaline, so I based my diet on vegetables and chicken only. Please can you tell me which is the right diet?
Emma
25. Jan, 2010
@Joe : I’m afraid chicken is not alkaline. Where did you manage to get your acidic food list?
I would think fish is a better choice than chicken (chicken usually cause phlegm and mucus easily). Another tip is you could always increase the proportion of vegetables
Lisa
10. Mar, 2010
Like Dennis, I also have suffered from intense body pain and migraines … for 20+ years, with no accident to trigger the pain. The alkaline diet is helping slowly and it is a diet I plan to stick with for life.
In addition, there are 3 things I have found in my 20+ year search that have been like a miracle:
1) pHenomonal water – it is an alkaline water that you drink … to get your body into an alkaline state very quickly. My doctor told me about it. Proper diet is the long-term (probably less expensive) way to maintain the alkalinity in your body.
2) getting my hormone levels checked, and now supplementing with bioidentical hormones because I was extremely progesterone-deficient
3) “RT” – Reconstructive Therapy – This non-surgical medical treatment has been shown in research studies to strengthen injured/weakened support bands (ligaments, tendons, and capsule) that surround joints. Stronger “soft tissue” bands allow your joints to function more normally again. This, in turn, increases your mobility and flexibility and reduces your pains. “RT” has few providers in the country … one is close to Houston, TX, in Humble.
healthchoicesnow.com/pain_relief.htm
(I think that “RT” is similar to “prolotherapy” … which is offered by many providers across the country … I found two in my hometown, both covered by my insurance plan).
I also found that for “pain management”, accupunture and chiropractic worked very temporarily. But, for “permanent relief”, these 3 things, along with the alkaline diet, are what I have discovered so far.
Carly
25. Mar, 2010
Why do acid/alkine food lists always vary?
Angela
29. Apr, 2010
Lemons?? They’re ph2-3 – ie very acidic, as in citric acid…aka Vitamin C… Originally thought your info sounded interested but after that how can we be sure the rest is true?!
Emma
29. Apr, 2010
@Angela: Hi Angela, in this alkaline foods section, we are talking about the pH of the food itself when we consume it. Lemons is alkaline because of it’s mineral content and it’s ash residue that is left in our body.
Eric
03. Jul, 2010
Thanks for the valuable information. I was searching for a proper diet to help get rid of my ulcer and didn’t realy know whats was going on in my body until I found this website.
I know now by my past eating habits I must have a high acidic body. And making things worst by drinking to much milk, but I did combinded 100% Aloe Vera Juice with it, but the comfort was temperary. Had to wake up every hour to drink this stuff to get some sleep.
So I’m going to take purchase a Test Kit for a Acidity test in the morning.
In changing my diet does fruit and vegetable juice’s maid from “Concentrate” no-good? And can you recommend the best diet for my cast?
Eric
07. Jul, 2010
Hello! does fruit and vegetable juice’s maid from “Concentrate” no-good?
Staff Mike
07. Jul, 2010
@Eric: I guess no one really know what’s that is. Is that a drink or something? It’s best to only drink the fresh juices as those contains the most enzymes, vitamins, and minerals.
Eric
08. Jul, 2010
It’s practically done to all juices. It’s the process of pressing al the water out of the fruit or vegetable like Minute Maid Orange Juice? “Concentrated!”
Would this make the Juice highly acidic or maintain it’s original state? All you do is add water…..
I purchase fruit and vegetable juices at Trader Joes like their Gardewn Patch which contains high Alkaline “Concentrated” vegetables… They just added “Filterd Water”…
Staff Mike
08. Jul, 2010
@Eric: Think about it this way, any fruits or vegetables which has been put into packets or bottles are no going any more.
If you put a cut apple out in the open, what will happen to the apple? It will oxidized and turn brown right?
To be able to keep the juice for a long time, the fruit juice are pasteurized and frozen before it is being shipped elsewhere.
Which is better? Fresh or frozen?
dorapurple
09. Aug, 2010
Hi-i have a question-i’m using home made kombucha tonic-brewed with organic green Tea and white sugar -which is almost all absorbed while brewing as i understand- and I also drink home made kefir krom organic goat milk and tibetan kefir grains-my question is-does those two products go with the alcaline diet? Thank you very much
do
Staff Mike
09. Aug, 2010
@dorapurple: The moment you’ve add white sugar, the entire drink becomes acidic. Try to drink it without sugar and it’ll be much better for your health.
Other than that, it should be quite alright to drink these 2 products.
Valerita Kellman
25. Aug, 2010
Hi,
since I began changing my diet, I have lefted out sugar
all together. I bought agave sweetener from the health
food store which I uses sometimes. Is this ok?
I also uses spelt flour in stead of whole wheat because
it does not burn my stomach and digest better.
What about spring water instead of tap water?
Sandra P
25. Aug, 2010
I’m very interested about your comment about water. I’d really love an answer to the whole question of should we be drinking alkaline water? I tested our filtered water (reverse osmosis) and found it to have a pH level of 5.5 – not good! Does anyone have any information, comments about or experience with alkalising drops and their benefits?
Staff Mike
25. Aug, 2010
@Valerita Kellman: It’s good that you totally stay away from sugar altogether. You might want to take note of agave sweetener – it may not be as good as you think. The best alternative I felt is molasses.
Distilled water is the best and perhaps you want to add a lemon into your water to make it alkalizing.
Staff Mike
25. Aug, 2010
@Sandra P: Instead of using alkalising drops, why don’t just squeezing some lemon or lime juice into water to make it?
It’ll be a much alkalising and natural alternative.
Mike
28. Aug, 2010
I cannot find the PH value for pure Pomegranate juice, any idea?
Same question for tomatoes, I have seen conflicting info PH-wise
Cathy
08. Nov, 2010
I was diagnosed with rectal cancer 10 days ago. I am 46 years old. Since then I have only eaten fruit until 12 and salads and veges after 12. I have no meat, chicken, dairy, sugar, no starch of any kind. I am starving! I check my PH on my tongue and in my urine morning and evening and I cannot bring it above 6.5. WHAT am I doing wrong? It is imperative that I improve my PH immediately. Is Barley Green the only option or should I drink bicarb?
Prior to this, I ate a lot of sugar, cheese and white bread. Perhaps it takes a while to work out of your system?
Dawn
13. Jan, 2011
To Cathy… Try adding almonds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds or lentils. You might find that they help keep you fuller longer. They are on the approved list. Just an idea.
Dillin Middletyn
07. Jan, 2011
For the last year I have noticed a progressive increase in acid urine. Now I am waking up with a acid bitter breath, I was told that I may have an ulcer, a hernia, and What I have read I may hVe cystinosis,cystitis, or RTA, all of it is very scary, I do not drink, I have not had a transfusion- all I ever had was a gallbladder problem. I bought some strips and my urine is 4.0
and my saliva was 4.5 Everyone is diabetic, I have not been diagnosed, I have sugar in my urine, but secondary test do no t confirm. I have extremely tired episodes-exhausted. Low potassium, please recommend what to do until I see a doctor.
stacy london
09. Jan, 2011
Excellent resource. Thank you.
alfah
03. Apr, 2011
recently diagnose with RA. as informed by sis in law to have a more alkaline diet to reduce pain,
cut down much meat in take. which meat gives the highest PH. looks like all red meat are acidic,
Rob
13. Apr, 2011
What about apple cider vinegar? Or is it just apple cider that is alkalizing. Also, what of citric
acid in grapefruit? Is this still highly acidic?
Philip Sather
22. Apr, 2011
I am glad i like figs they sure help to overcome my acid foods well i like cheese swirls but i like cottage cheese too and it is better so i guess i am slowly getting smarter Lol
magnesium chloride and kelp and also cayenne pepper have been very helpful also
Phil
wishing everyone health and happiness
Maggie
29. Jun, 2011
Looking through the different sites there seems to be quite a descrepancy about which foods are alkalzing. I am now very confused. Who is right anyways?
Thanks
Maggie
Rebecca
01. Aug, 2011
Lemon has a ph of 2, not 9. It’s one of the most acidic natural things people eat.
Gina
15. Sep, 2011
I have fibromyalgia and my body always feels sore to the touch. I stupidly went to rheumatologist who gave me a drug called Savella As the dosage increased I had side effects, so he told me to reduce the dosage. Then I started to get a burning scalp and I couldn’t stand the medicine so I stopped it and now I still have a burning/painful scalp almost every day for almost 2 months. I was told it has to do with neurotransmitor inhibitor reuptake. Can this diet help with this horrible feeling that I can’t seem to get rid of and my fibromyalgia symptoms?
Hmm
19. Sep, 2011
Is there a daily diet/regime schedule for an alkaline diet i can follow to get my PH back to the normal range?
@Rebecca? Are you just trolling or have you read the post about lemon being alkaline in your body (not in your tongue or stomach)? Are you a registered dietician?
Ruth
08. Jan, 2012
I have Gerd and scar tissue on my esophagus… I have had to get my esophagus stretched several times and bad coughing spells…I finally broke down and started taking Prilosec (only till I get this figured out)…. I have a juicer and a vitamix, I’m ready to get started eating for my health….I would be grateful for any suggestions
julia
14. Jan, 2012
Hi, after many years of self abuse and at 40 feeling like 70, i have decided to try an alkerline diet to see what benefits it will bring. Can anyone reccomend a realistic way of starting and any other helpful sites/books or advise.
Julia x
Diana Mitchell
08. Dec, 2013
My husband has been diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis and suffers greatly from this . We use drops in his water and to relieve painful urination he drinks aluminum free baking soda .Is there a diet regimen that a picky man can follow or some foods he can ad to his diet. I have not bought strips to test his urine but have been reading about them. It anyone has any tips we would greatly appreciate them . He does not sleep at night because of the frequency and pain in the urination. We have read that this disease is effected from alkalinity in the urine.
Catherine
15. Feb, 2014
What is the difference with having high inflammation and acid body. Are they the same?