What is the Role of Acidity in your Diet?

The kidneys and lungs are only two of the many organs that play a role in maintaining a healthy pH balance in the body. According to most studies, foods that are either acidic or alkaline are unlikely to have a substantial effect on your blood’s pH level. 

In reality, elevated levels of acid in the blood are frequently signs of an underlying health condition, such as diabetes that is not well-managed, lung illness, or renal disease. A person’s body’s ability to create acid as a result of the meals they consume may be reduced by limiting their intake of acidic foods, although this is not for everyone. More acid is generated during digestion when the PRAL rating is greater. 

Definition of acidity: 

You can detect whether anything is acidic, basic, or neutral by its pH value. A pH value of 0 denotes a very acidic solution, while a value of 7 is considered neutral. The most basic, or alkaline, pH is 14. 

The difference in acidity or alkalinity between two points on the pH scale is tenfold more than the distance between the two points on the scale. The pH becomes ten times more acidic when it drops from 7 to 6. 

Batteries acidic at 0 and drain cleanser alkaline at 14 are two examples. In the center of the scale, pure distilled water sits at 7. Neither acidic nor alkaline, it falls somewhere in the middle. Varying body areas have other pH values, much like different substances. Between 7.35 and 7.45, your optimal blood pH is somewhat alkaline. The stomach’s pH is typically around 3.5, so it helps digest food. 

Acidic foods and beverages: 

Acidic Foods are termed as those that have a pH of 4.6 or below. 

You may wish to restrict or avoid the following foods, which have been shown to raise your acidity levels: Foods such as 

  • cheese, salmon and shellfish treated with high levels of sodium 
  • Meats, both fresh and processed, such as corned beef and turkey, are available. 
  • carbonated liquids like soda, seltzer, or spritzers, certain starchy meals like brown rice, oat flakes, or granola 
  • dietary supplements and meals rich in protein that include animal protein 

There is a lack of evidence to substantiate the link between animal protein and chronic illness because of a shift in the body’s pH. New studies may provide further evidence of the connection between animal products and health problems, or they may uncover other health benefits of cutting less on animal products.

Acid-producing meals may cause a variety of health problems: 

Animal proteins, certain cheeses, and carbonated drinks are acid-producing foods that may lead to urine acidity and other detrimental health consequences if consumed in excess. Uric acid stones, a kind of kidney stone, may occur as a result of this. 

According to a theory, bone and muscle degradation may be caused by an excess of acidity. For this reason: When your blood gets too acidic, your body draws calcium from bones to adjust the pH. However, research has shown mixed findings on how acidic foods may affect bone and muscle health since test individuals’ entire diets vary. 

As part of a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables, moderate intake of acidic foods is unlikely to induce muscle and bone loss or raise the risk of chronic illness. Phosphoric acid, a frequent ingredient in dark sodas, has been related to a decrease in bone density when it is substituted with milk, a calcium and protein-rich drink. 

Experts don’t usually agree on specific meal lists. Cancer, liver disease, and heart disease may all be exacerbated by an acidic diet. Some certain meals and drinks create less acid than sodas or protein, but they still don’t have the sizeable alkalizing impact that most fruits and vegetables provide. 

Acidic Foods’ Harmful Effects: 

According to research, chronic metabolic acidosis may be caused by a persistent imbalance in the acid-base balance. Chronically high acidity levels in the body may increase the risk of certain illnesses. ‌ 

Foods and urine that are high in acidity. Your urine pH will be lowered if you consume an acidic diet. Uric acid stones, a kind of kidney stone, may result from consuming excessive amounts of animal protein and carbonated beverages. 

Foods that are high in acid, as well as blood. According to most researchers, blood pH levels are seldom influenced by eating acidic or alkaline meals. It’s common for underlying illnesses like diabetes or renal disease to generate excessive acid levels in the blood. Blood oxygenation may be decreased as a result of lung disease.

Prevention:

Avoid these foods because they may have an effect on your acid-base balance or negatively impact your health, such as 

  • Soy sauce, steak marinade and certain salad dressings with a high salt content 
  • The grains used to make certain cheeses, such as mozzarella and Parmesan, are also often used to make bread. 

Keeping your dietary acid load balanced and supporting general health is easy when you consume various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. It’s also a good idea to include plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh into your diet from time to time. 

Many minerals are found in meals rich in nutrients like cow’s milk, such as calcium, vitamin D and phosphorus. Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Public Health recommend a 3-to-1 ratio of meals high in alkaline, such as fruits and vegetables, for prevention. 

The quantity of acid or alkaline created during digestion and metabolism, rather than the pH of the meal itself, is more relevant. 

Overproduction of acid is more of an issue in the United States. An abnormally high alkaline pH in the urine is very uncommon but may occur. The usual diet is high in animal protein and carbohydrates but low in fruits and vegetables. In addition, prescription medication abuse is on the rise, which exacerbates the situation. 

Final Thoughts:

An alkaline diet will not considerably impact most healthy persons’ blood pH levels since the body uses complex systems to manage its pH equilibrium. You may not notice a difference in your body’s pH levels if you eat more fruits and vegetables and less meat and processed meals. 

Balanced diets containing more fruits, vegetables, dairy milk and yogurt, more plant protein sources, less processed foods, and a healthy acid/base balance may promote general health and keep acid/base levels balanced. Chronic sickness may be reduced by adopting a more plant-based dietary plan.

Author’s Bio:

Samuel Dawson loves helping others to thrive online through Social Media, Blogging, and SEO. What good is knowledge if you cannot share it with others? He has 30+ years of experience in marketing/advertising with 10 years of experience in content marketing, social media, blogging, and SEO.

He spent his last decade reading and writing blogs and his words show new colors of life to readers. He was invited as a guest to a renowned College to distribute awards for creative writing. Also, he is a professional architect and loves observing the kids’ behavior towards their elders.