If you forget the precise list, just go for leafy vegetables and bright fruits, such as watermelon. Alkaline foods are not processed, so if you find yourself buying canned or prepackaged, do a double-check. Even prepackaged lettuce (in salad mixes) can diminish the health benefits. Some foods have different pH if analyzed on their own, compared to the pH of one’s urine after the foods have been processed by the body. For instance, lemon and tomatoes are on the acidic side but lead people to produce slightly alkaline urine. [1] X Expert Source Find BC DietitiansRegistered Dietitians Group Expert Interview. 22 October 2020.
There is evidence that people who eat more cheese, meat, fish, grains, and processed foods have more acidic urine. [3] X Expert Source Find BC DietitiansRegistered Dietitians Group Expert Interview. 22 October 2020. Be aware that even seemingly healthy items, such as wild cooked trout or salmon, can raise your body’s acid levels. Choosing low-fat versions of some foods, such as milk, can lower acid levels. This is a good compromise measure for those people who don’t want to drastically change their diet.
If you want to be even more precise, you can invest in a food scale. Weigh each food portion carefully and write down the results in a notebook divided into two acid/alkaline columns. At the end of each day, add the columns up to see how close you got to the 4 per 1 ratio. For example, for lunch you could have a veggie sandwich. Try using whole-grain bread with hummus, avocados, and cucumbers packed inside. Fruit is always a good breakfast option.
Not all vegetables and fruits are the same or equal, however. Try to vary your intake of produce so that you get the full array of benefits. Asparagus, for example, assists with the nervous system. Watermelon is helpful for hydration as it is 92% water.
For example, amaranth is one that many people aren’t familiar with. It is high in protein, which is unusual for a grain. Quinoa, buckwheat, and millet are other grain options.
Instead of eliminating desserts entirely, you might try making sweet treats from acidic foods, such as melons or apples. You will feel less deprived and make some progress toward your food combining goals. Watch your drink consumption as well. Many sugary drinks, such as soda, will throw off your pH balance as well. Just drinking one soda a day can increase your diabetes risk by 26%. [7] X Research source
The pH measures the concentration of dissolved hydrogen ions, which then indicates acidity or alkalinity. You can measure the pH for more than just foods. Bleach, for example, has a pH of 13. Battery acid has a pH of zero. [8] X Research source
Be aware of a food’s PRAL or “potential renal acid load” score. Simply put, a food can be acidic in composition, but can change to alkaline when you ingest it. Lemons and tomatoes are good examples of this transition. So, it may be helpful to print out a alkaline/acid reference sheet when shopping. [10] X Research source
The risk of following an alkaline diet is that it is confusing, misleading, can create fear towards some foods and can put you at risk of nutrient deficiencies. [11] X Expert Source Find BC DietitiansRegistered Dietitians Group Expert Interview. 22 October 2020. If you are attracted to a specific claim around the alkaline diet, chat with your dietitian and they can help you to find foods and eating patterns that can support your unique situation. [12] X Expert Source Find BC DietitiansRegistered Dietitians Group Expert Interview. 22 October 2020.
Attach time periods to your goals. Give yourself one month to see a change in blood sugar levels or two months to drop a jean size. Consult a physician before changing your diet, some restrictive diets can interfere with your health. Your doctor will work with you to determine whether “food combining” is a good option for you.
