Acidity in the diet is also important.
Tips for Limiting Acidic Foods
The pH value tells you if something is an acid, a base, or neutral.
- A pH of 0 indicates a high level of acidity.
- A pH of 7 is neutral.
- A pH of 14 is the most basic, or alkaline.
For example, battery acid is extremely acidic at 0, while liquid drain cleaner is very alkaline at 14. Pure distilled water is in the middle at 7. It’s neither acidic nor alkaline.
Just like different substances,
different parts of the human body have different pH levels. Your ideal blood pH is between 7.35 and 7.45, which is slightly alkaline. The stomach is typically at a pH of 3.5, which helps food break down properly.
A diet that includes too many acid-producing foods, such as protein or sugar, can cause acidity in your urine as well as other negative health effects. This may cause a type of
kidney stone called uric acid stones to form.
It’s been speculated that too much acidity can also cause bone and muscle deterioration. This is because bones contain
calcium, which your body uses to restore your blood’s pH balance when it becomes too acidic. Some evidence suggests that phosphoric acid, commonly found in darker sodas, is linked to lower bone density, especially when it replaces milk, a calcium- and protein-rich beverage. Too much acidity can also increase your risk for
cancer,
liver problems, and
heart disease.