Acid-alkaline balance

In healthy individuals the pH of the blood is maintained betwen 7.35 and 7.45. This balance is dependent on the excretion of carbonic acid (carbon dioxide in solution) through the lungs, and the excretion of an acid or alkaline urine by the kidneys.

Diet can contribute significantly to the body’s acid-alkaline balance. Fruits and vegetables are metabolized to an alkaline ash and are known as alkaline-forming, whereas high-protein foods are metabolized to sulphuric acid and phosphoric acid and are therefore acid-forming.

Although fruits yield citric acid and malic acid, these acids are oxidized by the body as part of its energy-production process.

Alkaline-forming foods

• All fruits, most vegetables, honey, milk, wine and most nuts.

Acid-forming foods

• Most meats, poultry, fish and sea food, lentils, brazil nuts, peanuts, bread and cereals, chocolate, eggs and cheese.

Failure to maintain the acid-alkaline balance can result in acidosis or alkalosis. An over-acid pH in the body has in the long term been linked with the development of degenerative diseases.

Information compiled by Linda Lazarides
Naturopathic Nutritionist, Author, Educator

• Books by Linda Lazarides
• Practitioner training course

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