I did not realize the large number of persons who have problems with acidic systems resulting in conditions such as acid reflux. Here is some additional information that may be helpful.
Acid and Alkaline Diet
Almost all foods that we eat are either acidic or an alkaline in the blood once they are digested and metabolized. Since our blood is normally slightly alkaline, with a pH level of between 7.35 and 7.45, many nutritionists and health practitioners advocate eating a diet as close to the body’s ph. level for optimum health. A diet too high in acid may deplete the body of alkaline minerals such as potassium, magnesium and calcium. This imbalance is thought to make people prone to illness.
Meat, poultry, fish, grains, dairy, and salt are acid producing when digested, while most fruits and vegetables, sea vegetables and green tea are alkalizing. As our culture has moved from eating a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables to a diet high in meat, dairy, grains, salt and sugar, the typical Western diet has become dramatically acidic.
Foods to eat:
75 – 80% alkaline foods like most vegetables, fruits, sea vegetables and green tea
The other 20 – 25% are acidic foods like meats and fish, dairy, oils and most grains and nuts.
Foods to avoid:
Alcoholic beverages, caffeine and processed foods
An alkaline diet is thought to increase energy, decrease inflammation, and strengthen the immune system.
The Hay Diet, developed by William Hay in the 1920’s, was created on a similar principle, followed by comparable dietary theory called nutripathy, developed by Gary A. Martin in the 1970s. Dr. Robert O. Young is another well-known proponent of a blood ph. balancing diet.
Alkaline Foods General Guidance:
Stick to salads, fresh vegetables and healthy nuts and oils. Try to consume plenty of raw foods and at least 8 glasses of clean, pure water daily, I use a solid carbon filter by MultiPure.
Steer clear of fatty meats, dairy, cheese, sweets, chocolates, alcohol and tobacco. Packaged foods are often full of hidden offenders and microwaved meals are full of sugars and salts. Over cooking also removes all of the nutrition from a meal!
Sources:
http://acidalkalinediet.com/foodchart.php
http://www.amazon.com/pH-Miracle-Balance-Reclaim-Health/dp/B00008RWCE/ref=pd_sim_b_img_2
http://altmedicine.about.com/od/popularhealthdiets/a/alkalinediet.htm
http://doi.contentdirections.com/mr/mgh.jsp?doi=10.1036/0658016954
http://www.blueberrypress.com/freebies/acid-alkaline-diet-for-optimum-health.html
