Dairy products are acidic in nature and green leafy vegetables are alkaline foods.
A right balance between acidity and alkalinity in the human body is essential for the proper functioning of enzymes.
Acidic foods usually have a pH of 4.6 or less and alkaline foods have a pH value greater than 7. Excessive consumption of acidic foods leads to poor bone health, diseases such as urinary stones and arthritis. On the other hand, uncontrolled consumption of alkaline foods can lead to ailments such as nausea, muscle cramps and numbness.
Dairy products including cheese, processed foods, fish, seafood, red meat, etc. are acidic in nature. Green leafy vegetables, cauliflower, broccoli, seaweed, sea salt etc. are alkaline foods.
According to nutritionist Ushakiran Sisodia, it is important to maintain the right balance between acidity and alkalinity in the human body. Sisodia told The Indian Express that this balance is essential for the proper functioning of enzymes that are important for digestion and other metabolic processes.
pH balance plays an important role in the body’s ability to efficiently absorb nutrients and helps with detoxification. This reduces the risk of chronic diseases. “It is also involved in bone health, as a persistent acidic environment can lead to loss of bone density and osteoporosis,” Sisodia said.
Nutritionist Anjali Mukherjee has also shared information on Instagram about maintaining the acid-base balance in the body. According to Mukherjee, people should correct their eating habits and lifestyle to achieve acid-base balance. He wrote that even if you take an alkaline diet, late nights and lack of sleep can make the body acidic.
He said that people should aim to consume 75-80% alkaline foods and a maximum of 20-25% acid-forming foods. People should try to reduce their intake of acid-forming foods such as refined foods, red meat, coffee and alcohol. Mukherjee further added that almonds, most fruits, vegetables, figs, raisins and celery are alkalizing foods. They also say that wheatgrass juice has a powerful alkalizing effect on the body.
However, registered dietitian Anthony DiMarino, RD, tells the Cleveland Clinic that following a rigid alkaline diet will make it difficult to obtain nutrients such as protein, iron and calcium. DiMarino cautioned that low protein can lead to muscle loss while low iron can lead to anemia. “And low calcium can be a risk to your bone health,” the dietician added.