What are the worst acidic foods for our stomachs? Foods that are considered acidic are when they have a PH level of 4.6 or lower. Some of the foods that are acidic and that you may want to consider limiting or avoiding are:
- Certain Dairy products like cheese
- Fish and Seafood
- High sodium processed foods
- Starchy foods like brown rice or granola
- Carbonated beverages like soda, seltzer, and spritzers.
- High protein foods and animal protein
One of the ways to lower the acidity in your body is to drink water.
What are the worst acidic foods for our stomachs? Photo credit: iStock-Tharakorn
Fruits are generally alkalizing which means they help reduce acid in the body. Here are the fruits that do that:
- Plums
- Green Grapes
- Blueberries
- Pineapples
- Apples
- Peaches
- Oranges
- Tomatoes
- Banana
- Raisins
- Blackberry
The initial acidity can worsen in people that have gastrointestinal issues like an ulcer or reflux. People that have GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease are advised typically to limit acidic foods such as citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, etc.
Vegetables are also considered alkalizing, and they also help reduce acid in the body. And those vegetables are:
- White raw cabbage
- Raw spinach
- Cooked artichoke
- Cooked zucchini
- Cooked Potato
- Raw Kale
- Raw Beets
Some foods that are alkalizing that can help reduce acid in the body are:
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Herbal Teas
- Whole grains like quinoa and millet
- Fats like olive oil, nuts, avocado
- Beans and lentils
- Herbs and spices
Some of the negative symptoms of eating too much acidic foods are:
- Kidney stones which are called uric acid stones
- Bone deterioration
- Muscle deterioration
- It can increase the risk of cancer
- It can increase the risk of heart disease
- It can heighten the risk of liver disease
Research has shown that these are the types of foods you want to limit because of what it can do to your body in a negative way acid-wise.
- Salt
- High sodium condiments such as soy sauce, barbecue sauce, steak sauce and other salad dressings.
- Different types of cheese such as mozzarella, parmesan, etc.
One of the best ways to balance your dietary acidic load is to eat a well-rounded diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. If you eat plant-based proteins like beans, tofu, lentils, tempeh in favor of animal proteins that also helps with balancing your dietary acidic load.
Researchers at the University of San Diego suggest eating more sources of alkaline foods such as fruits and vegetables in a 3 to 1 ratio.
“One of the best ways to balance your dietary acidic load is to eat a well-rounded diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.” Celebrity Fitness & Nutrition Expert Obi Obadike
The Bottom Line the best way to limit acidic foods is to incorporate a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables. And adding more plant-based protein sources and limiting processed foods. And this is adding alkaline producing foods that help to limit acid in your body.
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References
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