NUTRI: HIGH ACIDIC FOODS YOU SHOULD AVOID AND WAYS TO LIMIT THEM.

A food with a pH below 4.6 is high in acid. This includes many citrus fruits, plums, grapes, pomegranates, and several other fruits. Tomatoes, which are technically a fruit, are also acidic.

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.

High-acid food and drink
If you suspect you have problems with acidity, you can make changes to your diet to help improve symptoms. Foods that are considered acidic must have a pH level of 4.6 or lower.

Foods that tend to cause more acidity in the body and that you may need to limit or avoid include:

1. grains
2. sugar
3. certain dairy products
4. fish
5. processed foods
6. fresh meats and processed meats, such as corned beef and turkey
7. sodas and other sweetened beverages
8. high-protein foods and supplements

Tips for Limiting Acidic Foods

Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R.D., Nutrition — By Zohra Ashpari — Updated on August 29, 2023

• Fruits and juices
• Vegetables
• Beverages
• Low-acid foods
• Effects
• Prevention
• Takeaway
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High-acid food and drink

If you suspect you have problems with acidity, you can make changes to your diet to help improve symptoms. Foods that are considered acidic must have a pH level of 4.6 or lower.

Foods that tend to cause more acidity in the body and that you may need to limit or avoid include:

1. grains
2. sugar
3. certain dairy products
4. fish
5. processed foods
6. fresh meats and processed meats, such as corned beef and turkey
7. sodas and other sweetened beverages
8. high-protein foods and supplements
9. Research supporting the connection between foods like animal protein and dairy and chronic disease due to a change in the body’s pH is limited. New research may shed more light on this connection, or expose other reasons why reducing animal products is beneficial for health.

Aim to limit these foods since they may be affecting your acid-base balance or affecting your health in negative ways:

• corn oil
• sweeteners, such as sugar, molasses, maple syrup, processed honey, and aspartame
• salt
• condiments, such as mayonnaise, soy sauce, and vinegar
• hard and processed cheeses