pH (potential of hydrogen) is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity in a solution, in this case we’re talking about the pH of the body. It’s constantly trying to balance and create neutrality (pH 7). You probably remember this stuff from your chemistry class in high school… anyways, when your body is too acidic it opens up the flood gates for disease, weakening the body’s functioning. Basically the  body is forced to borrow minerals—including calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium—from vital organs and bones to buffer (neutralize) the acid and safely remove it from the body. Not good – since it’s definitely needed elsewhere… You can buy strips (like in the pic above) and test your pH.

So how do you neutralize your pH balance? FOOD! Listed below are a few things to avoid, as well as a few things too eat. This doesn’t mean you should avoid acid food all together, you still need to mix it up, BUT just add more alkaline foods in your diet.

• Most Alkaline: Lemons, Watermelon, Grapefruit, Mangoes, Asparagus, Onions, Spinach, Broccoli, Garlic, Parsley, Olive Oil, Lemon Water, Herb Teas
• Alkaline: Maple Syrup, Dates, Figs, Grapes, Kiwi, Blueberries, Apples, Pears, Raisins, Green Beans, Celery, Beets, Lettuce, Zucchini, Sweet Potato, Almonds, Flaxseed Oil, Green Tea
• Lowest Alkaline: Raw Honey, Oranges, Bananas, Cherries, Pineapple, Peaches, Avocados, Carrots, Tomatoes, Corn, Mushrooms, Cabbage, Peas, Olives, Quinoa, Goat Cheese, Soy Milk
• Lowest Acid: Plums, Processed Fruit Juices, Cooked Spinach, Sunflower Seeds, Brown Rice, Wheat Bread, Fish, Eggs, Butter, Yogurt, Cottage Cheese
• Acid: White Sugar, Brown Sugar, Rhubarb, Potatoes (w/o skin), Lima Beans, Cashews, Pecans, White Rice, Oats, Rye, Coffee, Turkey, Chicken, Lamb
• Most Acid: NutraSweet, Equal, Aspartame, Sweet ‘N Low, Blackberries, Cranberries, Chocolate, Peanuts, Walnuts, White Flour, Pastries, Pasta, Beef, Pork, Shellfish, Ice Cream, Beer, Coco-Cola