When you’re enjoying a hearty meal, you’re probably not thinking about whether it’s acidic or alkaline. Most people give little thought to the pH of the foods they consume. I get it because that used to be me, too. Nowadays, my body isn’t as forgiving as it used to be when I eat too many acidic foods.
Once you understand how acidic foods damage the human body, it’s little wonder that many of us experience significant discomfort after eating too much of them. To help open your minds about the impact of your food choices on your health, here are three awful ways acidic foods can deteriorate your body.
1. Disruption of the Body’s pH Balance
Consuming too many acidic foods can disrupt the body’s natural pH balance. The average human body pH is approximately 7.40. This is the ideal pH for maintaining the body’s various biological processes. Research suggests that consistently consuming acidic foods can cause a condition called chronic metabolic acidosis. This condition can cause the following symptoms:
Headache
Fatigue
Shallow and rapid breathing
Jaundice
Lack of appetite
Confusion
Nausea
In severe cases, chronic metabolic acidosis can lead to shock or death. Personally, I don’t think indulging in highly acidic foods is worth that risk!
2. Increased Risk of Disease
When your body’s pH becomes imbalanced and you develop chronic metabolic acidosis, you’re also at an increased risk of various diseases (such as cardiovascular disease and cancer). On the other hand, eating more alkaline foods can decrease your risk of these diseases and improve your likelihood of enjoying a long and healthy life.
3. Reduced Clarity of Mind
Acidic foods cause inflammation in the body and brain. This inflammation can lead to “brain fog,” which is just a fancy way of saying your brain is sluggish and won’t work the way it should. Eating too many acidic foods may also increase your risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Avoid These Acidic Foods
Now that you know the awful effects of acidic foods, you’re probably wondering which foods are acidic and which are alkaline. Here’s a list of some of the most acidic foods you should try to limit or eliminate from your diet.
Salt
Sugary foods
Red meat and processed meats
Dairy
Beans
Eggs
Certain grains (including wheat)
Cheese
Oilseeds
Many of these foods are delicious, but the impact they can have on your body may not be worth the temporary pleasure of eating them. If you choose to indulge in these foods, make sure you’re also consuming alkaline foods such as fruits and vegetables, anti-inflammatory herbs, alkalized water and olive oil.