Human blood pH should be slightly alkaline ( 7.35 - 7.45 ).  Below or above this range means symptoms and disease.  A pH of 7.0 is neutral.  A pH below 7.0 is acidic.  A pH above 7.0 is alkaline.

An acidic pH can occur from, an acid forming diet, emotional stress, toxic overload, and/or immune reactions or any process that deprives the cells of oxygen and other nutrients.  The body will try to compensate for acidic pH by using alkaline minerals.  If the diet does not contain enough minerals to compensate, a build up of acids in the cells will occur.

An acidic balance will:  decrease the body's ability to absorb minerals and other nutrients, decrease the energy production in the cells, decrease it's ability to repair damaged cells, decrease it's ability to detoxify heavy metals, make tumor cells thrive, and make it more susceptible to fatigue and illness.  A blood pH of 6.9, which is only slightly acidic, can induce coma and death.

The reason acidosis is more common in our society is mostly due to the typical American diet, which is far too high in acid producing animal products like meat, eggs and dairy, and far too low in alkaline producing foods like fresh vegetables.  Additionally, we eat acid producing processed foods like white flour and sugar and drink acid producing beverages like coffee and soft drinks.  We use too many drugs, which are acid forming; and we use artificial chemical sweetners like NutraSweet, Spoonful, Sweet 'N Low, Equal, or Aspartame, which are poison and extremely acid forming.  One of the best things we can do to correct an overly acid body is to clean up the diet and lifestyle.

To maintain health, the diet should consist of 60% alkaline forming foods and 40% acid forming foods.  To restore health, the diet should consist of 80% alkaline forming foods and 20% acid forming foods.

Generally, alkaline forming foods include: most fruits, green vegetables, peas, beans, lentils, spices, herbs and seasonings, and seeds and nuts.

Generally, acid forming foods include: meat, fish, poultry, eggs, grains, and legumes.

Shifting Your pH Toward Alkaline...

This chart is for those trying to "adjust" their body pH.  The pH scale is from 0 to 14, with numbers below 7 acidic ( low on oxygen ) and numbers above 7 alkaline.  An acidic body is a sickness magnet.  What you eat and drink will impact where your body's pH level falls.  Balance is Key !!!

This chart is intended only as a general guide to alkalizing and acidifying foods.

...ALKALINE FOODS... ...ACIDIC FOODS...

ALKALIZING VEGETABLESAlfalfaBarley GrassBeet GreensBeetsBroccoliCabbageCarrotCauliflowerCeleryChard GreensChlorellaCollard GreensCucumberDandelionsDulceEdible FlowersEggplantFermented VeggiesGarlicGreen BeansGreen Peas

ACIDIFYING VEGETABLESCornLentilsOlivesWinter Squash

ACIDIFYING FRUITSBlueberriesCanned or Glazed FruitsCranberriesCurrantsPlums**Prunes**

ACIDIFYING GRAINS, GRAIN PRODUCTSAmaranthBarleyBran, oatBran, wheatBreadCornCornstarch

KaleKohlrabiLettuceMushroomsMustard GreensNightshade VeggiesOnionsParsnips (high glycemic)PeasPeppersPumpkinRadishesRutabagaSea VeggiesSpinach, greenSpirulinaSproutsSweet PotatoesTomatoesWatercressWheat GrassWild Greens

ALKALIZING ORIENTAL VEGETABLESDaikonDandelion RootKombuMaitakeNoriReishiShitakeUmeboshiWakame

ALKALIZING FRUITSAppleApricotAvocadoBanana (high glycemic)BerriesBlackberriesCantaloupeCherries, sourCoconut, freshCurrantsDates, driedFigs, driedGrapesGrapefruitHoneydew MelonLemonLimeMuskmelonsNectarineOrangePeachPearPineappleRaisinsRaspberriesRhubarb

Crackers, sodaFlour, wheatFlour, whiteHemp Seed FlourKamutMacaroniNoodlesOatmealOats (rolled)QuinoaRice (all)Rice CakesRyeSpaghettiSpeltWheat GermWheat

ACIDIFYING BEANS & LEGUMESAlmond MilkBlack BeansChick PeasGreen PeasKidney BeansLentilsPinto BeansRed BeansRice MilkSoy BeansSoy MilkWhite Beans

ACIDIFYING DAIRYButterCheeseCheese, ProcessedIce CreamIce Milk

ACIDIFYING NUTS & BUTTERSCashewsLegumesPeanut ButterPeanutsPecansTahiniWalnuts

ACIDIFYING ANIMAL PROTEINBaconBeefCarpClamsCodCorned BeefFishHaddockLambLobsterMusselsOrgan Meats

StrawberriesTangerineTomatoTropical FruitsUmeboshi PlumsWatermelon

ALKALIZING PROTEINAlmondsChestnutsMilletTempeh (fermented)Tofu (fermented)Whey Protein Powder

ALKALIZING SWEETENERSStevia

ALKALIZING SPICES & SEASONINGSChili PepperCinnamonCurryGingerHerbs (all)MisoMustardSea SaltTamari

ALKALIZING OTHERAlkaline Antioxidant WaterApple Cider VinegarBee PollenFresh Fruit JuiceGreen JuicesLecithin GranulesMineral WaterMolasses, blackstrapProbiotic CulturesSoured Dairy ProductsVeggie Juices

ALKALIZING MINERALSCalcium: pH 12Cesium: pH 14Magnesium: pH 9Potassium: pH 14Sodium: pH 14

Although it might seem that citrus fruits would have an acidifying effect on the body, the citric acid they contain actually has an alkalinizing effect in the system.

Note that a food's acid or alkaline forming tendency in the body has nothing to do with the actual pH of the food itself. For example, lemons are very acidic, however the end products they produce after digestion and assimilation are very alkaline so, lemons are alkaline forming in the body. Likewise, meat will test alkaline before digestion, but it leaves very acidic residue in the body so, like nearly all animal products, meat is

OysterPikePorkRabbitSalmonSardinesSausageScallopsShellfishShrimpTunaTurkeyVealVenison

ACIDIFYING FATS & OILSAvacado OilButterCanola OilCorn OilFlax OilHemp Seed OilLardOlive OilSafflower OilSesame OilSunflower Oil

ACIDIFYING SWEETENERSCarobCorn SyrupSugar

ACIDIFYING ALCOHOLBeerHard LiquorSpiritsWine

ACIDIFYING OTHER FOODSCatsupCocoaCoffeeMustardPepperSoft DrinksVinegar

ACIDIFYING DRUGS & CHEMICALSAspirinChemicalsDrugs, MedicinalDrugs, PsychedelicHerbicidesPesticidesTobacco

ACIDIFYING JUNK FOODBeer: pH 2.5Coca-Cola: pH 2Coffee: pH 4

very acid forming.

** These foods leave an alkaline ash but have an acidifying effect on the body.

UNKNOWN:There are several versions of the Acidic and Alkaline Food chart to be found in different books and on the Internet.  The following foods are sometimes attributed to the Acidic side of the chart and sometimes to the Alkaline side.  Remember, you don't need to adhere strictly to the Alkaline side of the chart, just make sure a good percentage of the foods you eat come from that side.

Brazil NutsBrussel SproutsBuckwheatCashewsChickenCornCottage CheeseEggsFlax SeedsGreen TeaHerbal TeaHoneyKombuchaLima Beans

Maple SyrupMilkNutsOrganic Milk (unpasteurized)Potatoes, whitePumpkin SeedsQuinoaSauerkrautSoy ProductsSprouted SeedsSquashesSunflower SeedsTomatoesYogurt

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; research is ongoing.

 

Here's a chart that ranks foods from most alkaline to most acidic.

Ranked Foods: Alkaline  to  Acidic

Extremely Alkaline

Lemons, watermelon.

Alkaline Forming

Cantaloupe, cayenne celery, dates, figs, kelp, limes, mango, melons, papaya, parsley, seaweeds, seedless grapes (sweet), watercress.

Asparagus, fruit juices, grapes (sweet), kiwifruit, passionfruit, pears (sweet), pineapple, raisins, umeboshi plums, and vegetable juices.

Moderately Alkaline

Apples (sweet), alfalfa sprouts, apricots, avocados, bananas (ripe), currants, dates, figs (fresh), garlic, grapefruit, grapes (less sweet), guavas, herbs (leafy green), lettuce (leafy green), nectarine, peaches (sweet), pears (less sweet), peas (fresh, sweet), pumpkin (sweet), sea salt (vegetable).

Apples (sour), beans (fresh, green), beets, bell peppers, broccoli, cabbage, carob, cauliflower, ginger (fresh), grapes (sour), lettuce (pale green), oranges, peaches (less sweet), peas (less sweet), potatoes (with skin), pumpkin (less sweet), raspberries, strawberries, squash, sweet Corn (fresh), turnip, vinegar (apple cider).

Slightly Alkaline

Almonds, artichokes (jerusalem), brussel sprouts, cherries, coconut (fresh), cucumbers, eggplant, honey (raw), leeks, mushrooms, okra, olives (ripe), onions, pickles (homemade), radishes, sea salt, spices, tomatoes (sweet), vinegar (sweet brown rice).

Chestnuts (dry, roasted), egg yolks (soft cooked), essene bread, goat's milk and whey (raw), mayonnaise (homemade), olive oil, sesame seeds (whole), soy beans (dry), soy cheese, soy milk, sprouted grains, tofu, tomatoes (less sweet), and yeast (nutritional flakes).

Neutral

Butter (fresh, unsalted), cream (fresh, raw), cow's milk and whey (raw), margine, oils (except olive), and yogurt (plain).

Moderately Acidic

Bananas (green), barley (rye), blueberries, bran, butter, cereals (unrefined), cheeses, crackers (unrefined rye, rice and wheat), cranberries, dried beans (mung, adzuki, pinto, kidney, garbanzo), dry coconut, egg whites, eggs whole (cooked hard), fructose, goat's milk (homogenized), honey (pasteurized), ketchup, maple syrup (unprocessed), milk (homogenized).

Molasses (unsulferd and organic), most nuts, mustard, oats (rye, organic), olives (pickled), pasta (whole grain), pastry (whole grain and honey), plums, popcorn (with salt and/or butter), potatoes, prunes, rice (basmati and brown), seeds (pumpkin, sunflower), soy sauce, and wheat bread (sprouted organic).

Extremely Acidic

Artificial sweeteners, beef, beer, breads, brown sugar, carbonated soft drinks, cereals (refined), chocolate, cigarettes and tobacco, coffee, cream of wheat (unrefined), custard (with white sugar), deer, drugs, fish, flour (white, wheat), fruit juices with sugar, jams, jellies, lamb.

Liquor, maple syrup (processed), molasses (sulphured), pasta (white), pastries and cakes from white flour, pickles (commercial), pork, poultry, seafood, sugar (white), table salt (refined and iodized), tea (black), white bread, white vinegar (processed), whole wheat foods, wine, and yogurt (sweetened).

 

More Ranked Foods: Alkaline  to  Acidic

Highly Alkaline Forming Foods

Baking soda, sea salt, mineral water, pumpkin seed, lentils, seaweed, onion, taro root, sea vegetables, lotus root, sweet potato, lime, lemons, nectarine, persimmon, raspberry, watermelon, tangerine, and pineapple.

Moderately Alkaline Forming Foods

Apricots, spices, kambucha, unsulfured molasses, soy sauce, cashews, chestnuts, pepper, kohlrabi, parsnip, garlic, asparagus, kale, parsley, endive, arugula, mustard green, ginger root, broccoli, grapefruit, cantaloupe, honeydew, citrus, olive, dewberry, carrots, loganberry, and mango.

Low Alkaline Forming Foods

Most herbs, green tea, mu tea, rice syrup, apple cider vinegar, sake, quail eggs, primrose oil, sesame seed, cod liver oil, almonds, sprouts, potato, bell pepper, mushrooms, cauliflower, cabbage, rutabaga, ginseng, eggplant, pumpkin, collard green, pear, avocado, apples (sour), blackberry, cherry, peach, and papaya.

Very Low Alkaline Forming Foods

Ginger tea, umeboshi vinegar, ghee, duck eggs, oats, grain coffee, quinoa, japonica rice, wild rice, avocado oil, most seeds, coconut oil, olive oil, flax oil, brussel sprout, beet, chive, cilantro, celery, okra, cucumber, turnip greens, squashes, lettuces, orange, banana, blueberry, raisin, currant, grape, and strawberry.

Very Low Acid Forming Foods

Curry, koma coffee, honey, maple syrup, vinegar, cream, butter, goat/sheep cheese, chicken, gelatin, organs, venison, fish, wild duck, triticale, millet, kasha, amaranth, brown rice, pumpkin seed oil, grape seed oil, sunflower oil, pine nuts, canola oil, spinach, fava beans, black-eyed peas, string beans, wax beans, zucchini, chutney, rhubarb, coconut, guava, dry fruit, figs, and dates.

Low Acid Forming Foods

Vanilla, alcohol, black tea, balsamic vinegar, cow milk, aged cheese, soy cheese, goat milk, game meat, lamb, mutton, boar, elk, shell fish, mollusks, goose, turkey, buckwheat, wheat, spelt, teff, kamut, farina, semolina, white rice, almond oil, sesame oil, safflower oil, tapioca, seitan, tofu, pinto beans, white beans, navy beans, red beans, aduki beans, lima beans, chard, plum, prune and tomatoes.

Moderately Acid Forming Foods

Nutmeg, coffee, casein, milk protein, cottage cheese, soy milk, pork, veal, bear, mussels, squid, chicken, maize, barley groats, corn, rye, oat bran, pistachio seeds, chestnut oil, lard, pecans, palm kernel oil, green peas, peanuts, snow peas, other legumes, garbanzo beans, cranberry, and pomegranate.

Highly Acid Forming Foods

Tabletop sweeteners like (NutraSweet, Spoonful, Sweet 'N Low, Equal or Aspartame), pudding, jam, jelly, table salt (NaCl), beer, yeast, hops, malt, sugar, cocoa, white (acetic acid) vinegar, processed cheese, ice cream, beef, lobster, pheasant, barley, cottonseed oil, hazelnuts, walnuts, brazil nuts, fried foods, soybean, and soft drinks, especially the cola type.  To neutralize a glass of cola with a pH of 2.5, it would take 32 glasses of alkaline water with a pH of 10.

Alkaline Forming Foods

VEGETABLESGarlicAsparagusFermented VeggiesWatercressBeetsBroccoliBrussel sproutsCabbageCarrotCauliflowerCeleryChardChlorellaCollard GreensCucumberEggplantKaleKohlrabiLettuceMushroomsMustard GreensDulceDandelionsEdible FlowersOnionsParsnips (high glycemic)PeasPeppersPumpkinRutabagaSea VeggiesSpirulinaSproutsSquashesAlfalfaBarley GrassWheat GrassWild Greens

FRUITSAppleApricotAvocadoBanana (high glycemic)CantaloupeCherriesCurrantsDates/FigsGrapesGrapefruitLimeHoneydew MelonNectarineOrangeLemonPeachPearPineappleAll BerriesTangerineTomatoTropical FruitsWatermelon

PROTEINEggs (poached)Whey Protein PowderCottage CheeseChicken BreastYogurtAlmondsChestnutsTofu (fermented)Flax SeedsPumpkin SeedsTempeh (fermented)Squash SeedsSunflower Seeds

OTHERApple Cider VinegarBee PollenLecithin GranulesProbiotic CulturesGreen JuicesVeggies JuicesFresh Fruit JuiceOrganic Milk(unpasteurized)Mineral WaterAlkaline Antioxidant WaterGreen TeaHerbal TeaDandelion TeaGinseng TeaBanchi TeaKombucha

SWEETENERSSteviaKi Sweet

SPICES/SEASONINGSCinnamonCurryGingerMustardChili PepperSea SaltMisoTamariAll Herbs

ORIENTAL VEGETABLESMaitakeDaikonDandelion RootShitake

Acid Forming Foods

FATS & OILSAvocado OilCanola OilCorn OilHemp Seed OilFlax OilLardOlive OilSafflower OilSesame OilSunflower Oil

FRUITSCranberries

GRAINSRice CakesWheat CakesAmaranthBarleyBuckwheatCornOats (rolled)QuinoaRice (all)RyeSpeltKamutWheatHemp Seed Flour

DAIRYCheese, CowCheese, GoatCheese, ProcessedCheese, SheepMilkButter

NUTS & BUTTERSCashewsBrazil NutsPeanutsPeanut ButterPecansTahiniWalnuts

ANIMAL PROTEINBeefCarpClamsFishLambLobsterMusselsOysterPorkRabbitSalmonShrimpScallopsTunaTurkeyVenison

PASTA (WHITE)NoodlesMacaroniSpaghetti

OTHERDistilled VinegarWheat GermPotatoes

DRUGS & CHEMICALSAspartameChemicalsDrugs, MedicinalDrugs, PsychedelicPesticidesHerbicides

ALCOHOLBeerSpiritsHard LiquorWine

BEANS & LEGUMESBlack BeansChick PeasGreen PeasKidney BeansLentilsLima BeansPinto BeansRed BeansSoy BeansSoy MilkWhite BeansRice MilkAlmond Milk

Nightshade Veggies MilletSprouted SeedsNuts

KombuReishiNoriUmeboshiWakameSea Veggies

Acid / Alkaline Food ChartBalanced body chemistry is of utmost importance for the maintenance of health and correction of disease. Acidosis, or over-

acidity in the body tissues, is one of the basic causes of many diseases, especially the arthritic and rheumatic diseases.

All foods are "burned" in the body--more commonly called "digested"-- leaving an ash as the result of the "burning", or the digestion. This food ash can be neutral, acid or alkaline, depending largely on the mineral composition of the foods. Some foods leave an acid residue or ash, some alkaline. The acid ash (acidosis) results when there is a depletion of the alkali reserve or the diminution in the reserve supply of fixed bases in the blood and the tissues of the body.

It is, therefore, vitally important that there is a proper ratio between acid and alkaline foods in the diet. The natural ratio in a normal healthy body is approximately 4 to 1 -- four parts alkaline to one part acid, or 80% to 20%. When such an ideal ratio is maintained, the body has a strong resistance against disease. In the healing of disease, when the patient usually has acidosis, the higher the ratio of alkaline elements in the diet, the faster will be the recovery. Alkalis neutralize the acids. Therefore in the treatment of most diseases it is important that the patient's diet includes plenty of alkaline-ash foods to offset the effects of acid-forming foods and leave a safe margin of alkalinity.

A healthy body usually keeps large alkaline reserves which are used to meet the emergency demands if too many acid-producing foods are consumed. But these normal reserves can be depleted. When the alkaline-acid ratio drops to 3 to 1, health can be seriously menaced. Your body can function normally and sustain health only in the presence of adequate alkaline reserves and the proper acid-alkaline ratio in all the body tissues and the blood.

For optimum health and maximum resistance to disease, it is imperative that your diet is slightly over-alkaline . The ideal ratio, according to the world's foremost authority on the relationship between the acid-alkaline ratio in the diet in health and disease, Dr. Ragnar Berg, is about 80% alkali-producing foods and 20% acid-producing foods.

Below are tables of common foods with an approximate potential acidity or alkalinity, as present in one ounce of food.

Alkali-Forming Foods

Figs 30.0 Potatoes 2.0

Soy Beans 12.0 Pineapple 2.0

Lima Beans 12.0 Cabbage 1.8

Apricots 9.5 Grapefruit 1.7

Spinach 8.0 Tomatoes 1.7

Turnip/Beettops 8.0 Peaches 1.5

Raisins 7.0 Apples 1.0

Almonds 3.6 Grapes 1.0

Carrots 3.5 Bananas 1.0

Dates 3.0 Watermelon 1.0

Celery 2.5 Millet 0.5

Cucumber 2.5 Brazil nuts 0.5

Cantaloupe 2.5 Coconuts 0.5

Lettuce 2.2 Buckwheat 0.5

Watercress 2.0

Neutral (near/neutral) Ash Foods

milk Vegetable oils

Butter White sugar

Acid-Forming Foods

Oysters 5.0 Rice 2.5

Veal 3.5 W.Wheat/Rye bread 2.5

Most Fish 3.5 Most nuts (X-almond/brazil nut) 2.0

Organ meats 3.0 Natural Cheese 1.5

Liver 3.0 Lentils 1.5

Chicken 3.0 Peanuts 1.0

Fowl 3.0 Eggs 3.0

Most Grains 3.0

  Most grains are acid-forming, except millet and buckwheat, which are considered to be alkaline. Sprouted seeds and grains become more alkaline in the process of sprouting.

All vegetable and fruit juices are highly alkaline. The most alkali-forming juices are: fig juice, green juices of all green vegetables and tops, carrots, beet, celery, pineapple and citrus juices. Vegetable broth ( HERE ) is an extremely alkalizing drink.

copyright © 2001-2006 Life Research Universal

Acidic Foods

Read my disclaimer and terms of use.

Overview

The chart below categorizes a food as either acidic or alkaline based on the effect consumption of the food has on urine pH. For example, if a food tends to increase the acidity of urine after it is ingested, it is classified as an acid forming food. Conversely, if a food increases the alkalinity of urine after it has been ingested, it was classified it as an alkaline forming food. The effect foods have on urine pH may be quite different than the pH of the foods themselves. For example, orange juice is a highly acidic food due to its high citrus acid content, but after being metabolized it will cause urine to become alkaline.

Most of the information below is based on information from my collection of nutrition books, including a chart I have from a Mayo Clinic diet manual, and also some from personal observations. The books I have all vary significantly in how they categorize the pH of different foods, so it is hard to tell which ones are correct. With this in mind, take the chart below as a general guide that most likely will contain some errors.

It is interesting to note that nutrient status can be impacted by the acid-base balance in the body. Researchers in Germany found that "acid-base status affects renal magnesium losses, irrespectively of magnesium intake." This means that besides not eating enough foods high in magnesium, an acid load in the body could be another factor that contributes to a magnesium deficiency condition.

Acidic Foods

Corn Meat Beans Fish Fowl

Most grains Coffee Plums Prunes Cranberries Distilled water

*I get a lot of email from people saying distilled water is not acidic or that it is very healthy for you to drink. According to the Environmental Protection web site, "Pure distilled water would have tested neutral, but pure distilled water is not easily obtained because carbon dioxide in the air around us mixes, or dissolves, in the water, making it somewhat acidic. The pH of distilled water is between 5.6 and 7". The pH of distilled water I have bought from stores and tested myself at home has always tested out to be acidic.

Very Acidic Foods and Supplements Include

Eggs Liver and other organ meats Gravy Broth made from bones or other animal parts Wine Yogurt with active cultures Buttermilk, including buttermilk pancakes and biscuits Sour cream Most fermented foods and aged cheeses Some B vitamin supplements (or foods supplemented with B vitamins) can make your stomach more acid Hydrochloric acid supplements Digestive enzymes

Please note that fermented foods like yogurt, buttermilk and sour cream seem to become more acidic in the body if they contain some types of active cultures of helpful bacteria.

Non Food Substances That Can Make Urine Acidic

Probiotics - These are supplements that contain "helpful bacteria". At least some types of beneficial bacteria help to create an acidic environment in the digestive tract. Probiotics are often used after taking antibiotics and may help some cases of bladder infections, irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea. My friends and family have noticed that if we take excess amounts of probiotics it may cause heart burn and/or high blood pressure. (See my related section on IBS Treatment.)

Soft water - Soft water is water that is low in minerals. This type of water tends to be more acidic.

Alkaline Foods

Most fruits, except as noted above Most vegetables, except as noted above

Very Alkaline Foods Include

Bananas Chocolate Figs Mineral water Orange juice Potatoes Spinach Watermelon Dandelion Greens

Please note that some foods, such as citrus fruits, have an acid pH before they are consumed and but they usually leave an alkaline residue in the body after they have been metabolized. Sorry to spell this out twice, but I get a lot of emails on this topic.

Non Food Substances That Can Make Urine Alkaline

Antibiotics - antibiotics destroy both the bad and the helpful bacteria in the intestinal tract. Some of the helpful bacteria work to create an acidic environment in the human body. When these bacteria are eliminated by antibiotics, urine may become more alkaline. I think this is one reason why women will frequently get bladder infections after taking antibiotics.

I have some old nutrition text books, and in the era before wide spread antibiotic use, health care professionals often advised people suffering from urinary tract infections to eat a lot of meat and other acid forming foods. Many allopathic doctors of today think acid-base balance is a lot of malarkey, but thirty years ago you could actually find this type of knowledge in some college nutrition text books.

Many mineral supplements - especially calcium, potassium, iron and magnesium. Calcium and magnesium are common ingredients in antacids as they neutralize stomach acid. Some people get upset stomachs (gas, bloating, diarrhea, malabsorption) from these types of mineral supplements, especially if they suffer from hypochloridia (low stomach acid).

Antacids - Antacids, which often contain magnesium or calcium supplements, may cause an increase in the alkalinity of the urine, which can lead to bladder infections as bacteria tend to thrive in alkaline environments.

Hard Water - Hard water is just the opposite of soft water. It is water that has a high mineral content, and as a result tends to be more alkaline. Some studies have shown that people have less heart attacks where the water is hard, presumably because the disolved minerals that make the water hard are important for nutrition.

Neutral Foods

The Mayo Clinic Diet Manual, Seventh Edition categorizes the following foods as neutral foods:

Butter Margarine Cooking fats Oils Plain candies Sugar Syrup Honey Arrowroot Corn Tapioca Coffee Tea

Many other books on pH balance have conflicting information to the neutral foods listed above. Most alternative health books I own state that coffee, tea, sugar (and anything with sugar), and corn make the urine more acid.