WHY AVOID FREQUENT CONSUMPTION OF ACIDIC FOODS? - MEDICINE - 2025

The frequent consumption of acidic foods should be avoided because they can affect the body in an unwanted way. For example, a diet that includes many acidic foods, such as proteins or sugars, can generate a high production of acids in the urine, leading to the potential production of kidney stones, among other negative effects.

Some health experts speculate that consuming a lot of acidic foods can damage bones and muscles. This happens because bones contain calcium, which is used by the body to restore the pH balance of the blood when it becomes acidic.

Red meat is one of the most acidic foods.

Some evidence shows that phosphoric acid, commonly found in dark sodas, is linked to loss of bone density. This is especially the case when sodas replace milk consumption in an individual's diet.

On the other hand, it is believed that having an acidic pH can also increase the risk of developing cancer, liver problems, and heart problems. However, not all acidic foods have the same effect on the body. For this reason, it is difficult to determine a list of all the foods that we should avoid.

The truth is that all doctors agree on one point: it is ideal for human beings to eat an alkaline diet, rich in fruits and vegetables. This, in order to avoid potential health problems and keep the pH of the blood within healthy levels.

What is acidity in food?

The pH value indicates whether a substance is acidic, alkaline, or neutral. In this way, when the pH value of a substance is between 0 and 7, it is considered acidic.

On the other hand, when the pH value of a substance is greater than 7 and less than 14, it is considered alkaline. A substance whose pH is equivalent to 7 is considered neutral.

An example of this in food is water, which when distilled reaches a pH equivalent to 7. That is, it is neither acidic nor alkaline.

Why avoid acidic foods?

Just as different substances have different pH levels, different parts of the body have them too.

Thus, the ideal pH in the blood should be between 7.35 and 7.45 (slightly alkaline). But, the pH of the stomach should be at 3.5, since acidity helps to break down food molecules more easily.

The consumption of food immediately affects the way our body works, since it alters the pH of our blood.

Therefore, if we consume acidic foods, the pH of our blood will become acidic, affecting our body in a negative way. In this way, it is advisable for all people to maintain diets based on alkaline foods.

Change in blood pH

A food is considered acidic when its pH is equivalent to 4.6 or less. The consumption of these foods usually causes the pH of the blood to be altered and the oxygenation of the tissues is difficult.

When this happens, the body's cells stop receiving the oxygen they need to function properly.

Therefore, the organs made up of these cells also stop working properly, and the body becomes unable to carry out all the functions it needs to live.

Kidney stones

When the pH of the blood becomes more acidic, the urine also becomes more acidic. This is because the kidneys filter the blood to remove the toxic substances present in it and retain the acidity present in the blood.

When your urine is acidic, you are more likely to develop a type of kidney stone known as uric acid stones.

These types of stones can obstruct the urinary ducts, causing discomfort for the person who has them. In extremely serious cases, kidney stones can even damage a person's kidneys in dangerous ways.

Stomach problems

Some people report stomach pain after consuming acidic foods. However, today it is not possible to determine whether or not this type of food causes stomach pain.

In relation to this issue, it is believed that stomach pain is subject to the individual response of each system according to the health status of the person.

The stomach is an organ that is naturally protected against acidity. If not, he himself would corrode with his own acids.

However, when people have digestive problems, they are more likely to develop digestive reflux or stomach ulcers when they consume high amounts of acidic foods.

Other diseases

There are other diseases that can affect the body when acidic foods are consumed. These include cancer, as acidic environments promote the growth of cancer cells.

Liver poisoning is also included, as the liver cannot be adequately cleaned when the pH of the blood is acidic.

Bone density is also compromised when the pH of the blood becomes acidic. This happens because calcium (an alkaline mineral), is filtered from the bones into the blood to neutralize the pH of the same when it becomes acidic.

Acidic foods to avoid

If a person suspects that they have problems caused by the consumption of acidic foods, it is best to change their diet to help improve symptoms. Some of the acidic foods whose intake it is recommended to control are the following:

Grains and cereals, sugar, some dairy derivatives, fish, processed foods, red meat, processed meats and sausages, nutritional supplements rich in protein, soft drinks and black colas, chocolate, coffee, mint, beer and alcoholic beverages, tomato sauce, and mustard, among others.

Fruits such as lemon, grapes, pineapple, apple, peach, mango, orange, tomato, grapefruit, pomegranate, limes, and blueberries also have a lower pH.

This means that they are more acidic. Citrus fruits, along with other foods, can contribute to the development of gastrointestinal diseases. It is important to know which fruits are acidic, in order to limit their intake.

References

1. Bridgeford, R. (2017). Live Energized. Obtained from The Seven Most Acidic Foods (Avoid These Every Day): liveenergized.com
2. Butler, N. (May 17, 2017). Health Line. Obtained from Tips for Limiting Acidic Foods: healthline.com
3. ELKAIM, Y. (2017). Yurielkaim. Obtained from Here Are the Top 10 Most Acidic Foods to Avoid: yurielkaim.com
4. Herrington, D. (2012, September 1). Real Food For Life. Obtained from The Dangers of an Acid Diet: realfoodforlife.com
5. Vasey, C. (2006). Definining Acidity. In C. Vasey, The Acid-Alkaline Diet for Optimum Health: Restore Your Health by Creating pH Balance in Your Diet (pp. 5 - 6). Rochester: Healing art press.