According to a 2012 review published in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health, today’s modern diet—rich in saturated fat, refined sugars, sodium, and low in fiber, magnesium, and potassium—strays far from the nutrient-rich, plant-based diets of our pre-agricultural ancestors.
This disconnect between what our genes are programmed to need and what we actually eat has led to a rise in metabolic acidosis, a condition where the body becomes too acidic due to poor diet and lifestyle.
What Is pH and Why Should You Care?
The term “pH” stands for potential of hydrogen—a scientific measure of how acidic or alkaline a substance is, on a scale from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is neutral, anything below is acidic, and anything above is alkaline.
Our bodies are designed to stay within a very tight pH range. Healthy blood pH, for example, should fall between 7.35 and 7.45, slightly on the alkaline side. When this balance is thrown off—due to diet, stress, toxins, or even shallow breathing—the body has to work overtime to correct it. If left unaddressed, this imbalance can set the stage for inflammation, fatigue, poor nutrient absorption, and even chronic disease.
Causes of an Acidic Body?
A diet high in processed foods, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and animal-based proteins can lead to excess acidity in the body’s tissues and fluids.
Environmental toxins, emotional stress, and lack of movement can also contribute. Over time, this acidic overload depletes minerals, slows down cellular energy production, and impairs the body’s ability to detoxify and regenerate.
Here’s what an overly acidic internal environment can lead to:
Poor mineral absorption
Weakened immune system
Increased inflammation
Fatigue and sluggish metabolism
Greater risk of chronic disease
The Good News? Your Diet Can Help Restore Balance
The body wants to be in balance. And while your kidneys, lungs, and liver all work to maintain a healthy pH, you can ease their burden through smart dietary choices.
How to Support a Healthy, Alkaline-Forming Diet:
Load up on leafy greens Spinach, kale, chard, dandelion, and beet greens are highly alkalizing and rich in magnesium, chlorophyll, and antioxidants.
Eat more raw and lightly steamed vegetables Cooking can destroy alkalizing minerals, so aim for more raw foods, especially in salads, smoothies, and juices.
Enjoy fruits—even citrus! Lemons, limes, and grapefruits may taste acidic, but they leave an alkaline ash in the body. Other alkalizing fruits include dates, raisins, and apples.
Incorporate healthy fats Coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, avocados, nuts, and seeds support energy and cell health—even if they’re not alkalizing, they’re essential.
Focus on non-starchy vegetables Cucumbers, celery, zucchini, tomatoes, cabbage, garlic, and green beans are fantastic additions to a pH-supportive meal plan.
Try supergreens in powder or juice form Wheatgrass, barley grass, and spirulina powders are rich in chlorophyll and support oxygenation and alkalinity in the body.
Drink more water with a splash of lemon or apple cider vinegar This not only supports pH but also aids digestion and hydration.
What to Avoid:
Refined sugars and simple carbs Processed and packaged foods Excess red meat and dairy Caffeine overload and sugary drinks Overuse of alcohol
Aim for the 75/25 Rule
For optimal pH balance, aim to make 75% of your meals from alkaline-producing foods (like fruits and veggies) and just 25% from acid-forming foods (like animal protein, grains, and dairy). This balance supports digestion, detoxification, immunity, and long-term vitality.
Bottom Line: A healthy pH is a cornerstone of good health. By making mindful, nutrient-dense food choices and avoiding acidic culprits, you can help your body maintain equilibrium and keep inflammation, fatigue, and disease at bay. The power is truly on your plate!
