Acid-Forming Foods: What Are They?

Most of the illnesses caused by intoxication such as several skin problems, respiratory tract problems, joints problems, etc., come from an internal acidity level that is too high.

Acid-forming foods are foods that contribute to diminish the alkaline reserves (i.e. non acidic) in your system and to increase the retention of acidic elements in your tissues.

The acidity level of Canadians is particularly high because they eat too much sugar (an average of 55 kg per person per year), too much meat (mainly fatty meats and fatty processed and smoked meats), drink too much coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, eat too much fat, fried foods, chips and fries, too many devitalised or chemical foods. In addition, we get sunshine for a maximum of four months and the periods of hot weather are short. Sunshine and seating are also antacids from which Canadians do not benefit.

List of Acid or Acid-Forming Foods

• Bitter fruits such as acid tomato, orange, lemon, grapefruit, pineapple, kiwi, rhubarb, pomegranate, Clementine, tangerine, etc.
• All forms of sweets such as icing, Jell-O, cookies, chocolate bars, ice cream, French patries, brown sugar fudge, sugar pie, pecan pie, etc.
• Bleached flour, pasta made of bleached flour, cereals made of bleached flour an whatever else that is made with bleached flour.
• Very fatty foods, fried foods.
• Soft drinks, coffee, tea and cocoa.
• Condiments such as ketchup, relish, mustard, vinegar.
• Egg whites, dried beans, dried lentils and nuts (except almonds).

List of Alkaline-Forming Foods (Antacids)

1. These foods leave an alkaline residue in the system (organism), which helps to regulate its level of acidity:
2. Sweet foods such as banana, date, fig, dried fruits, apple, pear, sweet peaches, sweet tomato and other sweet fruits.
3. Sweet vegetables that are low in starch such as cabbage, squash, avocado, beet, turnip, parsnip, artichoke, green peas, spinach, young bean, celery, young carrot, onion and young potatoes.
4. Green vegetables such as broccoli, green lettuce, spinach, Brussels sprouts, snow peas, etc.
5. Milk and dairy products low in fat.
6. Whole grain flours such as whole-wheat flour, as well as foods made of whole grain flours.
7. Egg yolk and almonds.

Are All Acid-Forming Foods Bad For Our Health?

No, these foods are not automatically bad. Certain individuals neutralize easily the acidity of these foods, while for others it is more difficult. It all depends on each person’s condition. If you are experiencing a health problem that makes you suspect an excess of internal acidity, then it would be best for you to eat little or no acid-forming foods.

Do We Have To Be Perfect?

You can allow yourself some occasional lapses, without feeling guilty. In essence, follow a minimum of 80% of the naturopathic advice. Allow yourself a variance of 20% if your health condition permits. A healthy lifestyle should also be pleasant. There is no need to be a fanatic.