Balancing Your Body's pH: Understanding Dietary Acid Load

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Understanding pH Balance

Normal pH Ranges

  • • Blood: 7.35-7.45
  • • Saliva: 6.4-6.8
  • • Urine: 6.0-7.5

Body's pH Buffers

  • • Bicarbonate system
  • • Phosphate system
  • • Protein buffers

Higher Acid-Forming Foods

Beverages

  • • Soft drinks
  • • Energy drinks
  • • Alcohol
  • • Coffee

Foods

  • • Processed foods
  • • Red meat
  • • Refined grains
  • • Added sugars

Alkaline-Promoting Foods

Vegetables

  • • Leafy greens
  • • Root vegetables
  • • Cruciferous vegetables
  • • Fresh herbs

Other Foods

  • • Most fruits
  • • Legumes
  • • Some nuts and seeds
  • • Mineral water

Supporting pH Balance

Lifestyle Factors

  • • Regular exercise
  • • Adequate hydration
  • • Stress management
  • • Proper sleep

Dietary Strategies

  • • Balanced meals
  • • Mindful portions
  • • Variety of plants
  • • Limiting processed foods