Each individual’s “bio-chemistry and predisposition” to disease is unique and are continuously being explored in the medical world. While a new diet is not designed to be a monthly fad, the Low Acid Diet can be applied to most individuals, especially those who may combat stomach discomfort.
The normal bodily pH of 7.35- to 7.45 keeps our bodies in homeostasis. Water has a neutral pH 7; all foods and beverages can then labeled as more basic, for numbers higher than pH 7, or they maybe be classified as acidic, for numbers are lower than pH 7.
The Low-Acid Diet has benefited: weight loss, treats those suffer from Acid Reflux, GERD, curves Osteoporosis, and improves Laryngopharyngeal Reflux. This diet is safe for those who like to change their dietary routine and/or introduce some new foods into there meals or snacks.
Watermelon ranks the highest on the list of basic nutrition, other foods are: beans, nuts, olive oil, lettuce, celery, broccoli and grapefruit. Interestingly, many of these foods are also contributors to keeping the liver healthy by synthesizing bile salts and secreting bile acid so that toxins do not build in the body and regular bowel movements occur daily. Those who suffer from IBS will also be able to follow this diet.
Complete nutrition includes both basic and acidic foods and should be a part of 3 square meals. Acidic foods have been listed as the following, consume in moderation: processed foods, coffee, alcohol and animal proteins found in dairy products, red meats, chicken, fish.
Researchers have explored acidic food’s impact on bone health, having shown that “dairy products do not have a negative impact on bone health”, Department of Community and Health Sciences, University and Calgary, Canada; confirmed by Researchers at Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center.
In conclusion, all foods can be eaten in controlled amounts, those with specific needs should review individual concerns with your doctor or dietitian before adjusting your dietary intake.
By: Kimberly Crocker- Scardicchio
Additional Reading at Eat Know How:
Fennel Seeds to Soothe and Restore Health
Fast Food: Fatty Liver
Gas Pains, Drink Lemon Water
Visit Recipes for ideas on how to supplement your meals.
Fava Bean Soup
Vegetable Couscous
Lentil Soup with Natures Cure
Reference
- Low Acid Diet for Recalcitrant Laryngopharyngeal Reflux. Voice Institute of NY, NY http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=low%20acid%20diet%20laryngopharyngeal%20reflux
- Effects of Dairy on Bone Health http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22081694
- Acid Effect on Calcium Metabolism & Bone Health. USDA Agricultural Research Service http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20717017