Which Foods are Alkaline?

Not so long ago I put a fair amount of research into compiling this list and description of acid and alkaline foods. The main reason I chose to put this resource together was that we were getting more and more calls from customers and the confused general public as to which foods were actually alkalising. I had always looked to the likes of Robert Young and Christopher Vasey for guidance as to which foods I should be aiming to consume - but on scouring the net it became apparent to me that there was a whole heap of conflicting information out there as to what is actually considered acid and what is considered alkaline.

The definition I used to compile our list of acid and alkaline foods was from the pH Miracle and is summarised excellently at Snyder Health:

All food digested in our bodies metabolizes, or burns, down to an ash residue. This ash residue can be neutral, acidic, or alkaline, depending mostly on the mineral content of the original food. For example, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, silver, copper, and iron form basic ash; sulphur, phosphorus, chlorine, and iodine leave acid ash. Most elements are alkaline.

Fortunately for us, it is easy to categorize which foods leave which kind of ash. In general, animal foods - meat, eggs, dairy - processed and refined foods, yeast products, fermented foods, grains, artificial sweeteners, fruit, and sugars are acidifying, as are alcohol, coffee, chocolate, black tea, and sodas. Vegetables, on the other hand, are alkalizing.

Some of the most interesting and contrasting foods were found on the Wolfe Clinic where they list the following as alkalising (alkalizing):

• Vinegar
• Whey Protein
• Cheese
• High sugar fruits (apples, oranges etc)
• Milk
• Eggs

Natural Health School alsohere claim the following to be alkaline:

• Maple Syrup
• Rice Syrup
• Sweeteners
• Mango
• Raw sugar
• Mushrooms
• Whey

Following an alkaline diet is remarkably simple when presented with consistent information - however, it is no wonder that people are often confused.

If in doubt always remember that these foods should be avoided:

• Sugar (natural, raw, refined - any!)
• Dairy
• Refined, processed foods (i.e. not fresh - usually comes in microwavable forms)
• Alcohol
• Coffee
• Tobacco
• Sweets and chocolate
• Hardened fats (margarine is much worse than butter)
• Trans/hydrogenated/heated fats
• High sugar fruits
• Vinegars
• Soy Sauce
• Condiments

If in doubt - I would strongly recommend reading the pH Miracle or the Acid-Alkaline Diet and have these handy for reference.

I guess the moral of the story is always do your own research and use what makes sense to you. Just because you see something on the Internet it does not mean that it is 100% accurate (yes, even here). Look around, consult what you would consider to be the authority sites on the subject and come to the conclusion that makes the most sense.

Note: This blog is only my opinion. It is not medical advice or diagnosis. Only opinions based upon our own personal experiences or information detailed in medical/academic journals or other publications is cited. WE DO NOT OFFER MEDICAL ADVICE or prescribe any treatments. Please consult with a medical professional before making any diet or nutrition changes. Refer to our full disclaimer for more information.