Foods That Will Increase Alkaline

Because of their affinity for acid-producing junk and high-protein foods, many Americans suffer from highly acidic pH. In order to balance your body's pH, it is important to eat a sufficient amount of alkalizing (or basic) foods.

Definition

• A food is classified as alkalizing based on the effect that it has on the body, not the pH of the food itself. Once digested, an alkalizing food removes hydrogen ions from the body, making it more alkaline (basic) and less acidic.

Fruits

• Most fruits, including citrus fruits (except plums and cranberries) increase the body's alkaline balance. Although they have an acid pH, they increase the alkaline in the body after they have been metabolized.

Vegetables

• Most vegetables (except corn) increase the body's alkaline pH balance.

Foods That Greatly Increase Alkalinity

• Certain foods have more of an alkalizing effect than others, including bananas, chocolate, figs, orange juice, potatoes, spinach, watermelon and dandelion greens.

Other Things That Increase Alkalinity

• Mineral water (not distilled water, which actually has an acidic effect on the body's pH), antibiotics, antacids and mineral supplements such as calcium, potassium, iron and magnesium also increase the body's alkaline balance.