Written By: Priyanka Mittal
M.Sc and MPhil in food and Nutrition

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Top 10 Acidic Food To AvoidNowadays, people are facing the acidity problem so here our blog is intended to describe the top 10 acidic food to avoid. People are more like to eat fast food that creates the issue of acidity. But you can solve this issue by avoiding some food that is responsible for getting this health issue.

Acidic Food To AvoidWell, healthy food is necessary to stay fit and fine. Here we bring before you a list of the Best 10 acidic foods to avoid. These foods can lead to problems like acid indigestion or heartburn. So, be wise enough to avoid every such food that may be of great risk and eat healthily. Reading below will let you know about which acidic foods to exclude from your diet.

List of Best Acidic Foods to Avoid

Acid indigestion is caused due to the food we choose. Foods that are rich with acid lower down your blood pH level. Also, it leads to health problems like stone formation, reduced bone density, and even increases the threat of cancer. Hence, to ensure yourself safe from all such risks have a check on your diet.

The ideal pH level of human blood ranges between 7.35 — 7.45. Thereby, any food item below this level leads to acid reflux. Here, we are listing the food products along with their pH level. So, have a look at the top 10 acidic foods to avoid to get rid of acidity.

1. Meat

It is highly acidic food. According to research, meat products like beef, pork meat contain acids in large concentrations. The presence of oleic, palmitic and stearic acids makes it harmful for individuals having acidity problems. Meat is full of proteins and the compounds present in it leads to the accumulation of uric acid. Therefore, it is suggested to everyone to avoid meat and switch to other healthy alternatives.

The pH level of Meat – 5.2 to 7.0

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are highly rich in citric and malic acid. Still, it is consumed all over our country in excess amounts. Also, tomato sauce is more acidic than tomatoes themselves. Our ignorance for the same is the reason we Indians face acid indigestion issues. However, the acids in tomatoes can be countered by consuming them with alkaline foods. So, try to reduce the number of tomatoes in your daily diet.

The pH level of Tomatoes- 3.5 to 4.7, tomato sauce- 4.1 to 4.6

3. Sugar

Consumption of sugar leads to acidity problems. Rich in aldonic and uronic acids, excess intake of sugar leads to severe problems like diabetes. As sugar raises the blood sugar levels, it also affects your digestive system and normal functioning of the liver and kidneys.

The pH level of Sugar- Less than 7

4. Legumes

Legumes are the food products derived from plants. These are rich in phytic acids. Too much consumption of legumes is never suggested to anyone. However, the best alternative you can go for is to consume them with alkaline foods.

The pH level of Legumes- 6 to 6.8

5. Citrus Fruits

Fruits like the oranges, grapes, lemons are rich in citrus and ascorbic acids. Excess consumption of them in raw form or drinking them in juice form may lead to heartburn. It is wise to eat these fruits in a limit that doesn’t disturb the acidic content in the stomach.

The pH level of oranges- 4.35, lemons- 2.30, grapefruit- 3.38

6. Hot drinks

Hot beverages like tea and coffee also contribute to raising the acidic content in the stomach. Especially in our country, people love to have tea. Therefore, one must restrict himself to limited intake of these hot drinks.

The pH level of coffee- 4, black tea- 4.9-5.5

7. Nuts

Like legumes, nuts are also enriched with phytic acid. However, you cannot simply ignore their advantages to the human body. So, you should intake nuts in a proportion of 1/5th of your total diet intake to keep a check on their acid content.

The pH level of Cashews- 6.31, Hazelnuts- 5.42, Chestnuts- 6.33

8. Alcohol

Liquor intake plays a major role in acid reflux. Alcohol, when consumed excessively not only damages your liver but also heats your stomach. It fastens up the rate of acid production and causes acid to accumulate in the stomach. It is advised you to try to avoid alcohol as much as you can.

The pH level of Wine- 3.5, Beer- 4 to 4.5

9. Carbonated Soft Drinks

Canned drinks comprise of citric, carbonic, and phosphoric acids. These drinks, when taken excessively, cause acid reflux. Soft drinks and energy drinks are made up of a very low pH level. The acids present in these drinks can cause great problems in your stomach.

The pH level of Coca-Cola – 2.3, Pepsi- 2.5 to 3.5, Energy drinks- Red Bull- 3.3, Monster- 2.7

10. Garlic and Onions

Individuals who face the problem of acid reflux must try to avoid eating garlic and onions. They are responsible for heat production in the stomach and can cause severe acidity issues.

the pH level of Garlic- 5.8, Onion- 5.3 to 5.8

Conclusion

Hence, by following our tips and avoiding these acidic foods you can get rid of the problem of acid indigestion. Eat healthily and stay fit always!!