• 1. Fruits
• 2. Nuts
• 3. Sweeteners
• 4. Dairy
• 5. Oils
• 6. Vegetables
• 7. Spices
• 8. Beverages
• 9. Grains
• 10. Ferments
• 11. Beans
• 12. Meats

A human body has a natural pH balance. The food we eat also has a pH level. While a majority of food products are alkaline in nature i.e. having a pH scale above 7, several foods are acidic too (below pH 7). So, here we talk about what are acidic foods and what happens when the body’s pH becomes acidic? Majorly, it leads to heartburn, gas, inflammation in the stomach and chest. These symptoms later turn into chronic diseases. Thus, it’s important to learn about the alkaline vs. acidic nature of food.

Alkaline vs. Acidic

According to Ayurveda, acidic foods aggravate the doshas and create an imbalance. Pitta and Kapha increase with the consumption of an acidic diet. Alkaline foods, on the other hand, balance the acidic element in the body. What are acidic foods? Apart from veggies, are there any acidic fruits too? Here is a list of acidic foods that you should avoid eating.

List Of Acidic Foods

1. Fruits

Blueberry, cranberry, dry prunes, plum, and pomegranate are acidic fruits. Be careful while eating these acidic fruits if you already have acidity or GERD. 

2. Nuts

Nuts like hazelnut, peanut, pine nuts, pistachio, and walnut form acid. Restrict their consumption to avoid excessive acne. 

3. Sweeteners

White sugar, honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, and molasses are acidic. Therefore, have them in a controlled amount.

4. Dairy

Dairy products like cow’s milk, cheese, heavy cream, yogurt, and ice cream are on the top of high acid foods. Some people even feel a burning sensation in their stomach after drinking milk.

5. Oils

Oils in high quantity are considered to increase cholesterol. Canola oil, sunflower oil, and sesame oil are also a part of the acidic diet. 

6. Vegetables

Chard, Spinach, Rhubarb, and Zucchini are acidic vegetables. Stale and frozen greens also become acidic vegetables. They may cause chest burn or acid reflux. 

7. Spices

Spices have various healing properties, but they are acidic in nature. When they mix with the acidic vegetables, Pitta Dosha aggravates. Therefore, do not overuse mustard as well as nutmeg.

8. Beverages

What are acidic foods? Acidic foods increase the pH levels in the body. However, the list of acidic foods also contains carbonated as well as caffeinated beverages that people drink often.

9. Grains

Corn flour, Basmati rice, brown rice, millet, rye, whole wheat flour are surprisingly high acid foods. These grains form a part of the acidic diet. And, this has its own benefits and disadvantages.

10. Ferments

Ferments like alcohol, balsamic vinegar, black tea, coffee, olives, and pickle are acidic foods. Excess consumption of these products can even cause ulcer in the stomach.  

11. Beans

Legumes and beans are high acid foods. They increase acidic pH levels in the body when taken in high quantity. You can instead consume chickpeas, green beans, and Moong Dal with other alkaline foods to secure their benefits.

12. Meats

Meats have high levels of purines that form uric acid. It acidifies the blood pH and harms body joints. Thus, Ayurveda recommends avoiding beef, fish, pork, eggs, chicken, and lamb.

Note: Articles on Ayurvedum are solely for the purpose of sharing the goodness of Ayurveda and bringing awareness on natural and healthy living. Please do not substitute it for professional medical advice. Ingredients discussed can interfere with certain medications. So, before using anything to treat yourself, always consult an Ayurveda doctor or practitioner.