The pH Balance

• The pH scale goes from 0 to 14, with 0 to 7 representing acidic foods and 7.1 to 14 representing alkalizing foods. The body tries to maintain an alkalizing pH of 7.4 by depositing and withdrawing minerals within itself. Eating a diet rich in alkaline foods will help the body maintain an alkaline pH balance and create alkaline ash.
  
  

Classification

• All foods are classified into two categories, alkalizing or acidifying, based on the effect the food has on urine pH after consumption. If a food increases the acidity of urine after consumption, it is classified as an acidic food. Conversely, if a food increases the alkalinity of urine after consumption, it is classified as an alkalizing food.
  
  

Highly Alkaline Foods

• Fruits such as lemons, limes, grapefruits, watermelons, mangoes and papayas are highly alkaline. Vegetables like asparagus, onions, vegetable juices, parsley, spinach, broccoli are highly alkaline. So are garlic, barley, olive oil and grape seed oil. These foods help create an alkaline ash in the body.
  
  

Moderately Alkaline Foods

• Dried fruits and fresh fruits including melons, grapes, apples, pears and kiwifruits are moderately alkaline foods. Vegetables such as okra, squash, green beans, beets, celery, lettuce, zucchini and sweet potatoes are also moderately alkaline and will help create an alkaline ash in the body.
  
  

Other Alkaline Foods

• Other alkalizing foods include grains such as amaranth, quinoa, millet, lentils and wild rice plus vegetables such as corn, carrots, tomatoes, mushrooms, cabbage, peas, cauliflower, turnips and olives. Fruits including oranges, bananas, cherries, pineapple, peaches and avocados plus canola oil, raw sugar, coconuts, chestnuts, hazelnuts, goat cheeses, whey and soy products are all low alkalizing foods.