In recent years, the term "over-acidified organism" has become one of the most frequent topics in nutritional discussions. The internet is full of advice on how to "de-acidify" the body, which foods are "alkalising" and which are "acidifying". Many people live under the impression that fatigue, joint pain or heartburn are related to the overall over-acidification of the organism.
The reality, however, is different.
When food is metabolised, so-called metabolic ash is produced, which is either acid-forming or alkaline-forming. The deciding factor is the mineral content – phosphorus and sulphur in particular have an acid-forming effect, while calcium, magnesium and potassium have an alkaline-forming effect.
In general, it can be said:
However, it is important to understand one essential thing:
Taste has nothing to do with the effect.
A lemon tastes acidic, but it has an alkaline-forming effect in the body. Meat does not taste acidic, but it is metabolically acid-forming.
Short answer: no.
Food can only affect urine pH, not blood pH or the internal environment. The body maintains blood pH within an extremely narrow range of 7.35–7.45, which is a condition for survival.
If the pH were to deviate significantly, it would be a life-threatening condition, typically acidosis or alkalosis, requiring immediate medical attention.
pH stability is ensured by:
This is why the idea of "deacidifying the body through diet" has no biological basis.
There is often a confusion of terms.
People use the term "acidification of the body" to describe completely different problems – most commonly heartburn, reflux, or a feeling of heaviness and heat in the stomach area.
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, heartburn is most often a manifestation of heat in the stomach.
Therefore, it is not acidification of the body, but:
In such a case, it is necessary to:
- reflux
- heat in the Stomach
- stress and inappropriate diet
- lack of rest
The acidity and alkalinity of food is a useful concept for nutritional guidance, but it is not a measure of the body's health.
Health is determined by overall lifestyle – diet, sleep, exercise, mental state and relationships – not by the pH of a lemon or spinach.
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