Foods with a pH of 4.6 or below are considered acidic and can be part of a balanced diet, but they may cause discomfort for some people with specific health conditions.
For instance, individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) might experience esophageal irritation from acidic foods like citrus fruits or tomatoes, triggering acid reflux.
Similarly, those with interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome) may find that acidic foods irritate their bladder.
What is pH?
The pH scale measures a substance’s acidity or alkalinity, ranging from 0 (highly acidic) to 14 (highly alkaline), with 7 being neutral.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, have a pH of 3.0–4.3 due to citric acid, which gives them their tart flavor. Lemons and limes can have a pH as low as 2. Other acidic fruits include:
– Grapes: pH 2.8–3
– Plums: pH 2.8–3.4
– Strawberries: pH 3–3.9
– Blueberries: pH 3.1–3.3
– Raspberries: pH 3.2–4
– Apples: pH 3.3–4
– Peaches: pH 3.3–4
– Apricots: pH 3.3–4.8
– Pineapple: pH 3.2–4
– Prunes: pH 3.6–3.9
Tomatoes
Tomatoes have a pH of 4.3–4.9, with unripe ones being more acidic and overripe ones less so. Canned tomatoes often contain added citric acid or lemon juice for preservation, lowering the pH. Tomato paste and juice can have pH values as low as 3.5 and 4.1, respectively. Ketchup, made with tomatoes, vinegar, and sugar, is also acidic.
Coffee
Coffee has a pH of 4 (lighter roasts) to 4.3 (darker roasts) due to acids like chlorogenic, quinic, and acetic. People with GERD may reduce symptoms by switching to water.
Carbonated Drinks and Fruit Juices
Many sodas and fruit juices are acidic due to preservatives like phosphoric acid and flavorings like citric or malic acid (common in apples and cherries). Examples include:
– Lemon juice: pH 2.3
– Cranberry juice: pH 2.6
– Lemonade: pH 2.6
– Energy drinks: pH 3.1
– Other sodas: pH 3.1
– Sports drinks/flavored water: pH 3.3
– Pineapple juice: pH 3.4
– Flavored tea: pH 3.5
– Apple juice: pH 3.6
– Orange juice: pH 3.9
Fatty Foods
Though not highly acidic, fatty foods like full-fat dairy, fried foods, and fatty meats (e.g., bacon, sausage) can worsen acid reflux by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to enter the esophagus.
Yogurt
Yogurt, with a pH of 4–4.4, is mildly acidic due to lactic acid produced during fermentation. However, low-fat yogurt’s probiotics may aid digestion and reduce acid reflux. Some research suggests it causes less enamel erosion than other acidic foods.
Alcohol
Alcoholic beverages are acidic due to fermentation. Whiskey and rum have pH levels of about 4.3 and 4.1, respectively, while wine ranges from 3.1–3.5 and beer from 3.9–4.5.
Pickled Foods
Pickled foods, such as cucumbers, sauerkraut, and olives, are preserved in vinegar (acetic acid) and have pH levels of 3.4–4.2.
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
