The Acidity Epidemic: How Food Choices Affect Our Stomachs

Understanding pH Levels

A food’s acidity level is determined by its pH value, which ranges from 0 to 14. The lower the pH, the more acidic the food is. Foods with a pH of 4.6 or lower are considered acidic, and common culprits include:

• red meat
• dairy
• alcohol
• fish
• eggs
• chocolate
• processed foods/drinks containing refined sugar

The Impact of Acidic Foods

Research suggests that Western-style eating habits, loaded with acidic foods, can lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms like:

• heartburn
• regurgitation

Moreover, snacking between meals can cause additional gastric acid secretion, contributing to potential GERD. This inflammation can even spread to other parts of the body.

Finding Balance with Alkaline Foods

So, how can we combat the negative effects of acidic foods? By incorporating more non-acidic fruits and veggies into our diets, we can alter the body’s pH levels and alleviate discomfort. Alkaline foods like:

• veggies
• egg whites
• lean meats
• non-citrus fruits
• high-fiber foods
• healthy fats

can help neutralize acidity.

Everyday Tips for Soothing Stomach Discomfort

Here are some everyday tips to help alleviate stomach discomfort:

1. Avoid Drastic Changes: Make gradual adjustments to your eating habits to avoid discomfort and hunger.
2. Choose Alkalizing Proteins: Opt for lean chicken, tofu, or tempeh to keep you full and satisfied.
3. Be Mindful of Oils: Use less processed oils like EVOO or try steamed/baked options instead.
4. Exercise Patience: Pace yourself between meals and chew slowly to avoid discomfort.
5. Late-Night Drinks: Reach for herbal teas or water with fresh ginger instead of late-night snacks.
6. Reframe Your Snack Attack: Focus on snack adjustments that work for your stomach, like bananas, nuts, cauliflower, melons, and fennel.