Keeping our pH levels in the right range is very important to our health. Even though certain parts of our bodies such as our stomachs produce acid, our blood pH should be slightly alkaline. If our blood pH levels are not alkaline enough, or if they are acidic, it is known as acidosis. Acidosis is associated with fatigue, and is often present alongside chronic diseases.

If our blood pH levels are too high, that can also cause problems. This condition is called alkalosis, and is often associated with dehydration. Here are some foods that can help lower our pH levels and promote good health when facing alkalosis:

Slightly Acidic Foods

These foods are slightly acidic. It is usually best to start with foods that do not contain too much acid, because they will prevent us from ending up on the opposite end of the spectrum.

* Fresh Corn
* Honey
* Pork Chops
* Whole Wheat Bread
* Eggs
* Bacon
* Lamb Chops
* English Walnuts
* Wheat Bran
* White Bread
* Veal
* Barley
* Turkey
* Steak
* Salmon
* Brown Rice

Foods With Medium Acidity

These foods are more acidic than the ones in the previous list. In the case of extreme alkalosis, they might provide faster relief.

* Wheat Germ
* Peanuts
* Chicken
* Peanut Butter
* Pasta
* Codfish
* Soda Crackers
* Haddock
* Shrimp
* Lobster
* Corned Beef
* Oatmeal

Highly Acidic Foods

These foods have the highest acidity you can find in natural food sources. They can be helpful if your pH level is extremely high.

* Sardines
* Sausage
* Dried Lentils
* Oysters
* Scallops

If you are suffering from acidosis, the foods in the above lists may be best avoided until your blood pH is restored to healthier levels. There lots of healthy foods with higher alkaline content you can eat that will help raise your pH.

While it is possible to test your own pH levels at home, it is best to go to a doctor for the initial diagnosis. Home pH tests use less reliable fluids such as saliva and urine, while the doctor can give you a blood pH test. Your doctor may also want to test for other problems based on the results of your pH test.

Once your doctor has determined where your pH stands, you can use litmus strips to test your pH level yourself at home. The results will be more variable, but they can give you a general idea of which direction your pH is going. From there, you can determine whether you need to include acidic or alkaline foods in your diet.