EMILY COOPER

The human body maintains a moderately alkaline environment, with a pH slightly above 7. This alkaline pH is crucial for chemical reactions and proper function of the lungs, kidneys, intestines and skin, and it is greatly influenced by your diet. Certain foods are either acid-forming or alkaline-forming and can dictate how hard your body has to work to maintain its preferred pH.

Alkaline Fruits

While it may seem counterintuitive, acidic citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges are the most alkaline-producing. This is because the organic acids they contain break down into water, which is neutral, and bicarbonate, which is highly alkaline. Examples of additional alkaline fruits include persimmons, pineapple, raspberries and watermelon.

Alkaline Vegetables

Most vegetables in the diet are alkaline-producing, but some are more so than others. The highest alkaline vegetables are lentils and tubers. Examples of these vegetables include sweet potatoes, yams, sea vegetables and onions. Vegetables that are slightly less alkaline-producing but still good sources include asparagus, kale, mustard greens, arugula and broccoli.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds can serve as a satisfying and delicious snack as well as an alkaline food source, depending on the types that are consumed. The most alkaline-producing nuts and seeds found in the diet are almonds, chestnuts, flaxseeds, sesame seeds, pine nuts and fresh coconut.

Spices

Spices such as cinnamon, curry powder, ginger, mustard and chili pepper are among the most alkaline. Including these spices during the preparation of other alkaline foods such as vegetables or fruits can be an easy way to incorporate multiple alkaline food sources in one meal. Sprinkling ground ginger into a vegetable stir-fry or tossing roasted sweet potatoes with cinnamon is a simple way you can add alkaline spices to your meals and sides.