These foods may also irritate the bladder in people withinterstitial cystitis(painful bladder syndrome).
What is pH?
ThepH scaledefines whether something is acidic, neutral, or alkaline.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
The main compound responsible for their acidity iscitric acid, which contributes to their tart flavor.
Other Fruits
In addition to citrus fruits, other acidic fruits include:
2.
Tomatoes
Tomatoescontain citric andmalic acid, which contribute to their acidity.
On average, tomatoes have a pH between 4.3 and 4.9.
Unripe tomatoes generally have a lower pH, while overripe tomatoes have a higher pH.
Commercially sold canned tomatoes often have a lower pH due to added lemon juice or citric acid.
This allows for a milder heat treatment during processing while ensuring the tomatoes are safe from bacterial contamination.
Canned tomato paste and juice may have pHs as low as 3.5 and 4.1, respectively.
Ketchup, made with tomatoes, sugar, and vinegar, is also acidic.
Coffee
Coffeeis acidic, with a pH of 4 for lighter roasts and up to 4.3 for darker roasts.
It contains several acids, the most concentrated of which are chlorogenic, quinic, and acetic acids.
Phosphoric acid gives cola its tart taste, helps stop bacteria growth, and improves shelf life.
Citric acid in fruits adds a tangy flavor and acts as a preservative.
The following beverages are the most acidic, with an average pH of:
5.
Fatty Foods
Fatty foods may not be highly acidic but can worsen heartburn and acid reflux.
Fatty foods to avoid include full-fat dairy products, fried foods, and fatty meats like bacon and sausage.
Yogurt
Yogurt is considered acidic, with an average pH between 4 and 4.4.
During fermentation, the milk’s lactose is converted to lactic acid, which decreases the pH.
However, studies show low-fat yogurt can help with acid reflux if it’s not too sour.
Itsprobioticssupport digestion and relieve stomach discomfort.
Another study noted that yogurt, despite its acidity, doesn’t lead toenamel erosionlike some other acidic foods.
Alcohol
The fermentation process makes most types ofalcoholvery acidic.
One study noted that whiskey and rum have pH values of 4.3 and 4.1, respectively.
Red and white wine are also acidic, ranging from 3.1 to 3.5 pH.
Beer is similarly acidic, averaging between 3.9 and 4.5 on the pH scale.
Do Certain Foods Neutralize Acid?
Certain fiber types may also help neutralize stomach acid, though more research is necessary.
Other alkaline foods, likealmonds, leafy greens, lean proteins, andoats, may also neutralize stomach acid.
Limited evidence suggests thatlicorice rootandgingermay help reduce acid production.
Licorice works by blocking enzymes involved in stomach acid secretion, while ginger helps through its anti-inflammatory properties.
This irritates the lining of the esophagus and causes heartburn.
Over time, this can progress intoGERD, a more severe form ofacid reflux.
Finding alternatives may help reduce future bouts of reflux.
Dental Erosion
Dental erosion happens when acids wear away the hard parts of your teeth.
Internal factors like acid reflux orvomitingand diet can cause it.
Soft drinks, especially carbonated sodas, can significantly increase the risk of dental erosion.
Highly acidic fruit juices and acidic snacks and sweets can also increase the risk of dental erosion.
Chewing gum may also help prevent erosion by increasing saliva, which helps neutralize acids.
They can help identify the cause of your symptoms and suggest changes to your diet or recommend treatments.
Share this information with your provider to help guide your treatment.
High intakes of these foods can also lead to dental issues.
Common high-acid foods include tomatoes, citrus fruits, and carbonated sodas.
Eating high-fiber foods like whole grains and bananas and alkaline options like leafy greens may help reduce acid.
Over-the-counter antacids and acid reducers can also help manage symptoms.
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Clemson University.pH values of common foods and ingredients.
2020;18(10):2226-2233.e4.
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Herdiana Y.Functional food in relation to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Nutrients.
2022;27(22):8007. doi:10.3390/molecules27228007
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Fermented and acidified vegetables.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Antacids and acid reducers: OTC relief for heartburn and acid reflux.
National Kidney Foundation.Interstitial cystitis.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Eating, diet, & nutrition for interstitial cystitis.
2015;4(6):662-667. doi:10.3978/j.issn.2223-4683.2015.08.08
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