According to some people, we are all too acidic. Dietary supplements and special diets are said to help bring the body back into balance. But is there any truth in this or is it a medical a myth?
The theory is that frequent consumption of protein-rich foods creates acids in the body that damage the body in the long run. A weakened immune system, chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal complaints and even cancer are thought to be consequences of acidity. Supporters of this theory take expensive supplements and certain diets to correct the acid-base balance.
Heartburn = acidity?
The term “acidity” is often associated with stomach problems. This is understandable, since gastric reflux causes an uncomfortable burning sensation in the stomach region. But heartburn has little in common with acidity: The excess gastric juice causes irritation in the esophagus, but not acidity of the body.
Acidic and alkaline foods
The acidity theory divides foods into acid and bases. Meat, fish, eggs and cheese are examples of acid producers, while vegetables and fruit are considered to be base producers. This categorization is no longer supported by nutritional scientists. Most acids in the body don’t come from food: they arise from the daily metabolic processes and are precisely regulated by the body. So one’s diet has only a minimal effect on the body’s acidity.
The theory is that frequent consumption of protein-rich foods creates acids in the body that damage the body in the long run. A weakened immune system, chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal complaints and even cancer are thought to be consequences of acidity. Supporters of this theory take expensive supplements and certain diets to correct the acid-base balance.
The body and its buffer systems
If there is excess acid, it can be rapidly countered with sophisticated buffer systems. A healthy person has around 20 times as many free base molecules as free acid molecules – so there is no risk of acidity even with an unbalanced diet.
On the other hand, if someone has a serious metabolic disorder such as diabetes or renal failure, there is a risk of acidosis (chronic acidity). However, this serious complaint has nothing to do with diet: Acidosis occurs when the bicarbonate buffer in the blood is out of balance.
Conclusion
Those who often eat fried foods have an unhealthy diet, but do not need to be afraid of acidity, because whether food is healthy or unhealthy does not depend on its base or acid-generating properties. It is the concentration of vitamins and nutrients that is crucial for a healthy diet.