The all issue of acidity/ alkalinity is problematic with no real scientific basis.

All foods that leave your stomach are acidic. Then they enter your intestines where secretions from your pancreas neutralize the stomach acids. Certain foods can leave end-products called ash that can make your urine acid or alkaline. ALKALINE-ASH FOODS include fresh fruit and raw vegetables. ACID-ASH FOODS include ALL ANIMAL PRODUCTS, whole grains, beans and other seeds. Although these foods can change the acidity of your urine, that's irrelevant since your urine is contained in your bladder and does not affect the pH of any other part of your body.

When you take in more protein than your body needs, your body cannot store it, so the excess amino acids are converted to organic acids that would acidify your blood. But your blood never becomes acidic because as soon as the proteins are converted to organic acids, calcium leaves your bones to neutralize the acid and prevent any change in pH. Because of this, many scientists think that taking in too much protein may weaken bones to cause osteoporosis.

So the bottom line, we recommend 7-11 daily servings of vegetables and fruit and limit the amount of animal protein (which would go along with proponents of alkaline diet), but we feel there is no justification to check the urine for acidity, add bicarbonate or take additional measures to alkaline the blood.

Moshe Frenkel, M.D.