iThei mdcdaelcinfd o c elllllrllll cdt heEating too many animal products and starches without the correct bal-
ance from alkaline vegetables and fruit may create a net acidic residue in
the body but will not help make the stomach more acidic. Additionally,
taking digestive enzymes to acidify the stomach (which needs to be
acidic) will not affect the acid/base ratio of the rest of the body.
Protein-based acidic foods are important for building up the body, while
alkaline foods are utilized to detoxify our bodies. Both types of foods are
required for proper health.
A ratio of 20 percent acidic foods to 80 percent alkaline foods has been
suggested for a proper acid/alkaline balance. Since we are all different, this
ratio may not be appropriate for everyone, and different ratios may be
used depending on whether our bodies need more building or cleansing.
Not all acidic foods are equal. Organic eggs (if someone is not sensitive
to them), meat, and animal fat are nutritious, while foods such as refined
flour, sugar, and processed vegetable oils are detrimental and should be
avoided or limited. While nutritious acidic foods are required for prop-
er body function, they should be limited when attempting to detoxify/
cleanse the body.
Additionally, not all alkaline foods are created equally when it comes to
cleansing. Raw fruits and vegetables are more alkaline than their cooked
counterparts. Almonds and cashews are generally considered to be more
alkaline, but not everyone may be able to tolerate them. Raw fruits, veg-
etables, herbs, and spices have the most potent detoxifying effects.
Cleansing should be performed once or twice a year for a period of one
to two weeks, but long-term diets that rely on alkaline foods at the ex-
clusion of nutritious acid foods are not recommended for Hashimoto’s.
Acidic Foods Alkaline FoodsMeat, fish, and poultry
Dairy
Eggs
Processed foods
Fats
Sugar
Flour
Fried foodsFruits
Vegetables
Greens
Most nuts
Seeds
Beans
Potatoes
Gluten-free grains